- Application: Impression Tray
- Material: CURO Tray
- Software: Alpha 3D
Print Analysis
Critical Areas – Do Not Add Supports
Impression trays have a primary top surface (“floor”) where they fit into the user’s mouth and where the impression material is placed. If the tray is 3D-printed for a final impression, then this area should not have inaccuracies or support marks.
Some impression trays have holes for impression material spacing and allowing material to be added or to push out. Supports should be avoided here for consistent output or input of material.
Intended Support Area
The surface that is not touching the user’s mouth and the walls (“flanges”) may have supports.
The handle does not need accuracy at all, and may have the largest supports.
Orientation
- Move to a vertical position.
- Angle so that the primary surface has no minimum points. Angle: 75-80 °
- Raise the part off the platform. Height : 2 mm
Supports
Supports for this type of print are best divided into two sizes:
Initial Supports
2-3 supports are placed on the handle, securing it to the base.
These supports should be rather large, because the majority of 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
Alpha 3D Setting: 2.00 mm – Vertical Base
Main Supports
The rest of the supports hold the details and the bulk of the print to the base.
These supports can be smaller so that they do not use as much resin and to make them easier to break.
Top Radius: 0.50 mm – 0.75 mm
Bottom Radius: 0.80 mm – 1.20 mm
Alpha 3D Setting: 0.64 mm – Model, Tray, Engineering
Tip – If you use Automatic Supports for this print, use the Main Supports parameters. Then remove all supports on the handle. After removing supports on the handle, using Manual Supports, add Initial Supports back on the print.
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 Alpha 3D, go to the BASE tab, and then click Add Base.
Warning – A thicker base does not improve print performance. A base of 0.400 mm or thicker may even make a print less likely to succeed.
5. Print
Arrange all of the trays that you want to print.
In Alpha 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: Dreve Tray
Recommended Layer Thickness: 0.150 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: Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Ultrasonic Cleaner or Soak Time: 5 minutes
- Suggested UV Oven: Dreve PCU LED
- Suggested UV Oven Time: 10 minutes at 80% light intensity on all panels