Partial dentures by centrifugal casting assisted by additive manufacturing

This research work focuses on preparation of partial dentures (as functional prototypes) by additive manufacturing (AM)-assisted centrifugal casting (CC). The master pattern for partial dentures was prepared on fused deposition modelling (FDM) set-up (established by AM technique at low cost). The final dentures as functional prototypes were prepared with a nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr)-based alloy by varying different proportions of Ni% (N) by weight %. The other input parameters were powder to water P/W ratio (W) and pH value (H) of water used for mixing the investment. The samples prepared were ascertained for dimensional deviation (d), surface finish (R-a) and micro-hardness (HV) as output parameters. Finally, multifactor optimization has been applied on output parameters of functional prototypes prepared. This study highlights that partial denture prepared with W-100/15, H-7 and N-61% gives overall better results from mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy viewpoint. The results are also supported by photo-micrographic analysis.