Evaluation of Polyjet and SLA 3D printers

Purpose: To present and compare models created by two different rapid prototyping (RP) methods. Materials and methods: Using a three-dimensional graphic program (Blender, Blender Foundation) a 10 × 10 × 2 mm test specimen was created and printed with a Formlabs Form 2 (Formlabs Inc.) SLA printer of photopolymerization resin and with a Stratasys Objet 30 Orthodesk (Stratasys GmbH) Polyjet printer of acrylate. After printing, the post-processing was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then the specimens were examined by various physical, optical and imaging diagnostic methods. Results: Our results showed that the two different technologies result in different morphological images and parameters. Between the digital reference specimen and the x and y value of the VeroGlaze MED 620 and Dental SG materials, there was a significant difference (P < 0,001). Conclusions: The currently available rapid prototyping methods with limitations are suitable for dental use with the measured parameters.