Potentials of the “Direct inkjet printing” method for manufacturing 3Y-TZP based dental restorations

Abstract The potentials of the direct inkjet printing (DIP) method for manufacturing 3Y-TZP dental restorations were investigated. Aqueous inks of 3Y-TZP and carbon were developed and characterised for the DIP method. A sample 3Y-TZP framework of a dental bridge was produced by DIP. The stress distribution on this framework under realistic clenching conditions was simulated using finite element analysis. Four-point bending specimens produced by DIP and a slip cast reference sample were tested to characterise the flexural strength of the DIP produced components.