Comparison of the bond strength of ceramics to Co-Cr alloys made by casting and selective laser melting

PURPOSE. Considering the importance of metal-ceramic bond, the present study aimed to compare the bond strength of ceramics to cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) alloys made by casting and selective laser melting (SLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this in-vitro experimental study, two sample groups were prepared, with one group comprising of 10 Co-Cr metal frameworks fabricated by SLM method and the other of 10 Co-Cr metal frameworks fabricated by lost wax cast method with the dimensions of $0.5{\times}3{\times}25\;mm$ (following ISO standard 9693). Porcelain with the thickness of 1.1 mm was applied on a $3{\times}8-mm$ central rectangular area of each sample. Afterwards, bond strengths of the samples were assessed with a Universal Testing Machine. Statistical analysis was performed with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and T-test. RESULTS. Bond strength in the conventionally cast group equaled $74.94{\times}16.06\;MPa$, while in SLM group, it equaled $69.02{\times}5.77\;MPa$. The difference was not statistically significant ($P{\leq}.05$). CONCLUSION. The results indicated that the bond strengths between ceramic and Co-Cr alloys made by casting and SLM methods were not statistically different.