News

Knowledge

Company News

Application Mind Map

Test Report

Technical Article

Industry News

Workflow for Dental UV 3D Printing

Release time:

2026-08-10 23:18

The complete workflow of dental UV 3D printing involves the seamless integration and coordination of multiple stages. From acquiring intraoral data to placing the final restoration, each step has specific operational requirements and quality‑control standards. The digital workflow offers advantages such as streamlined processes, enhanced efficiency, and traceable error management—provided that each stage is precisely aligned. A thorough understanding of the entire process system helps clarify the logic behind how dental 3D printing transforms digital data into a finished restoration.

I. Data Acquisition and Model Design

Dental 3D printing begins with acquiring three-dimensional data of the patient’s oral cavity. Intraoral scanners are widely used digital impression tools that can directly capture surface morphology data of both teeth and soft tissues. Compared with traditional impression techniques, digital scanning requires less time and offers greater patient comfort.

For implant‑related applications, it is also necessary to integrate CBCT data with other imaging modalities to obtain information on deep‑seated structures such as the mandibular bone and the nerve canal. Together, these data form the three‑dimensional foundation for prosthetic design.

Once the data have been acquired, they must be imported into computer-aided design software for the design of restorations or models. At this stage, the clinician, based on the patient’s oral anatomical features and treatment requirements, completes the restoration’s morphological design, defines the marginal contours, and establishes the occlusal relationship.

II. Preparations Before Printing

The completed digital model must be processed by slicing software to convert it into layer‑by‑layer data that the printer can interpret. This step involves setting multiple parameters.

Model Placement and Support Generation: Before printing, you must specify the model’s orientation and position in the slicing software and add support structures to overhanging areas. The model’s orientation affects print accuracy and surface quality; in dental applications, critical features are typically oriented upward.

Layer Thickness and Exposure Parameters: The choice of layer thickness must strike a balance between surface quality and printing time—smaller layers yield smoother surfaces, but at the cost of longer print times. Exposure time determines the degree of resin curing and should be optimized through testing to suit the specific material and printer.

Dimensional Compensation: To account for potential shrinkage during post‑curing, dimensional compensation can be implemented via parameter adjustments, ensuring the model’s accuracy.

After slicing is complete, a printer-specific file is generated and transmitted to the device to begin printing.

III. Print Execution

The printing process is a core step in transforming digital models into physical objects. In the dental field, DLP and SLA are the two primary technological approaches.

DLP technology uses a digital projector to project an entire layer’s cross-sectional image onto the resin surface in a single exposure, enabling simultaneous curing of the whole layer. This results in fast printing speeds and high precision, making it well suited for mass-producing dental models and small restorations. SLA technology employs laser scanning to cure the material point by point, yielding superior surface smoothness and is ideal for restorations with stringent surface‑quality requirements.

In practice, the build platform is lowered into the resin vat; after the first layer is cured by UV exposure, the platform rises, the cured layer is peeled away from the release film, and a fresh layer of resin is applied before the next layer is cured. This cycle is repeated until the part is fully built. The condition of the release film directly affects the success rate of demolding and the integrity of the printed model, so it must be inspected and replaced regularly.

IV. Post-processing

The printed model is in a green‑state condition, with uncured liquid resin adhering to its surface; it must undergo washing and secondary curing to achieve its desired performance.

Cleaning is the foundation of post-processing. The model should be immersed in alcohol or other solvents to remove residual resin from the surface, and fine features can be gently cleaned with a soft-bristled brush. Inadequate cleaning may result in a sticky surface or white spots after secondary curing.

Support removal is carried out after cleaning, and care must be taken to protect the model’s delicate structure.

Secondary curing is a critical step for achieving the desired material properties. After printing, the model must be placed in a UV‑curing chamber for an additional exposure, allowing any incompletely polymerized resin to undergo further crosslinking, thereby enhancing hardness, strength, and biocompatibility. Insufficient secondary curing can result in inadequate mechanical performance, while excessive curing may render the model brittle or cause yellowing.

V. Clinical Placement and Adjustment

After secondary curing is complete, the model or restoration proceeds to the clinical try-in and placement phase. For restorations intended for direct use in the patient, clinical placement is one of the critical steps.

Try-in and Evaluation: Assess the marginal fit, proximal contacts, and occlusal relationships of the restoration. When using a digital surgical guide‑assisted placement technique, simultaneous placement of multi‑unit restorations can be achieved.

Bonding and fixation: Once the restoration is confirmed to be properly seated, complete the bonding and fixation. A digital workflow enables a relatively rapid treatment process.

VI. Conclusion

The workflow of dental UV‑3D printing comprises five stages: data acquisition and model design, slicing parameter setup, print execution, post‑processing, and clinical placement. A key advantage of the digital workflow is the seamless continuity of data across all stages—digital models remain consistent throughout, thereby minimizing the accumulation of errors inherent in manual operations typical of conventional manufacturing processes. In the post‑processing phase, the quality of cleaning and secondary curing directly influences the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the restorative device. As technological maturity advances, the dental 3D‑printing workflow is becoming increasingly streamlined, driving greater efficiency in dental care.

Disclaimer: The above content has been compiled from publicly available sources and is provided for reference only. If any infringement occurs, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.

Bosheng Related Product Recommendations – 3D Printing
Dentistry
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-100M	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	Low viscosity, high hardness, high gloss, and high body.
B-113	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA.
B-276H	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	High hardness, fast curing, excellent toughness, and low yellowing.
B-296	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance
B-296M	Polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to polar solvents, yellowing-resistant, and impact-resistant.
B-301	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, excellent toughness, and good sandability.
B-302	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high strength, excellent toughness, and good grindability.
B-368	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good toughness, excellent leveling, excellent bend resistance, and excellent heat resistance.
B-376	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	LED yellowing is minimal, and the nail polish formulation exhibits excellent stability.
B-609	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.
B-79D	Polyester acrylate	High hardness, low yellowing, and high evaporation efficiency at elevated temperatures.
Monomer Recommendation
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
BM1211 (HPMA)	Hydroxypropyl methacrylate	HEMA-free, high strength, low irritation, and high adhesion
BM2223 (TPGDA)	Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate	Good flexibility and low volatility
BM3231 (TMPTA)	Trimethylolpropane triacrylate	High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance.
BM3235 (PET3A)	Pentaerythritol triacrylate	Fast curing, high crosslink density, high hardness, and chemical resistance.
BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA)	Pentaerythritol triacrylate	More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA.

Share to:

How to Test the Performance of Dental UV 3D Printing Materials

Performance Requirements for Dental UV 3D Printing Materials