Study on SLM manufacturing of teeth used for dental tools testing

Abstract

In this article are studied the possibilities of manufacturing human teeth using the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process. The human teeth are a biological construction, and because of this, they have a very complex structure with external and internal complex surfaces, unique for each person. To manufacture such structures, even using additive technologies, it is important to find the right manufacturing strategy. In this study are presented three strategies to manufacture the first molar using a SLM process and ANSI 316 L stainless steel as the building material. The best strategy to manufacture the teeth is chosen, and once build they can be used to test dental tools.