Printing accuracy, mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and microbial adhesion of 3D-printed resins with various printing orientations

Abstract Statement of problem Printing orientation is an important decision in the initial steps of additive manufacturing, affecting printing accuracy and the mechanical properties of printed products. In addition, printing orientation determines the building direction of layers and the layer-by-layer configuration forming the surface geometry. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of printing orientation on the printing accuracy, flexural strength, surface characteristics, and microbial response of 3D-printed denture base resin. Material and methods Specimens were printed with denture base polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in 3 printing orientations (0, 45, and 90 degrees). The printing error rate, flexural strength, roughness, hydrophilicity, surface energy, and response to Candida albicans (C. albicans) were evaluated. Results Specimens printed at a 90-degree orientation showed the lowest error rates for length (P Conclusions Printing orientation significantly influenced the printing accuracy, flexural strength, roughness, and response to C. albicans. Therefore, the printing orientation should be carefully decided to fabricate products with appropriate properties.