Dental Model

Dental Model Orientations

Dental models may be printed a number of different ways:

A. Horizontal: Accurate, requires the least print preparation time, and prints the fastest for individual prints, but takes up the most build platform space

B. Angled (10-15°): Highest possible accuracy and smoothness, but requires the most print preparation and support cutting time

C. Vertical: Fastest printing method for mass production, but slowest for individual prints

When should I print vertically?

The vertical orientation is best used for mass production of models, such as when making models that will be thermoformed for aligners. The models can be hollow or solid.

When should I use a different orientation?

Do not use the vertical orientation when printing models that will be attached to articulator interfaces. Vertical printing is not ideal for prints that are used for die fitting or margin lines for crowns. When printing maxillary models vertically, ensure that the model does not include any material in the palate region.

1. Print Analysis

A. Critical Areas – Do Not Support

• A- The teeth, any die holes, and the immediate gingival areas are the most important parts of the print, and all print orientations try to avoid putting supports on any of those locations. If supports on those areas are necessary due to minimum points, then the supports should be small, and may need some sanding afterwards.

B. Intended Support Area

• B1- In the vertical print orientation, the back of the model, including the back side of the final molars, will have supports.
• B2- If necessary, supports may be placed on the underside of the model to account for any local minimum points.

2. Orientation

A. Move to a vertical position.

B. Angle so that the primary surface has no minimum points.

• Angle : 80-85 °

This angle should be enough to ensure that there are no local minimum points on the teeth surfaces.

C. Raise the part off the platform.

• Height : 1.5 mm

3. Supports

Supports for this type of print are best divided into two sizes:

A. Main Supports

• 2 or more supports are placed on the back of the model, near the base. Place supports along the bottom until all areas wide enough to fit the full main support are supported.
• These supports should be rather large, because the weight of the piece will hang from them.
• Top Radius: 1.50 mm – 2.30 mm
• Bottom Radius: 2.00 mm – 3.00 mm
• Omega 3D Setting: 2.00 mm – Vertical Base

B. Fill Supports

• Additional supports should be placed on the bottom to fill in the overhanging areas too narrow for a the main support size.
• If there are any minimum points on the back side of the model, use these fill supports on those locations.
• Top Radius: 0.75 mm – 1.25 mm
• Bottom Radius: 1.00 mm – 1.80 mm
• Omega 3D Setting: 1.00 mm – Thick Supports

4. Base

Ackuretta recommends adding a base to almost all supported prints. Adding a base allows the print to stick to the build platform securely, and it makes the print easier to remove during post processing.

• Base Thickness: 0.150 mm – 0.250 mm
• To add a base in Omega 3D, go to the BASE tab, and then click Add Base.

5. Print

Arrange all of the models that you want to print.

In Omega 3D, select your Machine and Resin from the Project tab on the left side. Then go to the Slice tab to select your Material profile. Your material profile contains the layer thickness and may be calibrated for specific types of prints.

• Resin: QuraMODEL 2.0
• Recommended Layer Thickness: 0.100 mm

Diplo / Ackuray Print Settings

• Buffer Layers: 5 layers
• First Layer Curing: ×8

FreeShape 120 Settings

• Burn-In Layers: 6 layers
• Burn-In Layer Curing Time: ×3 curing time
• Max Motor Speed: 800

6. Finishing

After printing, clean, dry, and cut your print supports.

• Cleaning Alcohol: Ethyl alcohol (95%) or isopropyl alcohol (99%)
• Ultrasonic Cleaner or Soak Time: 2 minutes
• Suggested UV Oven: Ackuretta UV Oven
• Suggested UV Oven Time: 4 minutes, flip, and then another 4 minutes