Additively Manufactured Zirconia for Dental Applications with In Situ Color Gradation Control

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The current process for creating zirconia reconstructions for teeth is time-consuming, expensive, and results in tool wear and raw material waste. An alternative method, near-net shape additive manufacturing capable of producing samples with color gradient is presented as an innovative and more efficient solution. A low-cost robocasting system, which enabled the co-extrusion of two different ceramic inks, was designed and developed. Moreover, hydrogel-based ceramic inks, with rheological properties suitable for the present system, containing commercially available Yttria-stabilized zirconia (white and yellow) powders, were produced. Parts of different color shades and color gradients, with a high aspect ratio and good green body stability, were printed. In addition, precise color measurements were carried out, and co-extruded parts were compared with ultraviolet-C photofunctionalized parts. High fractions of binder in green bodies caused distortions in the samples during air drying and upon sintering. Debinding and sintering at 1500 degrees C yielded parts of relatively low density (4.90-5.09 g/cm(3)) and hardness (500 HV10-1100 HV10). A slightly different sintering behavior was observed for parts of different compositions. Density and hardness increased with the fraction of iron oxide-containing ink.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1356-1365
Number of pages10
Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Volume11
Issue number3
Early online date16 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2024

Keywords

  • Yttria-stabilized zirconia
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Color gradation
  • Dental applications

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