Castability evaluation and effect of recasting of ceramo-metal alloys

This study was conducted to assess the castability of four ceramo-metal alloys including three base metal alloys (nickel-chromium, cobalt-chromium, and titanium) as well as a gold alloy as control. The mesh test pattern was used to produce a total of 20 cast samples, five for each. The percent castability value was calculated by counting complete segments of a cast alloy grid. Effect of recasting on the castability was evaluated using fresh and cast alloys in the ratio of 50:50, cast into the mesh design. Results revealed a superior percent castability values for gold alloy with comparable results produced by the Ni-Cr alloy while Titanium alloy displayed the least values. Recasting elicited a significant decrease in castability for Titanium alloy whereas other investigated alloy systems were not significantly affected. Laboratory castability evaluation is a valuable tool for both selecting and using dental materials for producing cast restorations.