Evaluation of detail reproduction for three die materials by using scanning electron microscopy and two-dimensional profilometry.

This study evaluated the reproduction of detail by Fuji-rock artificial stone, Epoxydent epoxy resin, and Steady-plast polyurethane resin. A polyvinyl siloxane impression was made of a disk-shaped calibration model, with etched grooves ranging from 1 to 46 microns in depth. The die materials were poured in the silicone impression of the disk, then examined with a scanning electron microscope and two-dimensional profilometer. The results revealed that the artificial stone could not reproduce details smaller than 20 microns because of the size of the crystalline structure, whereas epoxy resin and polyurethane resin accurately reproduced details of 1 to 2 microns.