Printing Method Research Articles

A Scoping Review on Accuracy and Acceptance of 3D-Printed Removable Partial Dentures

This scoping review aims to provide comprehensive evidence on methods used to assess the accuracy and acceptance of three-dimensional (3D)-printed removable partial dentures (RPDs). An electronic search of English language literature from January 2014 to 2024 was performed on five databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, using MesH terms. The parameter of interest was extracted and presented in tabular form. Of 1025 retrieved studies, 35 studies were included in the final analysis. Most studies were laboratory-based, and clinical trials were conducted between 2018 and 2022 without a control group. The studies included the use of the stone model or duplication model as a reference, as well as the direct 3D printing method and polished frame for detecting the accuracy of fit. The assessment method was divided into two categories: (1) qualitative (visual and tactile method) and (2) quantitative assessment, which includes optical and computerized methods for assessing the accuracy of fit. Dentist perception and patient-related outcomes were evaluated to measure the acceptance of 3D-printed RPDs. In conclusion, patients’ satisfaction and dentists’ acceptance of digitally printed RPDs were greater than those of conventional ones. The quantitative method (mainly computerized) provides a more accurate and precise assessment to evaluate the accuracy of fit. It allows clinicians to detect minute changes that cannot be inspected with visual and optical methods.

Cross-scale light curing 3D printing method based on dynamic projection scanning lithography

Purpose In this paper, a dynamic projection scanning lithography (DPSL) technology and system is proposed to achieve cross-scale 3D printing, addressing the limitations of the traditional 3D printing methods that struggle to achieve both large build volumes and high precision. The method achieves a printing accuracy of 10 µm within a build volume of 100 × 100 × 100 mm, and successfully fabricates complex hollow structures and functional models. Design/methodology/approach DPSL uses a digital micromirror device (DMD)-based digital projector to generate light patterns for light-curing printing. The light patterns are created by sequentially loading the print design frame by frame, forming dynamic light patterns that are scanned line by line across the material surface for solidifying the printing materials. By controlling the scanning range of the digital projector, it is theoretically able to print models of any size. Additionally, by using DMD oblique scanning, the impact of the DMD micromirrors’ shape and arrangement on print accuracy is addressed by overlapping exposures along the scanning direction of the digital projector. Findings This study shows the printing system resolution of 1.3 µm, while the maximum size of the printing model depends on the system scanning range. Additionally, by using DMD oblique scanning, the impact of the DMD micromirrors’ shape and arrangement on print accuracy is addressed by overlapping exposures along the scanning direction of the digital projector. Originality/value This work demonstrates that DPSL based on oblique scanning technology is used to achieve 3D printing with high precision, large area and smoother surface. In addition, a rigid release method is used to achieve a precise printing layer thickness in the top-down printing process. By adhering the release film to the bottom surface of the glass and adjusting the descent distance of the stage for each layer, uniform layer thickness can be achieved for each exposure.

3D Bioprinting‐Assisted Tissue Assembly of Endocrine Adipose Units for Enhanced Skin Regeneration

AbstractDespite the growing recognition of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ, engineering it remains a challenge owing to difficulties in replicating its native structure and densely packed lipid droplets. Furthermore, integrating adipose tissue with other tissues, though critical for its endocrine function, remains underexplored, limiting the understanding of its roles in metabolic homeostasis and tissue repair. This study introduces a rapid tissue printing method that constructs adipose units by extruding preadipocyte‐laden bioink within 0.3 s using a modular polycaprolactone framework optimized through rheological and computational analyses. In standard, cell‐friendly environments, preadipocytes typically proliferate and migrate, inhibiting the formation of dense lipid droplets. To address this issue, a hybrid bioink that limits cell migration and promotes adipocyte maturation is developed. The optimal adipose unit diameter (≤ 600 µm) is calculated, with adipogenic markers evaluated in various spatial configurations. Tissue assembly integrates the adipose module and dermis module, validating its functionality as endocrine tissue. In vivo studies show that the endocrine activity of the adipose units significantly enhances wound closure, vascularization, and re‐epithelialization. These findings highlight the regenerative capabilities of the proposed tissue assembly strategy for fabricating large‐scale, multicellular, 3D composite tissues.

Patterned durable superhydrophobic and UV protective cotton fabric prepared through inkjet printing of Zn-based MOFs and long alkyl chain siloxane.

In order to solve the problems of high energy consumption, high raw material consumption and poor air permeability of fabrics in the dip-baking method, a simple low-liquid inkjet printing method was used to prepare superhydrophobic cotton fabrics. Inkjet printing technology enables precise control over the printing position and droplet amount, allowing for the creation of superhydrophobic patterns on the fabric surface. ZIF-8 precursor solution and long alkyl chain siloxane were formulated as suitable inks and printed on the surface of the fabric, forming a rough interface with low surface energy. The surface micromorphology and chemical structure of the fabric samples were characterized in detail. The prepared ZIF-HDTMS-cotton fabric exhibited superhydrophobic property with a high water contact angle of 158° and self-cleaning property against liquid and solid contaminants. Importantly, after undergoing a variety of harsh damage tests, the modified fabric still exhibited good superhydrophobicity, indicating its favorable chemical stability and mechanical durability. Compared to raw cotton fabric, the treated fabric exhibited an air permeability rate of 311.6L/m2/s, proving its excellent breathability. Due to the high absorption capacity of ZIF-8 to ultraviolet rays, the prepared cotton fabric has obtained a certain ultraviolet protection effect. In addition, through infrared camera observation, it is found that the ZIF-HDTMS-cotton fabric also has a good anti-permeation effect on hot water, which can play a role in preventing scalding. These findings pave the way for the development of patterned multifunctional textiles through precise inkjet printing technology.

4D Printing of magneto- and thermo-responsive, adaptive and multimodal soft robots

ABSTRACT This study reports a set of adaptive and multimodal soft robots made of magneto-responsive shape memory polymers (MRSMPs) and magneto-responsive elastomers. A mechanically guided 4D printing method is proposed for programming the continuous and anisotropic magnetisation profiles of MRSMPs. Based on this method, two kinds of magneto- and thermo-responsive, adaptive and multimodal soft robots using MRSMPs are fabricated. They exhibit multiple locomotion modes including crawling, rolling and waving, under different magneto- and thermo-stimulations, and possess excellent functionalities such as objects transportation. The Young's modulus of robots can change across orders of magnitude (0.2–500 MPa). Further, the multi-legged robot can change its locomotion mode in response to different stimulations, including a special walking mode realised by the smooth swing of legs. The robot can move in any direction on the ground smoothly and stably under the walking mode, and the stride can be precisely tuned from 2.6 to 8.4 mm. Our robots may find more applications in complex unstructured engineering environments by virtue of its multimodal locomotion and excellent adaptive performance.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Deposition on a Copper Powder Surface Using Mechanochemistry.

Metal powders are crucial precursors for manufacturing surfaces through thermal spraying, cold spraying, and 3D printing methods. However, surface oxidation of these precursors poses a challenge to the coherence of the metallic materials during manufacturing processes. Herein, we introduce a method for surface modification of copper powder with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) using mechanochemistry to mitigate surface oxidation. A resonant acoustic mixer was used to deposit five different carbenes on copper powders using benzimidazolium hydrogen carbonate precursors and a trace amount of solvent. Significant oxide reduction was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the immobilization of NHCs on the powder was confirmed by mass spectrometry and XPS. The consistent morphology of the modified copper powder minimizes any potential impact on subsequent manufacturing processes. Moreover, a life cycle assessment indicates the potential environmental hotspots, leading to recommendations to develop lower-footprint processes. Overall, the mechanochemical method to produce NHC-modified metal powders with a higher metallic content provides great prospects for powder precursors to produce coatings from thermal spray, cold spray, and additive manufacturing processes.

Construction of complex three-dimensional vascularized liver tissue model in vitro based on a biphasic cell-laden embedding medium

Abstract Constructing an in vitro vascularized liver tissue model that closely simulates the human liver is crucial for promoting cell proliferation, mimicking physiological heterogeneous structures, and recreating the cellular microenvironment. However, the layer-by-layer printing method is significantly constrained by the rheological properties of the bioink, making it challenging to form complex three-dimensional vascular structures in low-viscosity soft materials. To overcome this limitation, we developed a cross-linkable biphasic embedding medium by mixing low-viscosity biomaterials with gelatin microgel. This medium possesses yield stress and self-healing properties, facilitating efficient and continuous three-dimensional shaping of sacrificial ink within it. By adjusting the printing speed, we controlled the filament diameter, achieving a range from 250 μm to 1000 μm, and ensuring precise control over ink deposition locations and filament shapes. Using the in situ endothelialization method, we constructed complex vascular structures and ensured close adhesion between hepatocytes and endothelial cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the vascularized liver tissue model exhibited enhanced protein synthesis and metabolic function compared to mixed liver tissue. We also investigated the impact of varying vascular densities on liver tissue function. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that liver tissues with higher vascular density exhibited upregulated gene expression in metabolic and angiogenesis-related pathways. In summary, this method is adaptable to various materials, allowing the rheological properties of the supporting bath and the tissue’s porosity to be modified using microgels, thus enabling precise regulation of the liver tissue microenvironment. Additionally, it facilitates the rapid construction of three-dimensional vascular structures within liver tissue. The resulting vascularized liver tissue model exhibits enhanced biological functionality, opening new opportunities for biomedical applications.

Fracture resistance of analog and CAD-CAM long-span fixed provisional restorations: An in vitro experimental study.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of long-span fixed provisional restorations fabricated using milling, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and conventional methods. Sixty specimens were prepared, divided into four groups of 15 each, corresponding to four fabrication methods: computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled provisional resins, 3D-printed provisional resins, 3D-printed permanent resins, and conventional bis-acryl restorations reinforced with wire. The specimens underwent a three-point bending test using a universal testing machine to measure fracture resistance, quantified as maximum force (in Newtons). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests to compare the fracture resistance across the four groups. Significant differences in fracture resistance were observed among the materials tested (p < 0.001). Both the CAD-CAM milled and 3D-printed resins exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than the conventional bis-acryl method. The results highlight the mechanical advantages of digital fabrication methods for long-span provisional applications in prosthodontics. These techniques may provide improved durability and reliability, addressing the mechanical demands of complex restorations.

Manufacturability and Performance Study of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger

Abstract The study tests 3D printability, heat transfer characteristics and pressure drop of two types of triply periodic minimal surface heat exchanger in order to develop new flow principles for compact heat exchanger design. Various generic plate heat exchanger designs are also tested to compare to the printed alternatives. Geometry variations for heat exchangers and laboratory testing air recuperators are modelled in SolidWorks software and manufactured mostly by UV LCD and FDM additive manufacturing methods. Digital light processing printing method has been found to be most successful in printing the TPMS structures, while using photopolymer materials. Literature studies conclude that the most promising structures are Schoen’s gyroid and Schwarz-diamond surfaces, which have been modelled and tested in several variations. Using these results, full size gyroid and Schwarz-D structure heat exchangers have been modelled, manufactured and tested. The results are compared and analysed to study the effect of advanced surface designs in heat transfer efficiency. The obtained results can be used in compact air-to-air thermal recuperator development as well as other low pressure heat exchanger applications, as the printed TPME heat exchangers outperform the plate heat exchangers in similar dimensions.

Influence of two different printing methods on the accuracy of full-guided implant insertion – a laboratory study in undergraduate dental students

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of fully guided implant insertion in vitro achieved by two fabrication methods in a cohort of undergraduates. We hypothesized that both methods achieve a comparable accuracy.MethodsSurface scans and cone beam computed tomography images of 48 mandibular models were matched. For each model, two surgical guides enabling a fully guided implant insertion in the region of the first molar on the left or the right side were virtually designed. Fabrication by either Digital Light Processing (DLP) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) followed. Subsequently, 96 implants using the guides were inserted into the models by 48 undergraduate students. The accuracy of the implant insertion was assessed radiographically, followed by statistical analysis. Additionally, all participants completed a questionnaire.ResultsThe implants inserted using guides made by DLP showed a higher accuracy compared to guides made by FFF. The mean three-dimensional deviation was 1.94 ± 1.05 vs. 3.35 ± 2.03 degrees (p < 0.001). The evaluation of the questionnaires revealed mainly theoretical knowledge and a pronounced interest in implant dentistry.DiscussionThe main hypothesis has to be rejected as there were statistically significant differences in accuracy. However, it is possible to teach students the principles of guided implant dentistry and the digital workflow. Furthermore, the initial and running costs for the FFF workflow are substantially lower enabling a higher practicability for undergraduate education.ConclusionDespite the lower accuracy of the templates made from FFF the method seems to be suitable for laboratory hands-on courses for undergraduates.

Mechanical analysis of 3D printed dental restorations manufactured using different resins and validation with FEM analysis

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the wear and fracture resistance of single crowns produced from newly developed 3D printer resins used to produce permanent crowns and currently used composite CAD/CAM discs, after being thermomechanically aged in a chewing simulator.Materials and methodsA total of 112 stainless steel die models simulating mandibular left first molars were produced, 8 for each group. Single crowns were produced from 3 different discs (Grandio Voco [GR], breCAM HIPC [HC], and Shofu HC [SF]) by CAD/CAM milling method and manufactured from from 4 different permanent composite resins (Nexdent C&B MFH [ND], Permanent Bridge Saremco [PB], VarseoSmile Crownplus [VSC], and Şenertek P-Crown [PC]) using the 3D printing method. Stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was performed. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, paired-t tests and Tukey’s HSD test (alpha = 0.05).ResultsAs a result of thermomechanical aging, significant difference was found between the groups in wear and fracture resistance (P < .05). The highest wear resistance was found in the VSC group, and the lowest wear resistance in the PC group. As a result of the compression test, the highest fracture resistance was noted in the GR group and the lowest in the PC group. FEM analysis performed to validate fracture experiments showed an 87% similarity to the in-vitro data.ConclusionsThe crowns in all groups produced by CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing provided acceptable in vitro wear and fracture resistance for clinical application. The wear and fracture resistance of resin-based materials should be supported by clinical studies.

3D Printing of Virucidal Polymer Nanocomposites (PLA/Copper Nanoparticles)

Metallic nanoparticles with virucidal properties dispersed in a polymeric matrix have gained prominence in the scientific community as a rapid and effective alternative that employs the additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing method. This study aims to produce filaments for 3D printing using polymer nanocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in different proportions. The virucidal activity of various proportions of nanoparticles in PLA was investigated. The composites were produced following a mixture design (DOE) with concentrations ranging from 1% to 2% copper nanoparticles, which were blended with PLA using a single-screw extruder. The samples were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile strength testing, and fracture analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A thermal analysis of the composites indicated that the CuNPs contributed to an increase in the degradation temperature and crystallization of the PLA. Sample S7 (1.25% of CuNPs) exhibited a 4% increase in the degradation temperature compared to pure PLA. The best tensile strength results were observed in sample S7 (1.25% of CuNPs), 30% more than sample S3 (1.33% of CuNPs) due to good material cohesion, as evidenced by microscopy analyses. Regarding virucidal analyses, most composites demonstrated virus inhibition activity.

Evaluation of Internal and Marginal Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Laminates Using DLP Printing and Milling Methods.

This study evaluated the internal and marginal accuracy (trueness and precision) of zirconia laminate veneers fabricated using the DLP printing and milling method, employing 3D analysis software program. The maxillary central incisor tooth of a typodont model was prepared by a dentist and scanned using a desktop scanner. An anatomical zirconia laminate was designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software and saved in a standard tessellation language (STL) format. Thirty zirconia laminates were manufactured using a milling machine (MLL group) and a DLP printer (PTL group). All the specimens were scanned, and their internal and marginal areas were edited accordingly. The root-mean-square value was used to assess the accuracy of the internal and marginal areas of the zirconia laminates. Statistical significance was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistically significant differences were found in RMS values for both groups in the internal and marginal areas (p < 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively). The MLL and PTL groups differed significantly in terms of precision (p = 0.017), but not at the margin (p = 0.361). DLP-printed zirconia laminates demonstrated stable and consistent performance, making the technique a reliable option for producing esthetic prostheses.

A study of Iranian graphics volution after Islamic Revolution of 1979

Sociology of art and typography analysis about the fourth generation graphic designers of Iran can be started by examining the form and social conditions of the production of the work. One of the components of Pierre Bourdieu's theory is the evolution of the field of art and cultural capital. These components are a factor for examining the changes and developments in the sociology of art and artist in relation to the fourth generation graphic designers of Iran after the revolution, who have been in the context of the developments in the sociology of art and social conditions. The current research aims to answer the following questions: 1. What changes happened in the typography works of the fourth generation of graphic designers (after the revolution)? 2. How are the changes and evolutions of typography design in the works of the fourth generation of Iranian graphic designers from Pierre Bourdieu's point of view about cultural capital and the field of art? This research is descriptive - It is analytical and the data has been collected based on library and documentary studies based on the theory of Pierre Bourdieu. The findings of the research showed that designers such as Reza Abedini, Majid Abbasi and Bijan Sifouri were influenced by the field of art (the historical background of graphics in Iran and the cultural and artistic traditions of calligraphy) and the cultural capital that arose from education and family . And social developments after the revolution such as economic development, variety of printing methods, communication with prominent international designers, advances in tools such as desktop personal computers and the new wave of typography in the West which have been All of them arise from the developments in the field of art and cultural capital.

Applications, Design Methods, and Challenges for Additive Manufacturing of Thermal Solutions for Heterogeneous Integration of Electronics

Abstract Heterogeneous integration of electronics is critical to the next wave of electronics applications ranging from extremely power dense energy conversion systems to advanced chiplet and co-packaged optics architectures for next-generation computing. Enhanced functionality and operation are essential goals in heterogeneous integration. In all applications, effective thermal management of both active and passive electronic devices is required to support these goals. Additive manufacturing opens new avenues for heterogeneous integration of electronics. This article thus provides a review of additive manufacturing methods and applications in the specific context of thermal solutions for heterogeneous integration of electronics. Three-dimensional printing methods, associated materials (e.g., metal, polymer, ceramic, and composite), and electronics package integration approaches, or conceptual fabrication workflows, are outlined for cold plates, heat sinks, fluid flow manifolds, and thermal interface materials plus composites for electronics. The current status of design optimization methods for additive manufacturing of thermal solutions for electronics is also covered. Future challenges and research directions are outlined to further stimulate the development of advanced manufacturing methods, novel design techniques, and unique electronics package integration capabilities for thermal solutions.

Impact of Fabrication Techniques and Polishing Procedures on Surface Roughness of Denture Base Resins.

This study aimed to assess the impact of various fabrication techniques and polishing procedures on the surface roughness (Ra) of resin-based materials used in the fabrication of complete dentures. A total of 90 specimens were produced from three different resin materials: heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, CAD-CAM milled PMMA resin, and 3D-printed resin (n = 30). Each specimen measured 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. The surface roughness (Ra) values of the specimens were initially determined using a contact profilometer following fabrication. Subsequently, each group of specimens was polished with 600-, 800-, and 1000-grit silicon carbide abrasive papers under running water. A second measurement of the surface roughness (Ra) values was then performed. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and paired samples t-test (p = 0.05). A statistically significant difference was identified between the groups in terms of surface roughness (Ra) prior to the polishing process (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the milled and heat-polymerized PMMA base materials following the polishing process. The 3D-printed specimens showed the most notable improvement in surface roughness due to the polishing process. Nevertheless, their surface roughness remained statistically significantly higher compared to the other samples, both before and after polishing (p < 0.001). The fabrication method of complete denture base materials was observed to influence surface roughness. The surface roughness values of the base materials fabricated using the 3D printing method were higher compared to those fabricated with milled and heat-polymerized PMMA resin, both before and after polishing.

Screen-Printing vs Additive Manufacturing Approaches: Recent Aspects and Trends Involving the Fabrication of Electrochemical Sensors.

A few decades ago, the technological boom revolutionized access to information, ushering in a new era of research possibilities. Electrochemical devices have recently emerged as a key scientific advancement utilizing electrochemistry principles to detect various chemical species. These versatile electrodes find applications in diverse fields, such as healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Modern designs have given rise to innovative manufacturing protocols, including screen and additive printing methods, for creating sophisticated 2D and 3D electrochemical devices. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of the screen-printing and additive-printing protocols for constructing electrochemical devices. It is also informed that screen-printed sensors offer cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication, although they may pose challenges due to the use of toxic volatile inks and limited design flexibility. On the other hand, additive manufacturing, especially the fused filament fabrication (or fused deposition modeling) strategies, allows for intricate three-dimensional sensor designs and rapid prototyping of customized equipment. However, the post-treatment processes and material selection can affect production costs. Despite their unique advantages and limitations, both printing techniques show promise for various applications, driving innovation in the field toward more advanced sensor designs. Finally, these advancements pave the way for improved sensor performance and expand possibilities for academic, environmental, and industrial applications. The future is full of exciting opportunities for state-of-the-art sensor technologies that will further improve our ability to detect and determine various substances in a wide range of environments as researchers continue to explore the many possibilities of electrochemical devices.

Narrative Review and Guide: State of the Art and Emerging Opportunities of Bioprinting in Tissue Regeneration and Medical Instrumentation.

Three-dimensional printing was introduced in the 1980s, though bioprinting started developing a few years later. Today, 3D bioprinting is making inroads in medical fields, including the production of biomedical supplies intended for internal use, such as biodegradable staples. Medical bioprinting enables versatility and flexibility on demand and is able to modify and individualize production using several established printing methods. A great selection of biomaterials and bioinks is available, including natural, synthetic, and mixed options; they are biocompatible and non-toxic. Many bioinks are biodegradable and they accommodate cells so upon implantation, they integrate within the new environment. Bioprinting is suitable for printing tissues using living or viable components, such as collagen scaffolding, cartilage components, and cells, and also for printing parts of structures, such as teeth, using artificial man-made materials that will become embedded in vivo. Bioprinting is an integral part of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The addition of newly developed smart biomaterials capable of incorporating dynamic changes in shape depending on the nature of stimuli led to the addition of the fourth dimension of time in the form of changing shape to the three static dimensions. Four-dimensional bioprinting is already making significant inroads in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, including new ways to create dynamic tissues. Its future lies in constructing partial or whole organ generation.

3D Printing as an Aid in Acetabular Defects Compared to Established Diagnostics - a Survey.

The treatment of acetabular defects in revision arthroplasty is an increasing challenge. Different classifications have been introduced for preoperative planning to achieve the best possible result. 3D printing is a way to better visualize and understand these defects. The aim of this study was to facilitate classification, provide young doctors with a better understanding of complex defects, and ultimately improve preoperative planning and patient safety.The study was conducted at the 2022 BOUT congress, where health care professionals were provided with X-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan, and a 3D print to classify acetabulums according to Paprosky and ADC. A questionnaire was administered to gather information on their familiarity with the classification systems and perception of 3D models in the clinic.The study involved 14 participants, mostly resident physicians, with some familiarity with the Paprosky and ADC classifications. The 3D printing method resulted in the highest rate of correct classifications for acetabular defects compared to X-ray and CT imaging. Participants found the 3D model useful for clinical applications and rated it higher than X-ray and CT imaging for classifying acetabular defects.Acetabular defects present a challenge in assessment, preoperative planning, and surgical management due to their complex anatomy. Overall, we were able to show that the use of a 3D model increases the accuracy in the classification of acetabular defects. The use of 3D printing in orthopedics and trauma surgery is showing more and more advantages and has opened up new methods for the education of medical students and young surgeons.

Compression performance of 3D-printed ant-inspired lattice structures: An innovative design approach

In this study, three different ant-inspired lattice design types: single, double, and inverted double structures were considered due to ants’ excellent load-carrying weight ratio. Lattice structures were fabricated using the 3D printing method and polylactic acid filament was used as a printing material. The true blueprint images of the ant were used to obtain the parametric dimensions of the ant-inspired lattice structure. Hence, the presented innovative method for designing lattice structures can be a promising option for industrial sectors requiring high-strength structures. The quasi-static axial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the compression performance of the novel lattice structures. The compression performance of ant-inspired single lattice structures was compared based on specific force, specific energy absorption, and specific stiffness at different height values. The deformation stages and damage regions of ant-inspired lattice structures were analyzed to identify their critical regions during compression tests. The results indicated that as the height value increased, there was a notable decrease in specific force, specific energy absorption, and specific stiffness, along with buckling damage in the ant-inspired single lattice structures. Among the three design types, the ant-inspired inverted double lattice structure showed better compression performance compared to the ant-inspired double lattice structure; however, the ant-inspired single lattice structure with a height of 30 mm exhibited the highest overall compression performance.