• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether three-dimensional (3D)-printed flexible denture resin has suitable mechanical properties for use as a thermoplastic denture base resin material. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 specimens were prepared using the 3D printed flexible denture resin (Flexible Denture). Specimens were designed in CAD software (Tinkercad) and printed through a digital light-processing 3D printer (Asiga MAX UV). Post-polymerization process was conducted according to air exposure or glycerin immersion at 35℃ or 60℃ and for 30 or 60 minutes. The maximum flexural strength, elastic modulus, 0.2% offset yield strength, and Vickers hardness of 3D-printed flexible denture resin were assessed. Result: The maximum flexural strength ranged from 64.46±2.03 to 84.25±4.32 MPa, the 0.2% offset yield strength ranged from 35.28±1.05 to 46.13±2.33 MPa, the elastic modulus ranged from 1,764.70±64.66 to 2,179.16±140.01 MPa, and the Vickers hardness ranged from 7.01±0.40 to 11.45±0.69 kg/mm². Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, the maximum flexural strength, 0.2% offset yield strength, elastic modulus, and Vickers hardness are sufficient for clinical use under the post-polymerization conditions of 60℃ at 60 minutes with or without glycerin precipitation.