Penetration depth into dental casting alloys by Nd:YAG laser

This study investigated the effect of laser-beam welding conditions [voltage (V) and spot diameter (mm)] on the penetration depth into dental casting alloys. Castings (3.0 mm x 8.0 mm x 50 mm) were prepared from the metals used in this study: commercially pure titanium (CP Ti), Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-7Nb, cobalt-chromium alloy (Co-Cr) and Type IV gold alloy. Two cast blocks of each metal were butted against one another at the 8.0 X 50-mm surfaces. They were then welded at their interface under the following conditions: voltage of 160-340 V, spot diameter of 0.4-1.6 mm, and pulse duration of 10 ms. After laser welding, the blocks were separated, and the penetration depth into each alloy was measured. The data were analyzed with the use of ANOVA at the p < 0.05 level of significance. The penetration depths were as follows: CP Ti (0.29-6.45 mm), Ti-6Al-4V (0.32-5.24 mm), Ti-6Al-7Nb (0.34-5.65 mm), Co-Cr (0.24-6.15 mm), and Type IV gold alloy (0.12-5.22 mm). The voltage and spot diameter affected the penetration depth into the metals tested. When the voltage increased and the spot diameter decreased, the penetration depth increased for each metal. Selecting suitable conditions for laser welding to obtain sufficient penetration depth for the optimal thickness of the metal is important when welding prostheses. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.