Prosthetic Elements Made of the Ti-13Zr-13Nb Alloy by Selective Laser Melting

Abstract

The fabrication of the prosthetic foundations and bridges from the Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy is described. The process was started from CAD/CAM design of 3D models of the foundations based on scanning of patient`s mouth. Next, 3D models were transformed into *.stl files for the manufacturing stage and then the manufacturing process by means of the selective laser melting with the SLM Realizer 100 equipment was made. The intrinsic structure of the obtained parts was investigated with X-ray microtomography. The observed imperfections in the foundation's internal structure can be eliminated by a proper setting of the laser melting process. The thermal stresses, which resulted of the temperature change during melting and caused the bending of titanium made bridges, were eliminated at a design stage.