TITLE:
The Effect of Argon Inert Gas on the Laser Welding Quality of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr Base Metal Alloys
AUTHORS:
Efthymia Sklavou, Nikolas Poulis, Anthony Prombonas, Athanasio H. Karampotsos
KEYWORDS:
Laser Welding, Co-Cr Alloys, Ni-Cr Alloys, Mechanical Properties, Argon, No Argon Environment
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.14 No.12,
December
28,
2021
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research was to study the effect of Argon inert gas on the laser welding quality of Co-Cr and Ni-Cr base metal alloys, which are widely used as Fixed Prosthodontics alloys in Dental Laboratories. A total of 36 specimens were manufactured (18 of Ni-Cr alloy and 18 of Co-Cr alloy). The specimens were then divided into 3 subgroups (6 specimens each): control; argon-welded; and non-Argon welded. The specimens were cut, laser welded, radiographed and finally tested under tensile strength testing, followed by examination using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The tensile strength of welded specimens was lower than the strength of non-welded specimens, however this difference was not found to be statistically significant. The material factor (Co-Cr alloy or Ni-Cr alloy) has a statistically significant effect on the tensile strength, while the presence or not of the inert gas, as well as the combination of the two factors do not have a statistically significant effect. The laser welding process applied in daily practice (separation of specimen, formation of two cones in contact, aggregation of two cones, filling of the remaining gap by welding) is considered satisfactory in terms of weld strength. The factor of the material, as an independent factor, affects the tensile strength to a statistically significant degree, in contrast to the factor of the presence of inert gas which does not affect to a statistically significant degree.