Dental casting of titanium and Ni-Ti alloys by a new casting machine.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a new casting machine for titanium and Ni-Ti alloys. Properties of cast pure titanium and Ni-Ti alloys were studied by means of the tensile and casting tests. As gas in the mold was removed by the mold being heated under a high vacuum, the reaction between the molten metal and the mold decreased. The new control system and the two types of crucibles developed proved very useful for prevention of internal macro-defects in castings and for improvement of castability. Mechanical properties and castability of pure titanium were improved. Ni-Ti alloys could be cast without loss of their shape-memory effect or super-elasticity characteristics. The new casting machine is thought to be promising for the casting of titanium and Ni-Ti alloys. Furthermore, we can cast these alloys using conventional techniques and investments.