Everything about

Application of Biocompatible Resins

Everything about

Application of Biocompatible Resins

Everything about Application of Biocompatible Resins
 

Whether we talk about the health industry, dentistry or wearables, biocompatible resins are paramount to ensure the health and comfort of the wearer. In this article, we take a bird’s-eye-view on most common industries and applications, including:

  • Dental Biocompatible 3D Printing Applications
  • Medical Biocompatible 3D Printing Applications
  • Wearable Biocompatible 3D Printing Applications

What Are Biocompatible Resins?

Biocompatible resins are materials that are designed to be compatible with living tissues and biological systems. It's crucial to note that the term "biocompatible" doesn't imply a one-size-fits-all characteristic.

Contrary to public belief, specific raw materials or raw material classes cannot claim to be biocompatible. Rather, the final printed part needs to be tested to get the final approval. In the US, companies even need to FDA-qualify the same 3D resin on different printers.

Therefore, different materials may have varying degrees of biocompatibility depending on factors such as:

  • Degree of modification
  • Application context
  • Degree of degradation
  • Compliance with standards

Biocompatible resins are used in various applications, particularly in the medical and healthcare fields, where they come into contact with the human body. The key characteristic of biocompatible resins is therefore their ability to interact with biological systems without causing harm or adverse reactions.

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Industries and Applications of Biocompatible Resins

The following section describes applications, which are made of biocompatible resins.

Dental Biocompatible 3D Printing Applications

Biocompatible materials play a pivotal role in various dental applications, ensuring compatibility with oral tissues and minimising adverse reactions.

  • Dental Splints: Night guards are often used to alleviate issues like teeth grinding and jaw clenching and benefit from biocompatible resins or thermoplastics. These materials not only provide comfort but also reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions in the delicate oral environment.
  • Hybrid dentures: Incorporating both traditional and modern materials, hybrid dentures utilise biocompatible polymers and metals for their base structures. These materials offer durability and compatibility with oral tissues, enhancing patient comfort and long-term wearability.
  • Ceramic crowns: Praised for their natural appearance and biocompatibility, ceramic crowns are commonly used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Their ability to mimic natural tooth enamel while seamlessly integrating with surrounding tissues makes them a preferred choice in restorative dentistry.

Medical Biocompatible 3D Printing Applications

Biocompatible materials are used in a myriad of medical applications, ensuring compatibility with the human body and facilitating safe and effective treatments.

  • Endoprostheses: Joint replacements and implants rely on biocompatible metals like titanium and medical-grade polymers to seamlessly integrate with surrounding tissues, promoting healing and restoring function without triggering adverse reactions.
  • Epitheses: These prosthetic devices are designed to replace missing facial features and utilise biocompatible materials to mimic natural skin and tissues, which offers patients both aesthetic restoration and functional improvement with minimal risk of rejection.
  • Endoluminal stents: Devices used to support narrowed or weakened blood vessels or gastrointestinal passages, typically crafted from biocompatible metals or polymers. These materials ensure proper vessel support and promote tissue healing without causing inflammation or thrombosis.
  • Maxillofacial guides: Essential tools in reconstructive and corrective surgeries of the jaw and face, fabricated from biocompatible resins or plastics. These guides assist surgeons in precise anatomical alignment and facilitate optimal surgical outcomes while minimising trauma to surrounding tissues.

Wearable Biocompatible 3D Printing Applications

The integration of biocompatible materials and 3D printing technology has led to new wearable applications that prioritise user comfort, safety, and functionality.

  • Sensors: Sensors embedded in wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and health monitors, benefit from biocompatible materials that ensure skin contact without causing irritation or allergic reactions. These sensors can continuously monitor vital signs, activity levels, and other health metrics, offering valuable insights for both medical and personal wellness applications.
  • Wearable technology: Devices, including smartwatches, augmented reality glasses, and medical wearables, rely on biocompatible materials to enhance user experience and promote long-term wearability. Biocompatible polymers and coatings ensure that these devices can be worn comfortably for extended periods without compromising skin health.

 

  • Sports equipment: Equipment, such as custom mouth guards and protective gear, utilises biocompatible materials to provide athletes with optimal comfort and protection during training and competition. These materials can withstand impact forces while conforming to the wearer's body contours, minimising the risk of injury.
  • Fashion accessories: Ranging from jewellery to eyewear, biocompatible materials offer both style and safety. Biocompatible resins and metals allow designers to create intricate designs that can be worn close to the skin without causing irritation or discomfort.

Methods of Biocompatible Resins 3D Printing

Several 3D printing methods can be employed to create biocompatible products. Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP) as well as Material Jetting belong to the most popular printing methods.

 

  SLA DLP Material Jetting

Principle

 

UV laser selectively cures resin

Digital light projector cures resin

Inkjet deposits and cures resin

Speed

 

Moderate

Fast

Fast

Material Versatility

 

Limited (expanding)

Limited (expanding)

High (supports multi-material printing)

Biocompatible Resins

 

Available, but selection may be more limited

Available, but selection may be more limited

Available, with a wide range of biocompatible resins


Cost

 

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate to High

Stereolithography (SLA) employs a UV laser to selectively cure resin layer by layer, solidifying it into the desired shape. SLA offers high resolution and surface finish, making it suitable for intricate biomedical models to meet stringent requirements.

Similar to SLA, Digital Light Processing (DLP) utilises a digital light projector to cure liquid resin layer by layer. However, DLP projects an entire layer simultaneously, speeding up the printing process.

Biocompatible resins for DLP should exhibit low shrinkage and high accuracy, making them suitable for dental applications and surgical guides.

Material Jetting, on the other hand, employs inkjet printing to deposit layers of photopolymer resin, which are cured instantly using UV light. It offers multi-material printing capabilities and can produce parts with varying mechanical properties. Biocompatible resins are used in applications such as hearing aids and anatomical models for surgical planning.

Create High-Quality Products with RAHN’s Resins

Creating medical products requires thorough research to pass all legal requirements. RAHN supports you during the entire process to create valuable and competitive products. Contact us to find out more about our printing and material solutions for a wide range of industries.

Your personal contact

Christopher Cocklan

Christopher Cocklan

3D Printing Business Development Manager EnergyCuring

RAHN USA Corp.