Do Layer Thickness and Curing Methods Affect Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Denture Base Material?

Abstract

This in vitro study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of 3D-printed resin produced with two different layer thicknesses and cured using two different methods. Seventy-six resin bars with dimensions of 25 × 2 × 2 mm were printed at 50 and 100 µm layer thicknesses. Half of the specimens were cured using a UV light polymerization unit, and the other half were cured in a water tank. Flexural strength, surface roughness, and hardness were measured. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the surface morphology. The highest flexural strength was observed in the group cured with light at 100 μm layer thickness (119.85 ± 13.76 MPa), while the lowest value was found in the group cured in water at 50 μm layer thickness (88.31 ± 8.18 MPa). The roughest surfaces were seen in the group cured in water at 100 μm layer thickness (0.95 ± 0.87 µm). The highest microhardness value was observed in the group cured with light at 50 μm layer thickness (22.56 ± 3.02 HV), whereas the lowest value was found in the group cured in water at 100 μm layer thickness (20.18 ± 2.58 HV). The mechanical properties of 3D-printed denture base materials were influenced by layer thickness and curing methods. Light curing produces superior mechanical properties.