The University of Pécs 3D printing and Visualisation Centre has gained two modern, three-dimensional printers. The new printers solidify liquid resin with laser, which is both the most cost-effective and most modern method in the world of 3D printing – this information was shared at the press preview on April 25. The new equipment can be used – among other things – for printing models of gums and tooth arches, dental surgery drilling templates, dental crowns and bridges, orthodontic and bite splints, thereby supporting the dental training.
The Rapidshape D20+ 3D printer, of which the University of Pécs was gifted two, uses the so called DLP (digital light processing) technology. This means that the laser solidifies the mega thin liquid resin layers based on the cross section geometry of the desired printing model. Printing is followed by post-production, of which an important step is washing the model in alcohol to remove excess resin that stayed on the model, and post-treatment in a UV chamber to make the model reach its final solidity.
The main advantage of this type of printer is that it can be used with numerous base materials, therefore with biocompatible materials and liquid photopolymers that are not only solid as a network, but also flexible. Experts can use these for creating dental models for making the soft parts. The gums were used to be made as pours out of silicone, but now the new printers can be used to print the soft tissue instead.
Andreas Schultheiss, CEO of Rapid Shape GmbH (the gifter of the printers) explained that their cooperation with the University of Pécs 3D Printing and Visualisation Center is excellent, and they think there is extraordinary work happening there. This is why they decided to offer two printers to support them, indirectly adding to the modern training of dentistry students as well.
Dr. Attila Miseta, the rector of the UP expressed his thanks for the offer, and added: “A higher education institute has to strive for high quality of education, healing and research, but they also have to keep up with the development of technology. The 3D Center is an excellent example of what happens if we treat this not only as a phrase, but as reality.”
István Decsi, chancellor of the UP believes that practice-oriented trainings have to be supported by all means, since this is the only way towards a valuable diploma. He elaborated that there are now entire buildings made by 3D printing, and that seemed like something out of science fiction only a few years ago. The UP 3D Center mainly makes equipment to support the medical program in Pécs, but they have also created limb prosthetics in this knowledge workshop, showing the future of medicine.
The combined value of the two donated printers and the alcohol bath and UV chamber for post-treatment is almost fourteen million forints.
Source:
UP