Crown and Bridge 3D Printing Work Flow
This article applies to NBEE, NBEE D, UBEE.
Part I: Work with model in UNIZ Dental V2 software.
- Select Printer model - Printer - Indication: Surgical Guide - Proper profile, and click on Next (take N as an example).
- Select the corresponding profile of the resin that you will use.
- Double-click the profile to view all detailed parameters of the resin. If the printed crown and bridge do not fit optimally, you can adjust the inner wall thickness of the parts by modifying the Internal Compensation (normal layers). To make it loose, set positive value, to make it tight, set negative value, the larger the value, the more obvious the effect. For the functions of internal and external compensation, please refer to the following image.
- Import crown and bridge STL models.
- Select the STL files from your computer and import them. For the Crown and bridge indication, the build platform size is "mini". Ensure that the build platform you install matches this specification.
- Adjust the layout of the models.
- Adjust the imported models distribution and angle by adjusting the manipulator.
- Make sure the occlusal surface of the crown and bridge is facing down (Ensure that the support points are placed only on the occlusal surface, avoiding interference with other critical surfaces of the crown or bridge, such as the margins or fitting surfaces).
- Manually rotate the models to make sure the screw access holes (if applicable) are as close to perpendicular to the build platform as possible.
- Automatic support.
- Select all models and click "Generate" to generate supports using the default support parameters (if the supports of printed part are not proper or very difficult to be removed, please change the default parameters or adjust the detailed support parameters by switching to the advanced interface of settings). The recommended lift height is 4mm.
- Manual adjustment of supports:
- Click Manual to enter manual editing mode. Left click the support point or hold down the left mouse button and drag to select the support points near the screw access holes. Then press DELETE key of the keyboard to delete all selected supports, and click Apply.
- Slicing.
- Preview the sliced model after slicing to ensure that all lowest points have supports and there are no suspended areas. If supports are insufficient, you can return to the previous interface to manually add more.
Part II: Printing models
Ensure Optimal Working Conditions:
- Place the printer on a flat, stable place, and make sure the wheels, build platform, and resin tank are securely locked.
- Verify that the resin tank is within its lifespan and that there are no residues left on the build platform or in the resin tank.
- Ensure that both the UI firmware and system firmware are updated to the latest version.
- Thoroughly mix the zDental C&B resin before pouring it into the resin tank.
- Use at least 200ml to prevent print failures due to insufficient resin.
- Select the slicing file in the printer and initiate the printing process.
Part III: Post-processing
- Cleaning.
- Use soft-bristled brush or toothbrush with a small amount of alcohol (with a concentration of more than 90%) or IPA to clean any liquid resin from the surface of the printed parts. Do not immerse printed crowns and bridges in the cleaning solution or use ultrasonic cleaning.
- Drying.
- Dry the printed parts with compressed air after cleaning. Ensure the surface is clean and dry, if there is still residual liquid resin, return to previous step to continue cleaning.
- Support removal.
- Use small scissors or flat-nose pliers to cut the supports close to the model. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid breakage.
- Curing.
- Cure the printed parts with UCure, the UNIZ curing machine: Select zDental C&B settings (level 3, 30 minutes for each side, totally need 60 minutes), then click Start.
- Surface finishing.
- Use an electric sander (preferred) or sandpaper to smooth out the residual support points on the model, making the surface smoother.
- During sanding, take proper safety precautions by wearing safety goggles and gloves. Focus on the areas around the support points, sanding until they are no longer visible.
- Fitting test.
- If the fit is not optimal, please return to Step 1 of Part I to modify the Internal Compensation for adjustment, then print again until the fit is satisfactory.
Related Articles
Splint 3D Printing Work Flow
This article applies to NBEE, NBEE D, UBEE, Slash 2 Plus. Part I: Work with model in UNIZ Dental V2 software. Select Printer model - Printer – Indication: Splint - Proper profile, and click on Next (take NBEE as an example). Select the corresponding ...
Surgical Guide 3D Printing Work Flow
This article applies to NBEE, NBEE D, UBEE, Slash 2 Plus. Part I: Work with model in UNIZ Dental V2 software. Select Printer model - Printer – Indication: Surgical Guide - Proper profile, and click on Next (take NBEE as an example). Select the ...