Influence of heat-assisted vat photopolymerization on the physical and mechanical characteristics of dental 3D printing resins

Abstract

The effects of heat-assisted vat photopolymerization (HVPP) on the physical and mechanical properties of 3D-printed dental resins, including the morphometric stability of 3D-printed crowns, were investigated. A resin tank was designed to maintain the resin at 30, 40, and 50 ℃ during the 3D printing process. Test specimens were fabricated using a commercial dental resin, with untreated resin serving as the control group. Key properties such as viscosity, curing kinetics, surface microhardness, flexural properties, and dimensional accuracy were evaluated. The viscosity of the resin decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing temperature, thereby enhancing its flow properties. Photo-DSC analysis revealed a 17.58% increase in peak heat flow at 50 ℃, indicating accelerated polymerization. Surface microhardness improved significantly (P < 0.05) with HVPP, though a slight reduction was observed at 50 ℃ compared to that at 30 and 40 ℃. The flexural strength, modulus, and resilience were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) at higher temperatures, with 50 ℃ yielding the best mechanical properties. However, 3D morphometric analysis showed increased root mean square deviation from the CAD design at elevated temperatures. Our results suggest that HVPP enhances the durability of dental prostheses, although careful optimization of the printing temperature is essential to balance their strength and accuracy.