Metal alloys in the dental laboratory:
Precision and expertise for individually adapted processing.
Metal alloys in the dental laboratory:
Precision and expertise for individually adapted processing.
The processing of metallic alloys is often part of day-to-day work in dental laboratories and represents a fascinating mixture of craftsmanship and technology. Metallic objects may be cast, CAD/CAM-milled or printed using the SLM process, but manual finishing is always necessary.
Working with metal alloys – whether precious metals, non-precious metals or titanium – requires a high degree of precision and expertise. Each alloy has its own properties and has to be processed accordingly.
Heavy metal: Although work on metal can be demanding, it can be done efficiently with the right tools. Modern rotary tools enable precise and efficient machining of metal alloys.
Komet’s cutters for alloys, such as SHAX, high-performance cutter made of tungsten carbide, are designed to enable targeted material removal while leaving a smooth surface.
Effective work on precious metals: UM toothing for precision and durability
Work on restorations made of precious metal alloys has to be carried out in a gentle, yet effective way in order to create a fine surface finish. Cutters with UM toothing combine three different types of toothing in one instrument.
The blade geometry runs smoothly and puts less strain on the user’s wrist, so that there is no fatigue even after a long working day. The sharp, shadow-free blades made of fine-grained, high-density tungsten carbide ensure a long tool life.
There is a multitude of geometries to choose from, so that everyone will find their favorite cutter for finishing precious-metal alloy restorations.
SHAX: Revolutionary work on non-precious metal alloys for perfect results
Non-precious metal alloys require special tools. This is where NEX cutters, the specialists for difficult-to-machine alloys, come in handy. An innovative alternative is the latest development from Komet: SHAX!
This tungsten carbide cutter for non-precious metals stands for easy-cutting and aggressive, yet smooth and economical work. SHAX creates perfectly smooth surfaces that facilitate further processing. The cutter combines two advantages:
Firstly, its powerful “bite” ensures a surprisingly high substance removal rate and secondly, SHAX leaves behind incredibly smooth surfaces. Its patented blade geometry where every tooth has a different height and depth is completely new. This also makes the SHAX ideal for finishing model cast frameworks.
The instrument not only removes a vast amount of material but creates a smooth, easy-to-polish surface at the same time.
GTi cutters: Special tools for efficient and precise work on titanium
Titanium requires a cutter that can do a rough job. The toughness of the material and the low modulus of elasticity lead to increased heat generation during machining.
GTi cutters are specially designed for processing titanium – with a small number of blades and coarse staggered toothing for high material removal rates and a longer service life. The cutters are available in various shapes and geometries for different requirements
Polishing as part of work on metal: For long-lasting restorations with a glossy finish
Polishing is also an important step in metalworking. A sound polish not only ensures brilliant results, but also contributes to the longevity of the restoration. A highly polished surface is more resistant to deposits and makes cleaning easier. A polished surface is significantly less prone to bacterial adhesion and plaque accumulation. To achieve this excellent surface quality, special instruments are used for metal polishing. There are different tools for polishing depending on the material – precious metal, non-precious metal, model casting or titanium.
A wide variety of polishers are available for pre-polishing, polishing and high-gloss polishing, which can be selected according to requirements and the material to be polished. The correct use of these tools is crucial for the result: excessive heat generation, which could damage the material, is effectively avoided by adhering to the recommended torque.
