Ceramics Additive Manufacturing for Dental Industry

Ceramics 3D printing represents a key component of the growing biomaterials market and is an essential technology in the medical sector. Applied to the biomedical market, 3D printing allows the realization of bone substitutes, custom ceramic implants and surgical tools.

A study from Smithers Rapra has projected the rapid growth of 3D printed medical and pharmaceutical products to be a $6 billion market by 2027.

The outstanding biocompatibility of ceramics, extremely regular porous structure and mechanical strength make up the main qualities of these 3D printed bioceramics. 

One common application are dentures. Traditionally, dentures are made with CNC cutting technology, during which many materials may be unnecessarily cut, resulting in an inefficient, costly process. There can also be internal cracks in the denture due to cutting forces.

However, when 3D printing with zirconia ceramics material, the ceramic denture is not affected by these cracks and can significantly improve the material utilization. It also has the following properties of biocompatibility, mechanical compatibility, excellent affinity with biological tissue, sterilization and good physical and chemical stability.

In summary, 3D printing enables personalization for individuals, and realize special structures, often which can be difficult to be prepared by traditional fabrication.