Precision meets efficiency in implant production
Find out how manufacturers of dental implants are almost doubling their production volumes - and at the same time taking surface quality to a whole new level.
Properties of dental implants
Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium. The inner cone plays a decisive role here: it ensures an exact and stable connection between the dental implant and the implant abutment. However, a tight, resilient fit can only be guaranteed with the highest precision and perfect surface quality.
Challenges with the processing of titanium
These dental components are manufactured on swiss-type automatic lathes. The machining of titanium poses a particular challenge. Its low thermal conductivity leads to high cutting temperatures and the heat generated is primarily dissipated into the tool instead of the chip. In addition, the stickiness of titanium favors built-up edges, while long, tough chips make machining even more difficult. The high abrasion also accelerates the wear of the micro-tools.
Consequences
Unfavorably designed tools promote work hardening of titanium, which leads to rapid blunting and shortened tool life. The abrasive properties of the material accelerate tool wear, while material build-up on the cutting edge worsens the surface quality - with possible scoring, scratches or dimensional deviations. High temperatures during machining can also cause rejects. Tool breakages or strong tool vibrations, for example at the transition from the internal cone to the internal hexagon, are particularly critical.
Solution
Through decades of cooperation with leading dental companies, IFANGER has developed the Swiss-MicroTurn MTEE 42504-R-TiAlN specifically for taper machining. The tool impresses with its outstanding robustness and cutting ability, resulting in precise tapers and excellent surfaces.
Comparison with competitor products: While internal turning tools have to be replaced after 2,000 implants at the latest (for titanium grade 4), the Swiss-MicroTurn MTEE 42504-R reliably machines 3,800 parts, i.e. almost twice as many. It delivers superior surface quality and dimensional accuracy right up to the last implant. Titanium grade 5 can also be machined rationally and efficiently, especially with an active chip breaking cycle.
