English

07/2014

Con guration Guide

Model Creator

exocad.com

Con guration Guide by exocad GmbH

2014 exocad GmbH
Contact
Julius-Reiber-Str. 37
64293 Darmstadt
Germany
phone: +49-6151-629489-0
fax: +49-6151-629489-9
[email protected]
exocad.com

Document version (author)

MKTCG-001-1407 (cr), 07-14

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION NOT FOR END USERS

In your own interest, please do not leak this documentation to end users. Having end users
tamper with complex con guration options may cause additional support overhead.
2014 exocad GmbH

CG Model Creator

Contents
1

Introduction
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 General Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 De nitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MKTCG-001-1407

2 Model Type Library

2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.1 Con guration File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.2 Mesh Files for Plate-Type Models . . . . . . . . . .
2.2.3 Visualization Object Files for Plateless Models . .
2.3 Presetting the Construction Parameters for Model Types
2.4 De ning the Jaw Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 Creating a Plate-Type Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.1 Composition of Plate Models . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5.2 Con guration Options for Plate-Type Models . . .
2.5.3 Construction Parameters for Plate-Type Models .
2.6 Creating a Plateless Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.6.1 Con guration Options for Plateless Models . . . .
2.6.2 Construction Parameters for Plateless Models . .

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3 Model Attachments
3.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1 Con guration File . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2 Mesh Files for Attachments . . . . . . .
3.3 Creating an Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.1 Composition of Attachments . . . . . .
3.3.2 Con guration Options for Attachments
3.3.3 Support Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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4 Implant Lab Analogs

4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.1 Con guration File . . . . . . . . . . .
4.2.2 Mesh Files for Lab Analogs . . . . .
4.3 Creating an Implant Lab Analog . . . . . . .
4.3.1 Composition of the Retention Mesh
4.3.2 Con guration Options for Implants .

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Appendix

34

A Common Tasks
A.1 How to Make Hollow Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.2 How to Design a Plateless Model Without Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.3 How to Design Models With or Without Concavity Below the Preparation Margin
A.4 How to Design a Model Containing a Support Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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2014 exocad GmbH | Julius-Reiber-Str. 37 | D-64293 Darmstadt

Copying, publishing, extracting content or transfer to a third party is prohibited without agreement of exocad GmbH.

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page 3/39

CG Model Creator
A.5 How to Set the Colors of the Model Alignment Rotation Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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39

MKTCG-001-1407

B Common Problems
B.1 Common Mistakes During Pins Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2 Common Mistakes During Base Plate Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2.1 Why does my plate-type model come out bogus? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.2.2 Why does a cut on one side of the jaw extend all the way to the other side?

36

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page 4/39

CG Model Creator

1 Introduction
This con guration guide targets our OEMs wishing to customize the Model Creator module.
Model Creator is intended to design dental cast models from intra-oral, bite impression or other unprocessed scan data.
This document covers the customization of the Model Creator module. It gives all information needed to enable the OEM to
customize the Model Creator module.

1.1 Overview
The information given in this guide shall enable our OEMs to create new model types, attachments and implant lab analogs,
to integrate them to the Model Creator libraries and to make other adjustments.
Chapter 2 provides all information necessary for creating a new library entry for model types including descriptions of the
required les, the con guration options and the (presetting of) construction parameters. It contains additional sections concerning the composition of a plate and the jaw curve.
All information necessary for creating a new attachment library entry and a new implant lab analog library entry will be given
in chapter 3 and in chapter 4, respectively.
Appendix A lists instructions on common tasks, Appendix B gives information concerning common problems.

1.2 General Recommendations

The mesh must de ne an oriented 2-dimensional manifold which is properly embedded into R3 (i.e. it must not be selfintersecting). Depending on the application, it may or may not have a boundary.

Recommended Data Format

For storage of the mesh, it is recommended to choose a le format that explicitly stores mesh connectivity. The use of the
STL le format is discouraged for this reason. Instead, we recommend the use of the Object File Format (.off).

1.3 De nitions
Alignment
The process of adjusting the scan data so that they are in proper relative position to the base plate or bounding plane.
Attachment
A piece of custom geometry to be added to a plateless model base, e.g. for articulator support.
Die
A single component of a plate-type model. See also: Separate Die.

MKTCG-001-1407

Ditch
A trench in the model base around the stumps.
Jaw Curve
A graph representing the jaw arch.
Key Pin
Irregularly shaped pin at the bottom of the dies, giving each die a more distinctive shape so it is less likely inserted into
an incorrect hole in the model base.

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page 5/39

CG Model Creator
Model Base
The main part of a plateless model, which is usually comprised of the healthy teeth, and may contain receptacles for
separate dies.
Model Type
A particular variant of either plateless or plate-type model, possibly along with a set of construction parameter constraints.
Orientation
The direction of surface normals.
Pin Groove
A depression on the bottom of the model base around each hole for the dies key pins. Intended to facilitate removal of
the dies.
Plateless Model
A dental cast model that is not to be placed onto a base plate. It may have a detachable die for each stump or selected
teeth which is held in place without the need for any additional supporting structure.
Plate-Type Model
A dental cast model that is to be placed onto a particular base plate. In general it consists of multiple dies which are
designed to t onto the base plate in and only in the appropriate location. The dies are kept in the correct relative position
to each other only by the use of the base plate.
Seating Area
The at horizontal area at the bottom of the dies and holes in the model base that prevents the dies from falling through.

MKTCG-001-1407

Separate Die
A part of a model that is detachable or separate from the model base.

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page 6/39

CG Model Creator

2 Model Type Library

Model Creator maintains a model type library for a collection of base plate geometries to be used for plate-type models. It
may also contain particular con gurations for plateless models. This chapter explains how model types can be added to this
library.

2.1 Overview
This section gives an overview of the steps and les that are necessary when adding a new model type. For detailed information on creating a new model type see 2.5 for a plate-type model and 2.6 for a plateless model.
In order to add a model type to the library, a new folder needs to be created in the library/modelcreator/plates
subdirectory of your DentalCAD installation folder. The new directory must contain the following les:
a con guration le that includes all information about the model type as a ModelBuilderLibraryEntry (see chapter 2.2.1)
in case of a plate-type model: mesh les of the plate (see chapter 2.2.2)
in case of a plateless model: optional geometry information le(s) for the visualization object(s) (see chapter 2.2.3)

2.2 Files
2.2.1 Con guration File
The con guration le (config.xml) de nes the properties of the model type as a ModelBuilderLibraryEntry (see
2.5.2 and 2.6.1 for examples). The given tags are explained in Tables 2.1 and 2.2.
This le must include the following information:
the name of the model type (tags Supplier and DisplayInformation)
for a plate-type model the following:
the le name of a at mesh describing the outline of the base plate which must have a ne and regular triangulation (tag BasePlateFilename)
the le name of a mesh describing the geometry to be subtracted from the generated dies, such as pins on the
base plate (tag PinsFilename)
the de nition of the jaw curve (tag JawCurveControlPoints) mandatory for plate-type models, optionally for
plateless models (see 2.4)
Optionally, the con guration le may also include the following information:
the default total height of the model, i.e. the distance from lower jaw bottom plane to upper jaw bottom plane in mm
(tag ModelHeight)

MKTCG-001-1407

minimum and maximum allowed values for the total model height in mm (tags ModelHeightMinimum and ModelHeightMaximum)
a list of construction parameters with default values, and optionally minimum and maximum allowed values (tag ConstructionParameters)
a list of visualization meshes to be shown during model alignment (tag VisualizationMeshes)
further con guration options
if the BasePlateFilename tag is missing, the con guration le will be identi ed as for a plateless model

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page 7/39

CG Model Creator
2.2.2 Mesh Files for Plate-Type Models
There are two separate mesh les required: One describing the outline of the base plate and one describing the geometry to
be subtracted from the generated model. For detailed information on the required characteristics of the meshes see 2.5.1.
For a recommended le format see 1.2.

2.2.3 Visualization Object Files for Plateless Models

Concerning the alignment of plateless models, Model Creator uses bounding planes. However, these bounding planes can be
replaced by your own visualization objects. Use the HideBoundingPlanes tag (see Table 2.2) to hide the bounding planes.
You can also de ne visualization objects for plate-type models.
There is one le required for every element of the visualization object. Any le format supported by the DentalCAD is also
supported by Model Creator.
For a recommended le format see 1.2.

2.3 Presetting the Construction Parameters for Model Types

The construction parameters represent the model geometry parameters which are (under certain conditions, see the rules
below) displayed in the Wizard, i.e. in the S
tab within the M
S
dialog for plate-type models and
the C
M
P
section in the P
M
D
dialog for plateless models. These user adjustable
parameters are customizable by presetting the minimum, maximum and default values for each parameter, which can be
de ned in the con guration les.
The defaultparameters.xml in the config subdirectory of your DentalCAD base folder contains all application wide
default parameters including the construction parameters for model types. Additionally, the model type con guration le
(config.xml) in your model type subdirectory should be used to de ne parameters concerning the relating model type only
(see section 2.1). If the config.xml le of the chosen model type lacks the required information (the relating parameter has
not been de ned) the so ware will refer to the defaultparameters.xml le which contains presets for all construction
parameters.
The presets of minimum, maximum and default values can be de ned in the <ConstructionParameters> section of
your con guration le (for a plate-type example see 2.5.2, for a plateless example see 2.6.1).
Concerning the presets of the construction parameters the following rules apply:
It is not necessary to provide an entry within the model type related config.xml le for every construction parameter
that is available for the chosen model type.
If an entry for a certain parameter exists, it has to contain at least the default value. In addition to the default value,
the <MinValue> / <MaxValue> combination may be speci ed.
If the speci cation for an identi er or a part of it (minimum and maximum values) is omitted, the missing values are
replaced by those from the defaultparameters.xml le.
The values speci ed in the model type related config.xml le apply to that particular model type only.
Any parameter with zero range (i.e. minimum equals maximum) is omitted from the dialog, i.e. it is not visible to and
hence not adjustable by the user.

MKTCG-001-1407

Values are to be given in mm, boolean ags as 0 or 1.

NOTE
If you are providing a complete solution to your customers that includes production of the model
e.g. by milling or printing, you should tune the construction parameters to your production
system and make them invisible to the user.

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page 8/39

CG Model Creator
2.4 De ning the Jaw Curve
The jaw curve is used for several purposes:
For plate-type models it is the graph that the model segmentation planes are geared to. For that reason, the de nition of the
JawCurveControlPoints tag in the config.xml le is mandatory for plate-type models. Additionally, it is used during
the automatic alignment process if the JawCurveControlPoints tag is de ned. For plateless models, the de nition of the
JawCurveControlPoints tag is optional but highly recommended if there are special demands on automatic alignment,
e.g. with respect to an articulator coordinate system.
It is de ned as a polynomial function of degree 4, hence the interpolation uses ve control points, which are the coe cients
p0 , . . . , p4 R3 of the polynomial when expressed in the Bernstein basis:
( )
n

4 i
p(t) =
t (1 t)4i pi , t [0, 1]
i
i=0
It follows from the formula that the rst and the last point de ne starting point and end point of the curve, respectively. The
three remaining points will in general not lie on the curve, but will a ect how the curve bends. Figure 2.1 shows two sample
arrangements of control points and their relating curves.

(a)

(b)

Figure 2.1: Sample arrangements of control points and their relating curves

2.5 Creating a Plate-Type Model

This section contains the information needed for creating a plate-type model.

2.5.1 Composition of Plate Models

MKTCG-001-1407

When creating a plate-type model type, the provided data needs to be in accordance with some guidelines. A model plate
has to meet the following demands:
1. The elements of a model plate shall exist as meshes, not as a solid body. Every mesh shall have an open boundary.
2. The model shall be composed of two separate elements which are to be given as meshes: The model base plate and
the model base pins (see Figure 2.2). Repeating the base plate in the pins mesh would lead to an inaccurate calculation
of the model bottom at the conjunction of plate and pins and should be avoided.
3. The pins shall have a right angle where they touch the base plate (see Figure 2.3(a)).

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page 9/39

CG Model Creator
4. The model base plate must be perfectly at as it represents the boundary of the model, i.e. there must not be mesh
parts below the at horizontal surface that will be the bottommost contact area with the model. All normals shall be
facing upwards, i.e. they shall point in direction of the positive z-axis (see Figure 2.4).
5. The base plate mesh shall have a regular triangulation, i.e. shall consist of nearly equilateral triangles, with edge
lengths of between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm (see Figure 2.5). Equilateral triangles lead to best results in calculation.
An edge length in the recommended range results in good accuracy with reasonable le size and computation time.
6. The model plate shall have the shape of a jaw arch. Model Creator will generate model geometry above the entire base
plate mesh. Therefore, the base plate mesh must contain only those parts of the physical plate that Model Creator
shall generate model geometry above (i.e. generally the base plate mesh will not match the physical plate geometry).

INFO
If your physical plate includes geometry in the palatinal area that shall be subtracted from the
model, you may add this geometry to the pins mesh.

MKTCG-001-1407

Note that the model geometry will only be generated above the base plate mesh. Pins mesh area
that extends beyond the base plate mesh will be irrelevant for model generation. You may need
to adapt the base plate mesh as shown below.

WARNING
Violation of these requirements will lead to malfunction of Model Creator!
It is indispensable that you avoid the mistakes described in Appendix B.1 and B.2!

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CG Model Creator
Pins Mesh Separated From Base Plate Mesh

(a) Plate only

(b) Pins only

(c) Plate and pins displayed together

note that they are still separate meshes

Figure 2.2: Example for plate and pins as two separate elements

Pins: Intersection With Base Plate

(a) Rectangular intersection

(b) Di erent angle

Figure 2.3: Pins intersecting the base plate

INFO

MKTCG-001-1407

We recommend to extend the pins to 0.5 mm below the base plate.

NOTE:
If your physical plates geometry requires a di erent pins angle than 90, we highly recommend to
extend the pins to 0.5 mm below the base plate (see Figure 2.3(b)).

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CG Model Creator
Base Plate: Direction of Normals

Figure 2.4: Detail of a mesh (direction of normals)

INFO
We recommend to place the base plate within the coordinate system such that the tongue would
point in direction of the positive y-axis.

Triangulation: Edge Length

Figure 2.5: Detail of a mesh (triangulation)

MKTCG-001-1407

INFO
Some tools do not allow to in uence the triangulation. In order to check if your base plate
triangulation meets the demands, please use a mesh editing tool.

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CG Model Creator
2.5.2 Con guration Options for Plate-Type Models
Model types are con gured in the plates-subdirectory of the Model Creator library. For each supplied model type there is
a subdirectory containing the con guration le (config.xml) and possibly further les referenced in the con guration le
(i.e. the baseplate and the pins mesh les in case of a plate-type model). For an explanation of the tags used in the following
example see Table 2.1.
The con guration le has the following structure:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelBuilderLibraryEntry ...>
<ModelHeight>40</ModelHeight>
<ModelHeightMinimum>35</ModelHeightMinimum>
<ModelHeightMaximum>45</ModelHeightMaximum>
<BasePlateFilename>baseplate.eoff</BasePlateFilename>
<PinsFilename>baseplate_pins.eoff</PinsFilename>

MKTCG-001-1407

<OcclusalPlane>
<DistanceToOrigin>20</DistanceToOrigin>
<Normal>
<x>0</x>
<y>0</y>
<z>1</z>
</Normal>
</OcclusalPlane>
<JawCurveControlPoints>
<Vec3>
<x>25.514404</x>
<y>0.000000</y>
</z>0<//z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>37.859695</x>
<y>-22.754890</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>0.006076</x>
<y>-89.689903</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>-37.864010</x>
<y>-22.754753</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>-25.514404</x>
<y>0.000000</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
</JawCurveControlPoints>
<MinRequiredPrepPlateDist>3</MinRequiredPrepPlateDist>
<Supplier>ACME Inc.</Supplier>
<DisplayInformation>ACME Model</DisplayInformation>

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CG Model Creator
<VisualizationMeshes>
<VisualizationMesh>
<FileName>vismesh.obj</FileName>
<TextureFileName>vistexture.png</TextureFileName>
<Material>
<Color>#FF8080</Color>
<Opacity>0.5</Opacity>
</Material>
<StippleTransparency>true</StippleTransparency>
</VisualizationMesh>
<VisualizationMesh>
...
</VisualizationMesh>
</VisualizationMeshes>
<ConstructionParameters>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelCutWidth</Param>
<DefaultValue>0.5</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>0.3</MinValue>
<MaxValue>0.6</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelWallThickness</Param>
<DefaultValue>2.0</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>2.0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>2.0</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelPlateClearance</Param>
<DefaultValue>0.12</DefaultValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelConcavity</Param>
<DefaultValue>1</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>1</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
...
</ConstructionParamValues>
</ConstructionParameters>
<ArticulatorAlignmentType>acme-articulator</ArticulatorAlignmentType>
<AntagonistType>acme-antagonist</AntagonistType>
</ModelBuilderLibraryEntry>

MKTCG-001-1407

The meanings of the individual tags are explained in Table 2.1.

Tag

Meaning

ModelBuilderLibraryEntry

Root element

ModelHeight

Default total height of the model, i.e. the distance between the base
plates

ModelHeightMinimum

Minimum allowed total height of the model. If not de ned it will be set
to ModelHeight

Table 2.1: Explanation of the model type con guration le tags (plate-type models)

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CG Model Creator
Tag

Meaning

ModelHeightMaximum

Maximum allowed total height of the model. If not de ned it will be set
to ModelHeight

BasePlateFilename

File name of the base plate mesh. If this tag is de ned, the
con guration le will be identi ed as for a plate-type model

PinsFilename

File name of the pins mesh

OcclusalPlane

Location of the occlusal plane. If de ned the user can toggle the plane
on and o

JawCurveControlPoints

Lists the ve control points that de ne the jaw curve

MinRequiredPrepPlateDist

Minimum enforced distance between tooth preparations and the base

plate. The default value is 0

Supplier

Name of the supplier of this model type

DisplayInformation

Name to be displayed in the M

VisualizationMeshes

Meshes that are displayed during alignment. For the sub-tags of this
section see Table 2.3. Can be le unde ned

ConstructionParameters

This section can be used to overwrite the default values from

defaultparameters.xml

ArticulatorAlignmentType

Articulator tag according to articulatormappings.xml if

alignment is relative to an articulator, otherwise leave unde ned

AntagonistType

Overwrite the AntagonistType during model alignment if de ned

dialog

Table 2.1: (continued)

2.5.3 Construction Parameters for Plate-Type Models

The construction parameters for plate-type models can be used to (pre-)set the spacing between adjacent dies resulting from
the cut and the spacing between plate and dies. Additionally, a ag can be set whether the model shall be solid or hollow,
and in case of a hollow model, the material thickness can be de ned. Furthermore, a ag can be set whether there should
be a concavity below the preparation margin.
For plate-type models, the following construction parameters can be prede ned (parameters marked with ( ) are shown in
Figure 2.6):

ModelCutWidth (a)
The spacing between adjacent dies.

MKTCG-001-1407

ModelPlateClearance (b)
The spacing between base plate (pins) and dies.
ModelWallThickness (c)
If 0, the model will be solid. A positive number means the model will be hollow and will de ne the material thickness. Negative values are invalid.
ModelConcavity
A boolean ag (0 or 1) whether there should be a concavity below the preparation margin.

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CG Model Creator

c
a

Figure 2.6: Construction parameters for plate-type models

2.6 Creating a Plateless Model

2.6.1 Con guration Options for Plateless Models
Model types are con gured in the plates-subdirectory of the Model Creator library. For each supplied model type there
is a subdirectory containing the con guration le (config.xml) and possibly further les referenced in the con guration
le (i.e. the visualization mesh les in case of a plateless model). For an explanation of the identi ers used in the following
example see Table 2.2.
The con guration le has the following structure:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelBuilderLibraryEntry ...>
<BoundingPlanesCenter>
<x>0</x>
<y>0</y>
<z>0</z>
</BoundingPlanesCenter>

MKTCG-001-1407

<ModelHeight>40</ModelHeight>
<ModelHeightMinimum>35</ModelHeightMinimum>
<ModelHeightMaximum>45</ModelHeightMaximum>
<OcclusalPlane>
<DistanceToOrigin>20</DistanceToOrigin>
<Normal>
<x>0</x>
<y>0</y>
<z>1</z>
</Normal>

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CG Model Creator
</OcclusalPlane>
<JawCurveControlPoints>
<Vec3>
<x>25.514404</x>
<y>0.000000</y>
</z>0<//z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>37.859695</x>
<y>-22.754890</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>0.006076</x>
<y>-89.689903</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>-37.864010</x>
<y>-22.754753</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
<Vec3>
<x>-25.514404</x>
<y>0.000000</y>
<z>0</z>
</Vec3>
</JawCurveControlPoints>
<MinRequiredPrepPlateDist>3</MinRequiredPrepPlateDist>
<Supplier>ACME Dental Inc.</Supplier>
<DisplayInformation>ACME Model</DisplayInformation>
<EnforcedAttachments>
<string>acme-attachment</string>
...
</EnforcedAttachments>

MKTCG-001-1407

<AllowedAttachments>
<string>acme-attachment</string>
...
</AllowedAttachments>
<VisualizationMeshes>
<VisualizationMesh>
<FileName>vismesh.obj</FileName>
<TextureFileName>vistexture.png</TextureFileName>
<Material>
<Color>#FF8080</Color>
<Opacity>0.5</Opacity>
</Material>
<StippleTransparency>true</StippleTransparency>
</VisualizationMesh>
<VisualizationMesh>
...
</VisualizationMesh>
</VisualizationMeshes>
<HideBoundingPlanes>true</HideBoundingPlanes>

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CG Model Creator
<ConstructionParameters>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelCutWidth</Param>
<DefaultValue>0.5</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>0.3</MinValue>
<MaxValue>0.6</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelPinHeight</Param>
<DefaultValue>2.0</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>2.0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>2.0</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelWallThickness</Param>
<DefaultValue>2.0</DefaultValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelConcavity</Param>
<DefaultValue>1</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>1</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelOmitDiePin</Param>
<DefaultValue>0</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>0</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
<ConstructionParamValues>
...
</ConstructionParamValues>
</ConstructionParameters>
<ArticulatorAlignmentType>acme-articulator</ArticulatorAlignmentType>
<AntagonistType>acme-antagonist</AntagonistType>
<SpecialCaseNoStumpHolesType1>false</SpecialCaseNoStumpHolesType1>
</ModelBuilderLibraryEntry>

MKTCG-001-1407

The meanings of the individual tags are explained in Table 2.2.

Tag

Meaning

ModelBuilderLibraryEntry

Root element

BoundingPlanesCenter

Model Center

ModelHeight

Default total height of the model in mm, i.e. the distance from lower
jaw bottom plane to upper jaw bottom plane. If not de ned, it will be
set to 40

ModelHeightMinimum

Minimum allowed total height of the model in mm. If not de ned, it

will be set to ModelHeight

ModelHeightMaximum

Maximum allowed total height of the model in mm. If not de ned, it

will be set to ModelHeight

Table 2.2: Explanation of the model type con guration le tags (plateless models)

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CG Model Creator
Tag

Meaning

OcclusalPlane

Location of the occlusal plane. If de ned the user can toggle the plane
on and o

JawCurveControlPoints

Lists the ve control points that de ne the jaw curve

MinRequiredPrepPlateDist

Minimum enforced distance between tooth preparations and the base

plate or bounding plane. The default value is 0

Supplier

Name of the supplier of this model type

DisplayInformation

Name to be displayed in the M

EnforcedAttachments

Keywords of attachment library entries that should be added

automatically. The keyword is the name of the relating attachment
folder in the library/modelcreator/attachments subdirectory

AllowedAttachments

Keywords of attachment library entries that are allowed to be added. If

unde ned no restrictions are applied. The keyword is the name of the
relating attachment folder in the library/modelcreator/
attachments subdirectory

VisualizationMeshes

Meshes that are displayed during alignment. For the sub-tags of this
section see Table 2.3. Can be le unde ned

HideBoundingPlanes

If true no bounding planes will be displayed for models without plate.

The default value is false

ConstructionParameters

This section can be used to overwrite the default values from

defaultparameters.xml

ArticulatorAlignmentType

Articulator tag according to articulatormappings.xml if

alignment is relative to an articulator, otherwise leave unde ned

AntagonistType

Overwrite the AntagonistType during model alignment if de ned

SpecialCaseNoStumpHolesType1

If true a plateless model will consist of a model base including the

stumps as one element (no stump holes) and the stumps as additional
elements. The default value is false.

dialog

MKTCG-001-1407

Table 2.2: (continued)

Tag

Meaning

FileName

File name of the mesh to be displayed

TextureFileName

If de ned, the given texture is applied to the mesh

Material

Base color of mesh

StippleTransparency

If true use a stipple pattern instead of alpha blending for

transparency. The default value is false.
Table 2.3: Sub-tags of VisualizationMesh

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CG Model Creator
2.6.2 Construction Parameters for Plateless Models
The construction parameters for plateless models can be used to adjust the model geometry. This includes the tightness
of t (i.e. the spacing between a die and the model base), the speci cation whether or not a model shall be hollow, and the
material thickness for a hollow model. There are also parameters regarding the geometry of the pin at the bottom of the die
and the surrounding geometry on the bottom of the model base such as a depression intended to facilitate removal of the
stump die.

f
j

j
a

k
k
k b
k
e
h

Figure 2.7: Construction parameters for plateless models

For plateless models, the following construction parameters can be prede ned (parameters marked with ( ) are shown in
Figure 2.7):

ModelShaftGapHorizontal (a)
Spacing between a die and the model base in horizontal (x and y) direction
ModelShaftGapVertical (b)
Spacing between a die and the model base in vertical (z) direction
ModelDitchWidth (c)
Determines the width (i.e. in x- and y-directions) of the ditch around stumps.

MKTCG-001-1407

ModelDitchDepthAvg (d)
Determines the average depth (i.e. in z-direction) of the ditch around stumps. Since the bottom of the ditches is
made almost at, the depth cannot be met exactly everywhere.
ModelPinHeight (e)
The height of the key pin, i.e. the distance of the seating area to the bottom plane.
ModelPreparationMarginExtrusion (f)
Determines how far the preparation margin is extruded vertically towards the bottom plane above the concavity

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CG Model Creator
area. This parameter is pointless if ModelConcavity is 0.
ModelSeatingAreaWidth (g)
Width of the bottom seating area of the dies, i.e. the distance between outer circumference and key pin.
ModelBottomPinGrooveWidth (h)
Determines the width (i.e. in x- and y-directions) of the pin grooves on the bottom of the model.
ModelBottomPinGrooveDepth (i)
Determines the depth (i.e. in z-direction) of the pin grooves on the bottom of the model.
ModelWallThickness (j)
If 0, the model will be solid. A positive number means the model will be hollow and will de ne the material thickness. Negative values are invalid.
ModelWallMorphologicalClosureDiameter
Determines the diameter of a ball that needs to t into the cavity of a hollow model. Any region where such a ball
would not t is lled with material. Negative values are invalid. This parameter is pointless if ModelWallThickness is 0.
ModelMillingHeadDiameter (k)
Determines the size of the bevel at the bottom of the separate dies and the holes in the model base to allow for
milling residue in the opposite part. Will be displayed as Anticipate Milling. (Note: Figure 2.7 shows the radius. However, the parameter is used to set the diameter.)
ModelOmitDiePin
A boolean ag (0 or 1) whether the key pin at the bottom of the dies should be omitted. The hole in the model base
will remain in either case.
ModelConcavity
A boolean ag (0 or 1) whether there should be a concavity below the preparation margin.

MKTCG-001-1407

ModelMinimumPinCircumference
If the key pin circumference is less than this value, the key pin is omitted (see also ModelOmitDiePin). This parameter will not be displayed in the C
M
P
section in the P
M
D
dialog.

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CG Model Creator

3 Model Attachments
Model Creator maintains an attachment library for a collection of attachments to be used when creating a plateless model.
This chapter explains how attachments can be added to this library.

3.1 Overview
This section gives an overview of the steps and les that are necessary when adding a new attachment. For detailed information on creating a new attachment see 3.3.
In order to add an attachment to the library, a new folder needs to be created in the library/modelcreator/attachments subdirectory of your DentalCAD installation folder. The new directory must contain the following les:
a con guration le that includes all information about the attachment as a ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry (see
chapter 3.2.1)
if the attachment is not a support pin: the attachment geometry information le(s) (see chapter 3.2.2)

3.2 Files
3.2.1 Con guration File
The con guration le (config.xml) de nes the parameters of the attachment as a ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry
(see 3.3.2 for an example). The given tags are explained in Table 3.1.
This le must include the following information:
the name of the attachment (tags Supplier and DisplayInformation)
if the attachment is not a support pin: the le name of the attachment mesh (tag Attachment or tag combination
AttachmentUpper and AttachmentLower)
Optionally, the con gurration le can also include the following information:
color and material settings for visualization (tags Material and RenderEffect)
a ag whether the attachment is positive or negative (attachment will be added to or subtracted from the model tag
NegativeAttachment)
information about grouping restrictions (e.g. upper and lower jaw articulator interfaces tag GroupAll)
further con guration elements

3.2.2 Mesh Files for Attachments

There is one mesh le required for every seperate element of the attachment, i.e. two les if the attachment consists of
separated upper and lower parts. A mesh may contain either the upper part or the lower part.

MKTCG-001-1407

Support pins as a special kind of attachment will not require a seperate mesh le because the attachment may need to adjust
to the model geometry and therefore will be generated by the so ware.
Any le format supported by the DentalCAD is also supported by Model Creator. For a recommended le format see 1.2.

3.3 Creating an Attachment

This chapter contains the information needed for creating an attachment.

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CG Model Creator
3.3.1 Composition of Attachments
When creating an attachment, the provided data needs to be in accordance with some guidelines. An attachment has to
meet the following demands:
1. Every mesh needs to have a closed surface without any open edges, and proper manifold topology.
2. All surface normals shall point outward.

3.3.2 Con guration Options for Attachments

Attachments are con gured in the attachments-subdirectory of the Model Creator library. For each supplied attachment
there is a subdirectory containing a con guration le (config.xml) and possibly further les referenced in the con guration
le. For an explanation of the tags used in the following example see Table 3.1.
The con guration le has the following structure:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry ...>
<Supplier>ACME Inc.</Supplier>
<DisplayInformation>ACME connector</DisplayInformation>
<Attachment>attachment.off</Attachment>
<NegativeAttachment>false</NegativeAttachment>
<CanOnlyBeAddedOnce>false</CanOnlyBeAddedOnce>
<GroupAll>true</GroupAll>
<NoPlacementValidityCheck>true</NoPlacementValidityCheck>
<AutoOrientAttachment>false</AutoOrientAttachment>
<MinDistBottom>0</MinDistBottom>
<DistToBottom>1.0</DistToBottom>
<TranslationRestriction>
<DirectionType>GlobalPlaneNormal</DirectionType>
<Direction>
<x>0</x>
<y>0</y>
<z>1</z>
</Direction>
</TranslationRestriction>
<RotationRestriction>
<DirectionType>GlobalDirection</DirectionType>
<Direction>
<x>0</x>
<y>0</y>
<z>1</z>
</Direction>
</RotationRestriction>

MKTCG-001-1407

<Material>
<Color>#FFe1c716</Color>
</Material>
<RenderEffect RenderEffectName="Metal">
<ColorParameter Name="material_color" Value="#FFe1c716"/>
<DoubleParameter Name="main_light" Value="0.51" />
...
</RenderEffect RenderEffectName="Metal">
</ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry>

For more examples see Appendix A.

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CG Model Creator

MKTCG-001-1407

The meanings of the individual tags are explained in Table 3.1.

Tag

Meaning

ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry

Root element

Supplier

Name of the supplier of this attachment

DisplayInformation

Name to be displayed in the M

Attachment

File name containing the mesh for the attachment. If de ned,

AttachmentLower and AttachmentUpper are ignored

AttachmentLower

File name of the mesh for the upper jaw attachment part

AttachmentUpper

File name of the mesh for the lower jaw attachment part

NegativeAttachment

If true, the attachment will be subtracted from the model. The

default value is false

GroupAll

If true, all attachments of this type will have the same orientation,
upper and lower parts will share a common plane and upper (lower)
parts will be on a common line. This parameter is pointless if
CanOnlyBeAddedOnce is de ned. The default value is false

CanOnlyBeAddedOnce

If true, the attachment can only be added once. The default value is
false

NoPlacementValidityCheck

If true, there will be no check if the attachment placement is valid.

The default value is false

AutoOrientAttachment

If true, the attachment will be added with its z-axis facing in the same
direction as the occlusal axis of the corresponding jaw. The default
value is false

FixUpperLower

If true, the relative position between upper and lower parts is xed.
This parameter is pointless if AttachmentUpper and
AttachmentLower are not de ned. The default value is false

MinDistUpperLower

If de ned, the distance between upper and lower part is kept greater
than the given value. This parameter is pointless if
AttachmentUpper and AttachmentLower are not de ned

MinDistBottom

If de ned, the distance between the attachment and the model

bounding plane is kept greater than the given value

DistToBottom

If de ned, the attachment will be initially placed with the given

distance to the bounding plane

TranslationRestriction

Restricts the movement of the attachment. See Table 3.2

RotationRestriction

Restricts the rotation of the attachment. See Table 3.2

Material

De nes the surface appearance of the attachment

RenderEffect

If de ned, the render e ect with the given settings will be applied to
the attachment

dialog

Table 3.1: Explanation of the attachment con guration le tags

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CG Model Creator
Tag

Meaning

DirectionType

De nes how the Direction vector is interpreted. Possible values are

Ignore, LocalDirection, GlobalDirection,
LocalPlaneNormal, GlobalPlaneNormal

Direction

Direction of the restriction

Table 3.2: Sub-tags of TranslationRestriction and RotationRestriction

3.3.3 Support Pins

Support pins as a special kind of attachments require a di erent con guration le structure:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry ...>
<Supplier>ACME Inc.</Supplier>
<DisplayInformation>ACME support pin</DisplayInformation>
<Type>SupportPin</Type>
</ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry>

The meanings of the tags are explained in Table 3.3.

Tag

Meaning

ModelAttachmentLibraryEntry

Root element

Supplier

Name of the supplier of this attachment

DisplayInformation

Name to be displayed in the ModelAttachmentDialog

Type

De nes this attachment as a support pin. The value must be set to

SupportPin
Table 3.3: Explanation of the attachment con guration le tags for support pins

Construction Parameters for Support Pins

The construction parameters for support pins can be used to adjust the support pin geometry, e.g the diameter.

MKTCG-001-1407

Figure 3.1: Construction parameters for support pins

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CG Model Creator
For support pins, the following parameters can be prede ned (parameters marked with ( ) are shown in Figure 3.1):

ModelSupportPinDiameter (a)
De nes the diameter of the support pin sha
ModelSupportPinLedgeHeight (b)
De nes the height of the support pin ledge
ModelSupportPinBulgeHeight (c)
De nes the height of the support pin sha bulge

IMPORTANT

MKTCG-001-1407

Note that the construction parameters for support pins are not speci ed in the con guration le
of the support pin, but in the con guration le of the plateless model type.

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CG Model Creator

4 Implant Lab Analogs

Model Creator maintains an implant lab analog library for a collection of lab analog geometries. This chapter explains how
lab analogs can be added to this library.

IMPORTANT
The implant lab analog library is not to be confused with the standard implant library:
The standard implant library in the library/implants subdirectory of your DentalCAD
installation folder is used application wide. It is not to be modi ed during con guration of
Model Creator.
The implant lab analog library in the library/modelcreator/implants subdirectory is
used only by Model Creator and is subject of this chapter.

4.1 Overview
This section gives an overview of the steps and les that are necessary when adding a new lab analog. For detailed information
on creating a new lab analog see 4.3.
A lab analog for Model Creator must refer to one or more implants from the standard implant library. Therefore the rst step
in providing a lab analog is to decide for which implants from the standard library the analog shall be applicable. Please note
that the user will not choose the lab analog to use directly, but rather pick the correct implant from the standard library as
usual (as when designing an abutment for example). Model Creator will then select the correct lab analog based on the list of
compatible implants as given by the lab analog supplier, which currently has to be unique. Support for multiple compatible
lab analogs for a given implant may be added in the future.
In order to add a lab analog to the library, a new folder needs to be created in the library/modelcreator/implants
subdirectory of your DentalCAD installation folder. The new directory must contain the following les:
a con guration le that includes all information about the lab analog as a ModelLabAnalogEntry (see chapter 4.2.1)
mesh les that the config.xml refers to (see chapter 4.2.2)

4.2 Files
4.2.1 Con guration File
The con guration le (config.xml) de nes the properties of the lab analog as a ModelLabAnalogEntry (see 4.3.2 for an
example). The given tags are explained in Table 4.1.
This le must include the following information:
the name of the lab analog (tags Supplier and DisplayInformation)

MKTCG-001-1407

a list of all compatible implants from the standard implant library (tag CompatibleImplants)
the le name of the mesh that will de ne the cavity in which the lab analog will be inserted (tag RetentionMeshType)
Optionally, the con guration le may also include the following information:
the le name of the mesh that represents the lab analog (tag ModelLabAnalogFile)
the symmetry group order n that de nes the allowed rotation angles (tag RotationalSymmetry)

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CG Model Creator
4.2.2 Mesh Files for Lab Analogs
Model Creator uses the standard implant library for its scan abutment geometries that the lab analog will be aligned to. The
retention mesh represents the geometry of the cavity within the model. In general, it will not match the geometry of the
physical lab analog as the resulting channels (holes) need to be larger in diameter than the physical lab analog to facilitate
insertion. A more or less exact replica of the lab analog may be added to the library as an additional mesh which will be used
for visualization purposes only and may di er from the original geometry.

INFO
You may enlarge the lab analogs mesh in diameter to receive the retention mesh. Note that the
retention mesh needs to contain exactly the geometry that is to be subtracted from the model.
The retention mesh diameter may be varied to control the accuracy of t.

For detailed information on the required characteristics of the retention mesh, see 4.3.1. Any le format supported by the
DentalCAD is also supported by Model Creator.
For a recommended le format see 1.2.

4.3 Creating an Implant Lab Analog

This section contains the information needed for creating an implant lab analog.
Each implant lab analog library entry will come with a retention mesh and optionally with a mesh representing the lab analog
for visualization purposes.

4.3.1 Composition of the Retention Mesh

When creating an implant lab analog, the provided data needs to be in accordance with some guidelines. A retention mesh
has to meet the following demands:
1. It shall consist of one single mesh, i.e. as one single connected component, even if the physical lab analog consists of
several separate elements.
2. The retention mesh in the Model Creator implant library and the scan abutment geometry in the standard implant
library shall be in the same coordinate system and correctly aligned with respect to each other (see Figure 4.1).
3. It shall be oriented as in the nal model, i.e. the surface normals must point into the implant channel.
4. It must be fully interconnected, i.e. it must not contain any open edges within the mesh except for the boundary curves.
5. Each boundary curve shall be planar and will correspond to a hole in the nal model.

WARNING

MKTCG-001-1407

Violation of these requirements will lead to malfunction of Model Creator! The supplier of the lab
analog data will be responsible for ensuring that these requirements are met!

Extrusion of Boundary Curves

The hole will be created by extruding the boundary curve of the retention mesh in direction of the curve planes normal. The
following examples show some cases that may be realized:
For an analog that will be inserted from above and fastened with glue, the retention mesh should have a single open
boundary curve on top.

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CG Model Creator
For an analog consisting of two pieces, where one is inserted from above, the other from below, and which will be
attached to each other (e.g. for an analog that is fastened with a screw from below), the retention mesh should have
two open boundaries, one facing up and the other facing down.
For an analog that will be fastened by inserting a pin or screw laterally, there should be an additional boundary facing
sideways. There may be another boundary facing sideways (in the opposite direction) if that channel should extend to
both sides of the lab analog.

Alignment of Retention Mesh and Scan Abutment

Figure 4.1: Retention mesh and scan abutment in the same coordinate system

4.3.2 Con guration Options for Implants

Implant lab analogs are con gured in the implants-subdirectory of the Model Creator library. For each supplied lab analog
there is a subdirectory containing the con guration le (config.xml) and possibly further les referenced in the con guration le (i.e. the retention mesh le and optionally the lab analog le). For an explanation of the tags used in the following
example see Table 4.1.
The con guration le has the following structure:

MKTCG-001-1407

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelLabAnalogEntry ...>
<Supplier>ACME Dental Inc.</Supplier>
<DisplayInformation>ACME Implant</DisplayInformation>
<RetentionMeshType>
<ModelLabAnalogRetentionFile>retention-kx.stl</ModelLabAnalogRetentionFile>
</RetentionMeshType>
<CompatibleImplants>
<string>ACME : KX : default</string>
<string>The_Other_Company : * : *</string>
</CompatibleImplants>

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CG Model Creator
<ModelLabAnalogFile>labanalog-kx.stl</ModelLabAnalogFile>
<RotationalSymmetry>4</RotationalSymmetry>
</ModelLabAnalogEntry>

The meanings of the individual tags are explained in Table 4.1.

Tag

Meaning

ModelBuilderLibraryEntry

Root element

Supplier

Name of the supplier of this model type

DisplayInformation

This information is currently not used by Model Creator, but this may
change in the future. Therefore implant providers are encouraged to
properly ll in this information at this time already

RetentionMeshType

File name of the retention mesh

CompatibleImplants

Keywords of implant entries of the standard implant library that the

lab analog is compatible with. See Keywords of Implant Entries

ModelLabAnalogFile

File name of the optional lab analog mesh

RotationalSymmetry

De nes the allowed rotation, which will be available to the user while
either the M
S
or the P
M
D
dialog, depending on the chosen model type, is active. For possible
values and meanings, see Table 4.2. The default value is 1

Table 4.1: Explanation of the implant lab analog con guration le tags

Value

Meaning

n=0

Allows arbitrary rotations about the lab analogs z-axis

n>0

Allows rotations in steps of 360/n degrees about the lab analogs z-axis

n=1

No rotation allowed
Table 4.2: Values of RotationalSymmetry

Keywords of Implant Entries

MKTCG-001-1407

Each entry in the list of compatible implant types refers to either one single standard implant library entry or a group of
standard implant library entries that di er e.g. in numeration by using the ?' (matches exactly one character) or *'
(matches zero or more characters) character. An implant may be listed only in one single lab analog entry. It cannot be
referred to in more than one lab analog entry.
The keyword syntax is xy : yz
or
xy : yz : zx
implant type keyword. zx is the implant subtype keyword.

, where xy is the folder name of the implant and yz the

See the following example:

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CG Model Creator
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelLabAnalogEntry ...>
...
<CompatibleImplants>
<string>ACME : Implant1</string>
<string>ACME : A-Series : big_1</string>
<string>ACME : ?-Series : big</string>
...
<string>The_Other_Company : Implant1</string>
<string>The_Other_Company : Y-Series : *</string>
...
<string>Company_XY : *</string>
<string>Company_XY : * : *</string>
</CompatibleImplants>
</ModelLabAnalogEntry>

MKTCG-001-1407

See the following pages for the relating standard implant library entries.

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CG Model Creator

MKTCG-001-1407

Folder name: ACME

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ImplantLibraryEntry ...>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>Implant1</Keyword>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>A-Series</Keyword>
<SubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>big</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>small</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>big_1</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
</SubtypeConfig>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>B-Series</Keyword>
<SubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>big</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
</SubtypeConfig>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>C-Series</Keyword>
<SubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>big</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
</SubtypeConfig>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
</ImplantLibraryEntry>

Folder name: The_Other_Company

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ImplantLibraryEntry ...>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>Implant1</Keyword>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>Y-Series</Keyword>
<SubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X1</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X2</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X3</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
</SubtypeConfig>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
</ImplantLibraryEntry>

INFO
Note that with
Y-Series : *
all subtypes of Y-Series are
reserved for this lab analog. They
must not be listed in the
con guration le of any other lab
analog.

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CG Model Creator
Folder name: Company_XY
INFO
Note that
Company_XY : * : *
includes all implant types that
contain subtypes. To cover the
implant types without subtypes,
Company_XY : * needs to bee
added.

MKTCG-001-1407

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ImplantLibraryEntry ...>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>Implant1</Keyword>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>Implant2</Keyword>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>A-Series</Keyword>
<SubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X2</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X1</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
</SubtypeConfig>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
...
<TypeConfig>
<ImplantTypeConfig>
...
<Keyword>B-Series</Keyword>
<SubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X1</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<ImplantSubtypeConfig>
<keyword>X2</keyword>
...
</ImplantSubtypeConfig>
</SubtypeConfig>
</ImplantTypeConfig>
</TypeConfig>
</ImplantLibraryEntry>

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CG Model Creator

A Common Tasks
This chapter contains instructions for common tasks.

A.1 How to Make Hollow Models

Hollow models can be designed for both plate-type and plateless models. In order to make a hollow model, do the
following:
Step 1:

Open the config.xml le of your model type (in the library/modelcreator/plates subdirectory of your
DentalCAD installation folder).

Step 2:

Add a <ConstructionParamValues> entry for the ModelWallThickness parameter within the

<ConstructionParameters> section if it does not already exist.
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelBuilderLibraryEntry ...>
...
<ConstructionParameters>
...
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelWallThickness</Param>
<DefaultValue>2.0</DefaultValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
...
</ConstructionParameters>
...
</ModelBuilderLibraryEntry>

Step 3:

Set the desired default value of ModelWallThickness within the DefaultValue tag. If it is set to 0, the model
will be solid.

Step 4:

Optionally, the minimum and maximum allowed values can be speci ed:

MKTCG-001-1407

<?xml version="1.0"?>
...
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelWallThickness</Param>
<DefaultValue>2.0</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>1.0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>3.0</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
...

Step 5:

If you prefer the ModelWallThickness value to be invisible to the user, set MinValue and MaxValue to the
same value. The ModelWallThickness parameter will then be omitted from the S
tab within the
M
S
dialog for plate-type models and the C
M
P
section in the P
M
D
dialog for plateless models.

Step 6:

For a smoother surface within the hollow bottom cavity adjust the ModelWallMorphologicalClosureDiameter. A larger value will cause a smoother surface, a smaller value may cause small cavities to be
lled.

Step 7:

Save the le. Your changes will be applied the next time you start the so ware.

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CG Model Creator
A.2 How to Design a Plateless Model Without Holes
Models without holes will consist of a model base including the stumps as one element (no stump holes) and the stumps as
additional elements. In order to design a plateless model without holes, do the following:
Step 1:

Open the config.xml le of your model type (in the library/modelcreator/plates subdirectory of your
DentalCAD installation folder).

Step 2:

Add the <SpecialCaseNoStumpHolesType1> entry if it does not already exist.

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelBuilderLibraryEntry ...>
...
<SpecialCaseNoStumpHolesType1>true</SpecialCaseNoStumpHolesType1>
...
</ModelBuilderLibraryEntry>

Step 3:

Set the value to true.

Step 4:

Save the le. Your changes will be applied the next time you start the so ware.

A.3 How to Design Models With or Without Concavity Below the Preparation Margin
In order to set the ag for a concavity, do the following:
Step 1:

Open the config.xml le of your model type (in the library/modelcreator/plates subdirectory of your
DentalCAD installation folder).

Step 2:

Add the <ModelConcavity> entry if it does not already exist.

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelBuilderLibraryEntry ...>
...
<ConstructionParameters>
...
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelConcavity</Param>
<DefaultValue>0</DefaultValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
...
</ConstructionParameters>
...
</ModelBuilderLibraryEntry>

Step 3:

Set the value to 1 if Model Creator shall generate a concavity or to 0 if it shall not generate a concavity below a
preparation margin.

Step 4:

Optionally, the minimum and maximum allowed values can be speci ed:

MKTCG-001-1407

<?xml version="1.0"?>
...
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelConcavity</Param>
<DefaultValue>0</DefaultValue>
<MinValue>0</MinValue>
<MaxValue>1</MaxValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
...

Step 5:

If you prefer the ModelConcavity value to be invisible to the user, set MinValue and MaxValue to the

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CG Model Creator
same value. The ModelConcavity parameter will then be omitted from the S
M
S
dialog for plate-type models and the C
M
P
M
D
dialog for plateless models.
Step 6:

tab within the

section in the P

For an extrusion of the preparation margin above the concavity area adjust the ModelPreparationMarginExtrusion.
<?xml version="1.0"?>
...
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelPreparationMarginExtrusion</Param>
<DefaultValue>0.5</DefaultValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
...

Step 7:

Save the le. Your changes will be applied the next time you start the so ware.

A.4 How to Design a Model Containing a Support Pin

Support pins can be added to plateless models. In order to prede ne the construction parameters of the support pin for
your plateless model, do the following:
Step 1:

Open the config.xml le of your plateless model type (in the library/modelcreator/plates
subdirectory of your DentalCAD installation folder).

Step 2:

Add <ConstructionParamValues> entries for ModelSupportPinDiameter, ModelSupportPinLedgeHeight and ModelSupportPinBulgeHeight within the <ConstructionParameters> section and set the
desired values.
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ModelBuilderLibraryEntry ...>
...
<ConstructionParameters>
...
<ConstructionParamValues>
<Param>ModelSupportPinDiameter</Param>
<DefaultValue>5.0</DefaultValue>
</ConstructionParamValues>
...
</ConstructionParameters>
...
</ModelBuilderLibraryEntry>

Step 3:

Save the le. Your changes will be applied the next time you start the so ware.

A.5 How to Set the Colors of the Model Alignment Rotation Controls

MKTCG-001-1407

The rotation controls are displayed during the model alignment. In order to set their colors (distinguished by their rotation
axis), do the following:
Step 1:

Open the defaultcolors.xml le in the config subdirectory of your DentalCAD installation folder.

Step 2:

Find the <ColorDefinition> entries for ModelBuilder.RotationControlX, ModelBuilder.RotationControlY and ModelBuilder.RotationControlZ:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ArrayOfColorDefinition ...>
...

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CG Model Creator
<ColorDefinition>
<Type>ModelBuilder.RotationControlX</Type>
<Color>#00FF00</Color>
</ColorDefinition>
...
</ArrayOfColorDefinition>

Set the color for each desired rotation control as an RGB value within the <Color> tag
(i.e. <Color>#0000FF</Color>).

Step 4:

Save the le. Your changes will be applied the next time you start the so ware.

MKTCG-001-1407

Step 3:

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CG Model Creator

B Common Problems
This chapter gives information concerning common problems.

B.1 Common Mistakes During Pins Design

For a good result, it is essential that the pins mesh satis es the requirements stated in 2.5.1.

Pin with tangential intersection

This picture shows a pin that touches the base plate mesh
tangentially. The pin should intersect the base plate and
the intersection should result in a distinct edge.
IMPORTANT:
This is an example of how not to design the pins mesh!
Do not use a pins mesh designed as shown!

B.2 Common Mistakes During Base Plate Design

For a good result, it is essential that the base plate mesh satis es the requirements stated in 2.5.1.

Mesh with unacceptable edge length

This picture shows a mesh with unacceptable
triangulation. The mesh should have an edge length of
between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm.
IMPORTANT:
This is an example of how not to design a base plate!
Do not use a base plate designed as shown!

Mesh including palatinal area

MKTCG-001-1407

This picture shows the mesh of a base plate that includes

the palatinal area. As Model Creator generates model
geometry above the complete base plate mesh, the mesh
should not include the palatinal area.
IMPORTANT:
This is an example of how not to design a base plate!
Do not use a base plate designed as shown!

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CG Model Creator
Mesh including parts of palatinal area
This picture shows the mesh of a base plate that includes
parts of the palatinal area. As Model Creator generates
model geometry above the complete base plate mesh, the
mesh should not include parts of the palatinal area.
IMPORTANT:
This is an example of how not to design a base plate!
Do not use a base plate designed as shown!

Base plate as solid body

This picture shows the mesh of a base plate as a solid body. The base plate should have no
thickness but be a perfectly at mesh.
It does not help to reduce the thickness to almost 0.

IMPORTANT:
This is an example of how not to design a base plate!
Do not use a base plate designed as shown!

B.2.1 Why does my plate-type model come out bogus?

Most likely you did not strictly follow the rules stated in 2.5.1 see also B.2.

B.2.2 Why does a cut on one side of the jaw extend all the way to the other side?

MKTCG-001-1407

A cut will end whenever it reaches the boundary of the base plate. Thus if you have included the palatinal area (see B.2), your
cuts probably will not turn out as expected.

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