• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.91-104
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• 2024

PURPOSE. The objectives of the current study were to estimate the influence of self-reinforced hollow structures with a graded density on the dimensional accuracy, weight, and mechanical properties of Co-Cr objects printed with the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty-five dog-bone samples were manufactured to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of printing, weight, and tensile properties of DMLS printed Co-Cr. They were divided into Group 1 (control) (n = 5), Group 2, 3, and 4 with incorporated hollow structures based on (spherical, elliptical, and diamond) shapes; they were subdivided into subgroups (n = 5) according to the volumetric reduction (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). Radiographic imaging and microscopic analysis of the fractographs were conducted to validate the created geometries; the dimensional accuracy, weight, yield tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were calculated. The data were estimated by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's tests at P < .05. RESULTS. The accuracy test showed an insignificant difference in the x, y, z directions in all printed groups. The weight was significantly reduced proportionally to the reduced volume fraction. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the control group and Group 2 at 10% volume reduction were comparable and significantly higher than the other subgroups. CONCLUSION. The printing accuracy was not affected by the presence or type of the hollow geometry. The weight of Group 2 at 10% reduction was significantly lower than that of the control group. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the Group 2 at a 10% reduction showed means equivalent to the compact objects and were significantly higher than other subgroups.