Influence of curing time on precision of 3D resin printed models

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of curing time on the dimensional shrinkage of 3D printed models, considering the clinical precision limits required in Orthodontics (0.45 µm) and Dental Prosthetics (0.30 µm). Exceeding these values can compromise the planning and execution of treatments, especially in the fabrication of aligners. The study's hypothesis was that excessive curing times would affect the final dimensions of 3D printed models. For the analysis, a 2 x 2 cm cube was designed in Anycubic Photon Workshop software and printed on an Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro DLP printer using high-speed gray resin. Fifteen cubes were divided into three groups, with curing times of 10, 20, and 30 minutes, respectively, performed on the Anycubic Wash & Cure 3 equipment. Dimensions were measured with a digital caliper before and after curing. The results confirmed the hypothesis, demonstrating an average shrinkage of 0.02 mm for every additional 10 minutes of curing. It was concluded that curing time influences the final dimensions of 3D printed models, but without a clinically significant dimensional impact.