Optimization of Resin 3D Printing Process Parameters for Enhanced Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Roughness Using Hybrid Algorithm

Ashish Kaushik; Ramesh Kumar Garg

Abstract

The advent of 3D printable dental resin has paved the way for minimally invasive dentistry, which helps to retain healthy tooth structure while yet producing pleasing aesthetic outcomes. However, printing these dental resins is being researched to improve their durability and therapeutic efficacy. Frontiers in dental restoration research can aim to fabricate occlusal appliances using resins with optimized parameters for enhanced functionalities. The present study aims to analyze the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of a light-curable methacrylate-based resin material utilized in the creation of 3D printed occlusal splints, depending on the post-curing process, printing layer height, and build angle. Sixteen experimental runs were designed using the design of experiments approach, to analyze the effect of input variables. Each specimen was tested for dimensional accuracy, and surface roughness using a vernier caliper, and Surfcom roughness tester in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D695 standards. It is observed that a 90 build angle, layer height of 100 m, and post-curing time of 60 minutes provide the maximum dimensional accuracy of 97.73% and minimal surface roughness of 10.71 m. Evolutionary multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA-ANN) achieves 98.67% dimensional accuracy and 10.57 m surface roughness with 20-m layer height, 40 angle, and 120 minutes post-curing. Experimentally, the MOGA-ANN hybrid algorithm achieves balance and optimal response.