Three-Dimensional Printing-A Revolutionary Technology

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing has been hailed as a path-breaking technology which will change manufacturing. It is used in aerospace, defence, art and design, 3D printing is becoming a subject of interest in medical and dental fields. With CBCT and long history of CAD CAM in dentistry, 3D printing will pave a new path in diagnosis and management of various dental disorders. 3D printing, also known as rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, was first introduced in late 1980s and early 1990s. The application of this technology involves 3D tissue/organ development, creating and developing field of tissue engineering and a variety of actual clinical applications. This paper highlights various 3D printing modalities and materials and its applications in dentistry.

Keywords

• computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing
• direct metal laser sintering
• stereolithography