Grindability of alpha-case formed on cast titanium

Dent Mater J. 2009 Sep;28(5):587-94. doi: 10.4012/dmj.28.587.

Abstract

The hardened alpha-case (alpha-case) layer inevitably forms on the surface of titanium castings when prepared by investment casting. Because the hardness of the alpha-case is incomparable to that of the interior structure, the perception exists that the alpha-case is difficult to remove during cutting, grinding and polishing. Grindability (ease of grinding) of cast cpTi and cast Ti-6Al-4V was evaluated by grinding cast specimens incrementally using a SiC abrasive wheel. The present study revealed that the presence of the brittle alpha-case with lower fracture toughness is beneficial in grinding titanium. The alpha-case on the ductile cpTi can be ground much easier than its bulk interior structure. In less ductile Ti-6Al-4V, the grinding rate is much higher than that of cpTi, and the alpha-case and its interior structure are at similar levels since the fracture toughness of its alpha-case and the bulk material is not large enough.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alloys
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Dental Alloys*
  • Dental Casting Technique*
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Polishing / methods*
  • Dental Prosthesis Design / methods*
  • Electrons
  • Metallurgy / methods
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surface Properties
  • Time Factors
  • Titanium*

Substances

  • Alloys
  • Dental Alloys
  • Dental Materials
  • titanium alloy (TiAl6V4)
  • Titanium