Investigation of the Best Manufacturing Orientation of Co-Cr-W-Si Dental Prosthetic Elements in the Selective Laser Melting Process

Abstract

: It is well known that Selective Laser Melting (SLM) does not provide the same mechanical properties in all directions of the part. This is due to the microstructural grain orientation and pore shape in SLM products. Therefore, depending on the direction of the pressure applied to the SLM product, a different manufacturing orientation is required to achieve the best mechanical properties. Changing the microstructural grain orientation is difficult through SLM, but a process to reduce the size and number of the pores can be discovered through different combinations of manufacturing parameters. In prosthodontics, pressure is usually applied in the vertical direction, which leads to compression and bending of crowns with bridges. The compressive load can be easily absorbed in the crowns, but the bending force has a significant effect here. Therefore, a product with high tensile strength and high ductility is needed to survive longer. Considering these requirements, this study determined the best parameters for laser processing by SLM method to reduce porosity and improve mechanical strength and ductility of Co-Cr-W-Si alloy products. The result is a relative product density of 100% for cubic specimens and a yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation at break of the tensile specimens of 900 MPa, 1200 MPa, and 15%, respectively, obtained in specimen build-up in the Z direction with a laser power of 60 W and a scanning speed of 450 mm/s. Eventually, the best orientation for the production of dental prosthetic elements using the SLM process was