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Laser welding of titanium in dentistry.
G Sjögren1, M Andersson, M Bergman
1Department of Dental Materials and Technology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Umeå, Sweden.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Laser welding of titanium (ASTM B 348 grades 1 and 2) offers superior mechanical properties for dental prosthetics compared to brazed gold alloys. This method ensures ductile fracture, enhancing implant superstructure durability and performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Unalloyed titanium is utilized in dental prosthetic superstructures, crowns, and bridges.
- Titanium's suitability for osseointegrated implants (Brånemark method) is established.
- Conventional dental prosthetics often employ type-3 gold alloys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mechanical properties of laser-welded unalloyed titanium.
- To compare laser-welded titanium with as-delivered titanium and brazed gold alloy.
- To determine the effect of laser joint variables on titanium's mechanical performance.
Main Methods:
- Laser welding of 40 titanium bars (8 ASTM B 348 grade-1, 32 ASTM B 348 grade-2) using varied joint parameters.
- Measurement of tensile strength, 0.2% proof stress, and percentage elongation.
- Fractographic analysis to evaluate fracture types.
Main Results:
- Specific laser joint variables yielded more favorable mechanical properties than brazed gold bars.
- Laser-welded titanium exhibited superior tensile strength, proof stress, and elongation.
- Fracture analysis revealed ductile behavior with dimples on titanium specimens.
Conclusions:
- Optimized laser welding parameters enhance the mechanical properties of titanium for dental applications.
- Laser-welded titanium presents a viable alternative to gold alloys in prosthetic dentistry.
- The ductile fracture characteristics of titanium indicate good performance in implant-supported restorations.