MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT OF METAL STRUCTURES OF DENTAL PROSTHESES WELDED VIA VARIOUS TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the mechanical strength of metal frameworks for fixed partial prostheses, made of Co-Cr alloy. Subsequently, the obtained structures were sectioned at the areas of interest and welded using two technological processes: laser and plasma. The mechanical tests were conducted using the Mecmesin MultiTest 5-i device. Following the mechanical tests, it was observed that the control samples did not fracture but yielded through deformation. The samples welded with laser fractured, while those welded with plasma fractured at a much lower value. The success of welding depends on the joint surface, absence of sharp angles, ideal surface preparation, avoidance of inclusions and discontinuities, and avoiding a reduced cross-sectional area. The mechanical strength of welded joints influences the longevity of a repair of the metallic component of a prosthesis. Statistical analyses confirm that repairing metal frameworks for fixed prosthetic restorations using laser represents a viable option, even though the samples fractured under high mechanical loads.

Keywords

• welding technology
• laser welding
• plasma welding
• mechanical strength