Comparison of DMLS and DMLS-waste assisted investment casting

Abstract

• Mechanical, dimensional features of DMLS, and DMLS-waste-assisted IC. • IC is cost-effective and has better mechanical properties than DMLS parts. • From dimensional tolerance viewpoint, both processes are acceptable. • Corrosion rate for DMLS parts is better controlled than the IC parts. This study compares the mechanical, dimensional, and biocompatibility features of canine dental crowns (DC) fabricated by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and DMLS-waste-assisted investment casting (IC) by using two different alloys (17–4 precipitate hardened (PH) stainless steel (SS) and Inconel 625). The support (as waste) of DMLS printed DC was collected and used after re-melting for the IC. This study suggests that IC is cost-effective (as it accommodates DMLS waste), and has better mechanical properties than DMLS parts. From biocompatibility and dimensional tolerance viewpoint, both processes are acceptable for DC. However, the DMLS fabricated parts have shown better results.