Orthodontic Models 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: Orthodontic Models - Proper profile, and click on Next (take NBEE 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 you need to adjust the accuracy of the printed orthodontic model, you can adjust the external wall thickness of the parts by modifying the External Compensation (normal layers). To make it smaller, set positive value, to make it bigger, 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 STL models.
- Select the STL files from your computer and import them.
- Edit the imported models.
- If the imported files are scanned models, they cannot be printed directly, you may need to edit them first with the Editing tools (Trimming, Adding base, Hollowing, Adding drainage holes, Split...) until get printable models.
- Adjust the layout of the model.
- To get a optimal accuracy and shorter printing time, it is recommended to place the models horizontally.
- Click Align Bottom Plane to stick the model's base to the build platform.
To print more models at once, you can position them vertically, though supports will be required.
- Automatic supports.
- Generally, there are two ways to position orthodontic models for printing: Flat and Vertical. Flat positioning typically does not require additional supports, while Vertical positioning usually requires supports to ensure the model adheres more firmly to the build platform and to prevent printing failures. Here, we will take the Vertical positioning method as an example to add supports.
- Select all models and click "Generate" to generate supports using the default support parameters. The recommended lift height is 4mm (For experienced users, you can also adjust every detailed parameters of supports by switching to advanced interface in settings of UNIZ Dental V2).
- Manual adjustment of supports:
- Click Manual to enter manual editing mode. You can add more supports by left clicking on the model surface, as well Left click the support point or hold down the left mouse button and drag to select the supports you don't want in some areas. 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 that 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 model 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
- Detaching.
Detach the printed modes from the build platform with UDetach (automatically), or with metal scrapper (manually).
Cleaning
Clean the printed models with UWash (UNIZ ultrasonic washer) and alcohol (greater than 90% concentration) or IPA for 1 minutes.
- Drying.
- Use a compressed air gun to blow dry for 3 minutes or let it sit to air dry for 30 minutes.
- 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 (UNIZ curing machine). Select zDental Model XX resin settings (level 3, 1minutes for each side, totally need 2 minutes), then click Start.
- Thermoforming aligners.
- Use a thermoplastic machine and films to vacuum-form transparent dental aligners from the printed dental models.
Trimming the aligners.
Use a trimming machine to trim the aligner.
Use a polishing tool to gently smooth the edges of the aligner.
- Fitting verification.
- Verify the fitting of the prepared aligner. If the fit is not optimal, please return to Step 1 of Part I to modify the Compensation for adjustment, then print again until the fit is satisfactory.
Related Articles
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 ...
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 ...
Direct Aligner 3D Printing Work Flow
This article applies to NBEE, NBEE D, UBEE, Slash 2 Plus. 1.Designing aligner model Complete the design of teeth arrangement and braces in DAD software and export .stl model. 2.Import into UNIZ Dental V2 software and slicing select the Direct Aligner ...
Try-In 3D Printing Workflow
This article applies to NBEE, NBEE D, UBEE, Slash 2 Plus. Part I: Work with model in UNIZ Dental V2 software. Select Indication and Parameter Select Printer Type> Printer> Indication: Try-In> Material Manufacturer> Profile, and click Next (take NBEE ...