Open-cast technique for metal molds used in constructing facial prostheses

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Dental Technology
• Manufacturing Engineering

Background:

• Traditional lost wax techniques for metal mold fabrication are time-consuming and material-intensive.
• Existing methods often require specialized equipment and multiple processing steps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simplified and more efficient open-cast technique for metal mold fabrication.
• To compare the advantages and disadvantages of the new technique against the conventional lost wax method.

Main Methods:

• Utilized gummed asbestos tape as a boxing agent for investment models.
• Developed an open-cast fabrication process for metal molds.
• Employed Lino-type metal for casting larger prostheses.

Main Results:

• The open-cast technique requires approximately 25% of the investment material used in lost wax methods.
• Eliminated the need for investing rings and wax patterns, streamlining the process.
• Reduced overall fabrication time by eliminating the wax pattern boil-out step.
• Provided a high degree of visibility during the fabrication process.

Conclusions:

• The presented open-cast technique offers significant advantages in terms of material efficiency, time savings, and process simplicity.
• This method leads to more efficient utilization of laboratory time and personnel.
• Despite the weight of Lino-type metal for larger prostheses, its casting properties and oven compatibility make the technique viable.