A lot of companies push their spec sheets and resolutions on people with the implication that the stated resolution equates to print accuracy, which isn't the case. Especially in my field when it comes to orthodontic appliances and applications, accuracy is extremely important. I couldn't find any print accuracy data to be able to compare printer options so I had an independent evaluator using Geomagic perform dimensional accuracy testing on several 3D printers common in orthodontic labs. I thought it would be of value to the community to share my findings.

I had STL files of printed dental models submitted with a Stratasys Objet Eden 260vs, Envisiontec Vida, Formlabs Form2, and Park Dental Research Juell Flash OC on different print settings when available. The printed accuracy was compared to a reference STL.

Two important findings: 1. High resolution does not mean high accuracy. The resolution only comes into play with accuracy when it is more in line with the feature size of the print. 100 microns was a sufficient Z res for high accuracy prints of dental models 2. All the printers offered the same high level of accuracy from a clinical standpoint.

Here is the link to the post: http://theorthocosmos.com/dimensional-accuracy-3d-printers/