Castability optimization of palladium based alloys

Poor or inconsistent castability often necessitates costly laboratory remakes of cast restorations. This study investigated the effects of burnout temperature and alloy investment compatibility on the castability of selected alloys. In part A nine alloy investment combinations were compared. In part B two alloy-investment combinations at four burnout temperatures were evaluated. Differences in investment, alloy, and/or burnout temperature significantly affected castability. Castability with a poorer casting investment improved with a hotter propane/oxygen fuel source compared with natural (city) gas/oxygen.