Effect of mold temperature on the mechanical durability of titanium casting clasp model

Abstract

Titanium is widely used in dental applications. This study investigated the effects of casting conditions on the mechanical characteristics of cast titanium, with a special focus on mold temperature. As such, the mechanical characteristics of specimens prepared at various mold temperatures of 23, 200, 400, 600 and 800 degrees C were compared. On tensile strength, a significant decrease was observed at mold temperatures above 400 degrees C as well as an increase in the scattering of the measured values at higher mold temperatures. On the durability of cast titanium which was assessed by simulating the actual clasp movement during cyclic flexural test, it was found to decrease as the mold temperature increased. When compared with Type 4 dental gold alloy, titanium which was cast at room temperature exhibited equivalent or better durability. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to perform casting at lower mold temperatures in order to produce highly fatigue-proof cast titanium clasps.