The Technology
BMF’s 3D printers use Projection Micro Stereolithography (PμSL), a form of Stereolithography (SLA) that incorporates a DLP® light engine, precision optics, motion control, and advanced software.
SLA produces parts in layers using a photochemical process.
A photosensitive liquid resin is exposed to light so that polymeric cross-linking and solidification occurs. With PμSL technology, a flash of ultraviolet (UV) light causes the rapid photopolymerization of an entire layer of resin.
PμSL Technology
PμSL technology supports continuous exposure for faster processing. Like other 3D printing processes, PμSL begins with a CAD file. This file is then sliced into a series of 2D images called digital masks that show or hide specific areas of a layer. Each layer has a mask, and each layer is added until the entire 3DP structure is complete. To fabricate individual layers, slicing data is sent to BMF’s microArch™ 3D printing system. Different model printers are available, but each BMF platform features a digital light processing chip (DLP), a projection lens, motion control stages, and a reservoir for the UV-curable resin.
Within a BMF microArch 3D printing system, UV light is projected onto a DLP chip according to the layer’s mask pattern. By controlling the projection lens, PμSL technology can achieve resolutions of several micrometers or hundreds of nanometers. UV curable materials include plastic resins that are rigid, tough, high temperature resistant, biocompatible, flexible, or transparent. In addition to engineering and biomedical plastics, PμSL technology supports the use of hydrogels and composite resins that contain ceramic or metal particles.
Why Veneers?
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has proven itself to be a strong match for multiple dental applications including orthodontic aligners, mouthguards, drill guides and dentures due to need for on-demand, personalized, and custom solutions. Leveraging the unique, highly precise nature of its proprietary technology, PµSL was the perfect solution to 3D print the world’s thinnest cosmetic dental veneer, The UltraThineer.