What really goes into a good 3D printing resin?

Many dental laboratories and dental practices are investing in 3D printers, optimising workflows and replacing hardware – yet they continue to encounter the same issues: warping, brittleness and complaints. Matthias Mohr, master dental technician and technical expert at dentona, is very familiar with this situation. His answer is clear: “Anyone experiencing problems in their day-to-day work should also question the material – not just the machine.”

In an interview with ZWL Zahntechnik Wirtschaft Labor, Matthias discusses what dental 3D printing materials really need to deliver and why choosing the right resin has a direct impact on cost-effectiveness and process reliability.

3D printing resin ≠ 3D printing resin

A modelling resin requires different properties to a splint material – and both place different demands on a temporary restoration material. At dentona, these differences are translated into specific formulations at our own development and production site in Dortmund. Materials scientists, dental technicians and product experts work closely together – with the aim of developing materials that really work in day-to-day laboratory practice.

In the interview, Matthias also pays particular attention to post-curing: why is it so crucial? What happens if the material formulation and post-curing are not matched? And why is a cheap resin sometimes the most expensive thing you can buy? He also shares his outlook on the future direction of dental 3D printing materials: greater specialisation, higher mechanical performance, greater process automation – and the question of what this means specifically for day-to-day lab work.

Anyone wishing to understand how material expertise, process validation and economic thinking are interconnected will find many practical answers in this conversation.

Download interview as PDF (ZWL Dental Technology Business Laboratory, 1/2026)

3D printing resin ≠ 3D printing resin

A model resin requires different properties to a splint material – and both have different requirements to a temporary restoration material. At dentona, these differences are translated into specific formulations at the company’s own development and production site in Dortmund. Materials scientists, dental technicians and product experts work closely together – with the aim of developing materials that really work in the day-to-day reality of the dental laboratory.

In the interview, Matthias also pays particular attention to post-curing: why is it so crucial? What happens if the material formulation and post-curing are not coordinated? And why is a cheap resin sometimes the most expensive thing you can buy? He also provides an outlook on the direction of development for dental 3D printing materials: greater specialisation, higher mechanical performance, increased process automation – and the question of what this actually means for day-to-day laboratory work.

Anyone wishing to understand how materials expertise, process validation and economic thinking are interlinked will find many practical answers in this interview.

→ Download the interview as a PDF

(ZWL Dental Technology, Economics and Laboratory, 1/2026)

Julian Schaumann In-house sales