Activity-Based Costing for 3D printing Mouthguard: a test comparing FDM, SLA with thermoforming
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the operational cost feasibility and comparative economic performance per unit of producing a mouthguard for the patient using 3D printing (3DP) and compared to conventional methods. Materials and methods: The costs and energy consumption of each method were analyzed, including thermoplastic fabrication and the 3D printers FDM and SLA, using activity-based costing (ABC) to identify and calculate the necessary resources. Results: Thermoplastic fabrication exhibited the lowest cost due to the short operation time, while SLA stood out for its energy efficiency and precision, enabling large-scale production and reducing errors, albeit at a higher initial cost. Conclusion: 3D printing, particularly with FDM, has proven to be a promising and precise alternative, with the potential to replace the conventional method in the long term, offering greater customization, quality, and safety in the development of personalized mouthguards for Sports Dentistry.
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