Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: T005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.T005
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, T005 (2025)
Tribological performance of 3D-printed orthodontic devices under simulated oral conditions
Andrzej Snarski-Adamski1,2*, Daniel Pieniak2, Zbigniew Krzysiak1, Marcel Firlej3
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 28, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
2 Łukasiewicz Research Network-Institute for Sustainable Technologies, Kazimierza Pułaskiego 6/10, 26-600 Radom, Poland
3 Department of Orthodontics and Facial Malformations, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70, 60-812 Poznań, Poland
* Corresponding author: andrzej.snarski@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Additive manufacturing via digital light processing (DLP) enables the creation of highly customized orthodontic devices. However, the tribological performance of the underlying polymers remains critical to ensuring durability in the challenging oral environment. This study focuses exclusively on the sliding friction behavior and subsequent wear of two commercial polymers – GR-10 (Pro3Dure) and NextDent SG (NextDent) – by simulating oral conditions. Specimens were produced using two dedicated 3D printers: the ASIGA UV MAX for GR-10 and the Phrozen Shuffle Lite for NextDent SG. Sliding friction tests were conducted in an oscillatory motion setup at a controlled temperature of 37 °C under two humidity levels (moderate, 30% and elevated, 90%). The friction coefficient was recorded during these tests while ensuring that the loading and motion parameters closely resembled in vivo settings. Post-test evaluations were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) paired with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). This enabled a detailed assessment of the wear tracks, capturing both the surface morphology and the local elemental distribution on the worn areas. The sliding friction tests revealed that both GR-10 and NextDent SG exhibited similar average friction coefficients under simulated conditions. However, SEM imaging uncovered marked differences in wear patterns. GR-10 demonstrated a more pronounced and coarse wear track at moderate humidity, suggesting a preference for adhesive wear, while NextDent SG exhibited smoother, but distinct, micro-abrasive features. EDS analyses further indicated subtle shifts in elemental composition along the wear tracks. In particular, the elevated humidity condition caused a modification in the wear mechanism, with a thin moisture film influencing the friction dynamics and material removal process differently between the two polymers. The findings emphasize that while both materials yield comparable friction coefficients, their wear behaviors under oral-simulated conditions differ significantly. NextDent SG’s smoother wear track under high humidity may translate to improved long-term durability in moist oral environments, whereas GR-10’s higher scratch resistance might be advantageous in applications where resistance to surface damage is paramount. These insights provide important guidance for material selection and device design in the field of 3D-printing.
Keywords: orthodontic devices, 3D DLP print, polymer materials, oral environment, wear
How to cite
A. Snarski-Adamski, D. Pieniak, Z. Krzysiak, M. Firlej, 2025. Tribological performance of 3D-printed orthodontic devices under simulated oral conditions. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.T005