formlabs 3B-3B+ Dental LT Comfort Resin User Guide
- June 16, 2024
- formlabs
Table of Contents
formlabs 3B-3B+ Dental LT Comfort Resin
Important Information
Dental LT Comfort Resin is a light-curable polymer-based resin designed for
the fabrication of
biocompatible, long-term use, removable dental and orthodontic appliances such
as occlusal splints, nightguards, repositioners, space maintainers, and/or
bleaching trays by additive manufacturing.
This Manufacturing Guide will give equipment, printing and post-processing
recommendations and requirements to ensure the correct and safe usage of this
material.
Specific Manufacturing Considerations
Dental LT Comfort Resin specifications have been validated using the hardware and parameters indicated below. For biocompatibility compliance, validation used a dedicated resin tank, build platform, wash unit and post-processing equipment that were not mixed with any other resins.
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Hardware :
a. Formlabs 3D Printer: Form 3B/3B+, Form 3BL
b. Print Accessories: Formlabs Build Platform, Formlabs Stainless Steel Build Platform, Formlabs Build Platform 2, Formlabs Build Platform 2L, Formlabs Tanks -
Software :
a. Formlabs Preform -
Printing Parameters:
a. Part Orientation: Intaglio surface facing away from the build platform at a 30 – 60° tilted angle
b. Layer Thickness: 100 μm
c. Part Thickness for Splints, Nightguards, & Tooth Positioners:-
Occlusal Surfaces: 2 mm minimum
-
Walls: 1 mm minimum
d. Part Thickness for Bleaching Trays: -
Walls: 1 mm minimum
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Recommended Post-Processing Equipment:
a. Formlabs Processing Accessories: Form Auto
b. Formlabs Validated Wash Unit: Form Wash, Form Wash L, Ultrasonic Wash Unit
c. Formlabs Validated Cure Unit: Form Cure, Form Cure L, Fast Cure
PRINTING
- Shake cartridge: Shake the cartridge before every print job. Color deviations and print failures may occur if the cartridge is shaken insufficiently.
- Set up: Insert resin cartridge into a compatible Formlabs 3D printer.
- Printing:
a. Prepare a print job using PreForm software. Import desired part STL file.
b. Orient and generate supports.
c. Send the print job to the printer.
d. Begin print by selecting a print job from the print menu. Follow any prompts or dialogs shown on the printer screen. Printer will automatically complete the print.
PART REMOVAL
Remove the build platform from the printer. To remove parts from the build platform, wedge the part removal tool under the printed part raft, and rotate the tool. Formlabs Build Platform 2 or Build Platform 2L may be used for easy, tool free removal. For detailed techniques visit support.formlabs.com.
WASHING
Place the printed parts in a Formlabs-validated wash unit with 99% Isopropyl
Alcohol.
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Form Wash or Form Wash L:
a. Wash for 10 minutes or until clean.
b. If parts do not appear clean after washing, consider replacing used Isopropyl Alcohol in Form Wash or Form Wash L with fresh solvent.. -
Ultrasonic Wash Unit:
NOTE: Using Isopropyl Alcohol in an ultrasonic bath presents a risk of fire or explosion. When using an ultrasonic wash read and follow all safety recommendations from the ultrasonic wash manufacturer.
a. Use clean 99% Isopropyl Alcohol for each wash.
b. Place parts in a secondary disposable plastic container or plastic resealable bag then fill with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol, ensuring parts are fully submerged.
c. Place the secondary container in the ultrasonic unit water bath and sonicate for 2 minutes or until clean.
Washing efficacy depends on the ultrasonic unit size and power. Formlabs testing was conducted with ultrasonic units at 36 W/L or higher.
DRYING
- Remove parts from Isopropyl Alcohol and leave to air dry at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. NOTE: Dry times can vary depending on the design of parts and ambient conditions. Do not let parts sit in Isopropyl Alcohol for longer than needed.
- Inspect printed parts to ensure that parts are clean and dry. No residual solvent, excess liquid resin or residue particles should remain on the surface before proceeding to subsequent steps.
- If the residual solvent is still present, dry parts longer. If resin residue is still visible, rewash parts until clean and dry.
POST-CURING
Place the printed parts in a Formlabs-validated post-curing unit and cure for the required time.
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Form Cure or Form Cure L:
a. Cure for 20 minutes at 60 °C
b. Allow the Form Cure or Form Cure L unit to cool down to room temperature between cure cycles. -
Fast Cure:
a. Cure for 5 minutes at Light Intensity 9
b. Allow the Fast Cure unit to cool for at least 10 minutes between cure cycles.
SUPPORT REMOVAL & POLISHING
- Support marks can cause abrasion if not removed and polished. Remove supports using a cutting disk and handpiece, cutting plier, or other appropriate finishing tools.
- Polish the printed appliances using typical dental polishing methods prior to patient use.
- Inspect the parts for any cracks. Discard if any damage or cracks are detected.
CLEANING & DISINFECTION
- Appliances may be cleaned using neutral soap and water or effervescent dental appliance cleaning tablets (used according to manufacturer’s directions).
- Appliances may be disinfected by soaking in 70% IPA for five minutes per FDA guidelines.
- Inspect appliances for cracks after cleaning or disinfection. Discard if any damage or cracks are detected.
HAZARDS, STORAGE & DISPOSAL
- Cured resin is non-hazardous and may be disposed of as regular waste.
- See SDS for more information at support.formlabs.com.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>