3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is based on the principle of layer-by-layer manufacturing using points, lines, or surfaces as the basic unit, based on the two-dimensional section information obtained by slicing the three-dimensional solid parts, ultimately resulting in material objects or prototypes. Additive manufacturing is different from traditional subtractive and equivalent material manufacturing methods. It can achieve the manufacture of complex structural components that traditional methods cannot or are difficult to achieve, greatly reducing processing procedures and shortening processing cycles. Therefore, it has been recognized by researchers around the world and has been widely used in areas including automobiles, aerospace, and consumer goods.
The technical principles of using the 3D laser printer for 3D printing are roughly divided into four aspects: collecting and digitizing image information of printed matter for 3D printing; processing and converting image data information of 3D printing; using data information to 3D print; printing products for post-treatment and performance evaluation.
3D printing applications have increased certainty and confidence for practitioners in the medical industry. The application of 3D printing in orthopedics mainly includes seven aspects: preoperative planning, such as printing preoperative lesion models; making surgical navigation templates to assist in precise surgery; customization of personalized prostheses and implants; customization of external fixation supports; developing new surgical instruments to meet the needs of special diseases and patients; tissue engineering scaffolds, which are conducive to personalized applications in regenerative medicine; and drug development, release and formulation research.
As an important field in the medical industry, dentistry has always attracted much attention. In the process of oral treatment, the application of 3D technology can be said to be indispensable. DLP dental 3d printer has become an essential tool in oral treatments. Whether it is a guide plate, a temporary crown, or the printing application of various oral appliances such as orthodontics, there is no pressure, and a more accurate and efficient form is used to create a more suitable personalized diagnosis and treatment for patients, making 3D printing technology an important part of the oral cavity.
The characteristics of 3D printing technology are different from traditional cutting and casting technologies: it not only changes the physical structure of the product, but also can be customized according to personal needs, achieving a perfect match between material and lesion sites, and can carry cells and bioactive microspheres. It can also print bone defects in situ. These characteristics determine the broad application prospects of this technology in the biomedical field.
3D printing applications can manufacture special auxiliary tools and use 3D printing to manufacture auxiliary tools, especially for tools with small demand, high precision requirements, and flexible contact surfaces. This can minimize production costs. The application of 3D printing in directly using components is a simple and efficient solution for design and manufacture through the combination of 3D scanning and 3D printing. The application of 3D printing in construction reduces dependence on time- and labor-intensive models.
