A CAD/CAM system for the production of metal copings for porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations.

A computer-aided design and manufacture system for the production of metal copings for porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations is described and evaluated. The three stages of production: digitizing, mathematical processing, and milling are described, with emphasis on the system's ability to produce metal copings for both single-unit and multiple-unit restorations. Evaluation of the marginal fit of the produced copings demonstrates the potential for clinically acceptable results.