3D printing is a manufacturing process that enables the creation of three-dimensional objects from a digital model. It is a solution for additive type work, leading to the fabrication of the component as it grows, layer by layer. This innovative production method is used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, medicine, aerospace, architecture, fashion, rapid prototyping, and art.

The Origins of 3D Printing

The history of 3D printing began in 1986 with the publication of 3D Systems founder Chuck Hull’s patent inventing stereolithography (SLA). This technology makes it possible to create a three-dimensional object modeled by CAD by superimposing several layers with a given thickness, which together go to create the final object.

The Advent of FDM Technologies and the Democratization of 3D Printing

A pivotal moment in the history of 3D printing was 2009, when the patent on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology expired. This has led to a considerable reduction in the cost of 3D printers, making them affordable for small and medium-sized businesses and encouraging their entry into offices and home laboratories.

Evolution of 3D Printing Technologies

In addition to stereolithography, there are several other 3D printing technologies that have evolved over time:

• Stereolithography (SLA): Uses a laser to cure a resin layer by layer, offering high definition due to the absence of pixels. However, the process can be slower because the laser has to draw each individual layer.
• Digital Light Processing (DLP): Initially less detailed than ALS, this technology gained popularity with the introduction of 4K and 8K monitors, which greatly improved resolution. DLP uses a projector to cure the resin, enabling fast printing as each layer is projected at once.
• Masked Stereolithography (MSLA): A variant of DLP, it uses a monochrome LCD monitor and an LED light source. This maintains low cost and good definition, although printing is slightly slower than DLP. MSLA technology enables even printing across the entire plate due to uniform light scattering.

3D Printing in the Dental Sector

In the dental sector, SLA technology was initially the most popular because of its relatively affordable cost and higher definition than other technologies. As the resolution of monitors increased, DLP printers began to catch on, offering a balance between print speed and detail.

However, DLP printers have some issues, such as high cost and potential deformation of the print if the projector is not properly calibrated. To overcome these problems, MSLA technology was introduced, which combines the advantages of previous technologies with lower costs and consistent print quality.

Recent Innovations

Recent innovations in 3D printing have seen the combination of the advantages of LCD printers with DLP printers. For example, the use of a high-power LED coupled with special lenses, such as a Fresnel lens, allows for DLP-like speed of printing but at a lower price. This type of technology can print a 3-cm tall dental model in about 20 minutes, while maintaining high quality and low cost.

Conclusions

3D printing has revolutionized the way three-dimensional objects are produced, making it possible to manufacture complex components in various fields. Since its invention in the 1980s, 3D printing technologies have continued to evolve, becoming more affordable and high-performance. With continued innovations, 3D printing promises to offer even more opportunities for industry and creativity in the coming years.