Purpose: To examine the effect of molding angle on the trueness and defects associated with removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM).
Methods: A plaster model of a partially edentulous mandibular arch classified as Kennedy class II modification 1 was used. After obtaining the 3D data of the model (design data), a framework was designed using CAD software. Based on the design data, three different molding angle conditions (0°, 45°, and -45°) were set in the CAM software. The frameworks were fabricated by SLM under each condition, and 3D data were captured (fabrication data). The design and fabrication data were superimposed using 3D inspection software to verify the shape errors. The number of support structures was then measured. To examine the internal defects, micro-computed tomography (µCT) was performed for void analysis. Surface roughness was measured using a laser microscope.
Results: The overall shape errors of the RPD framework were smaller under the 0° condition compared with the others, and the largest number of support structures was observed at 0°. Many internal defects were observed in the large components of the framework at 45° and -45°. The surface roughness was the smallest at -45°.
Conclusion: The trueness and defects associated with the RPD frameworks were affected by the difference in the SLM molding angle.
Keywords: CAD/CAM; Metal framework; Removable partial dentures; Selective laser melting.