Selective laser melting (SLM) of pure gold for manufacturing dental crowns

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the application aspect of the work to manufacturing premolar and molar dental crowns by selective laser melting (SLM) of pure gold. Over the years different metals have been processed using laser-based Additive Manufacturing processes, but very little work has been published on the SLM of gold (Au). Previously published work presented suitable processing parameters for SLM of pure gold.

Design/methodology/approach

Suitable processing parameters were used to manufacture premolar and molar dental crowns using SLM system. Different layer thickness was used to analyse the effect on surface quality of crowns. Mechanical properties are checked using nanoindentation and micro Computerized Tomography scanning.

Findings

Dental crowns were successfully manufacturing using new build platform and suitable processing parameters. Parts were manufacturing using minimal supports which prevented parts from damaging during removal. A bed temperature of 100°C was found suitable for reducing warpage in the layers. Layer thickness of 50μm was found to have better surface quality and structural integrity as compared to 75μm. Porosity was found to be predominantly inter-layer. Small difference in mechanical properties of dental crowns is associated with the laser processing.

Originality/value

This research is the first of its kind which presents dental crown manufacturing using SLM of pure gold.

Citation

Khan, M. and Dickens, P. (2014), "Selective laser melting (SLM) of pure gold for manufacturing dental crowns", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 471-479. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-03-2013-0034