Three-dimensional printing offers possibilities for the development of new models in endodontics. Numerous studies have used 3D-printed teeth; however, protocols for the standardization of studies still need to be developed. Another problem with 3D-printed teeth is the different areas of literature requested to understand the processes. This review aims to gather evidence about 3D-printed teeth on the following aspects: (1) why they are advantageous; (2) how they are manufactured; (3) problems they present; and (4) future research topics. Natural teeth are still the standard practice in ex vivo studies and pre-clinical courses, but they have several drawbacks. Printed teeth may overcome all limitations of natural teeth. Printing technology relies on 3D data and post-processing tools to form a 3D model, ultimately generating a prototype using 3D printers. The major concerns with 3D-printed teeth are the resin hardness and printing accuracy of the canal anatomy. Guidance is presented for future studies to solve the problems of 3D-printed teeth and develop well-established protocols, for the standardization of methods to be achieved. In the future, 3D-printed teeth have the possibility to become the gold standard in ex vivo studies and endodontic training.
Chips are obtained by subtractive processes such as machining workpieces and until recently considered as waste. However, in recent years they are shown to have great potential as sustainable raw materials for powder technologies. Powder production from metal chips, through the application of solid-state processes, seems to be an alternative to conventional atomization from liquid cooled with different fluids. However, chip material and processing have an essential role in the characteristics of powder particles, such as particle size, shape, size distribution and structure (4S’s), which are essential parameters that must be considered having in mind the powder process and the metallurgy applications. Moreover, different approaches refereed in the application of this new “powder process” are highlighted. The goal is to show how the actual research has been transforming subtractive processes from a contributor of wastes to clean technologies.
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