Xenodimitropoulou G, Radford D R
Division of Prosthetic Dentistry, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' Dental Institute, University of London, United Kingdom.
Int J Prosthodont. 1998 Nov-Dec;11(6):565-73.
To investigate the performance of different rotary instruments when machining cobalt-chromium alloy.
One tungsten carbide bur, 1 diamond bur, and 2 aluminum oxide abrasive points (pink stones) of different diameter were used to machine cobalt-chromium alloy under standardized conditions. The rate of metal removal was determined and the resulting surfaces and bur wear were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis.
Although the larger diameter pink stone was shown to be the most efficient instrument, the tungsten carbide bur produced the smoothest surface.
Because of its low cost and high cutting efficiency the pink stone is well suited for laboratory use. The tungsten carbide bur is the preferred instrument for clinical use.
