Duration of induction melting of cobalt-chromium alloy and its effect on resistance to deflection fatigue of cast denture clasps.

This study determined the effect of various durations of induction melting of a cobalt-chromium alloy on resistance to deflection fatigue. Commercial cobalt-chromium alloy was melted by high-frequency induction for various lengths of time before it was cast into the shape of a denture clasp. The test method used was a constant-deflection fatigue test. The fatigue fracture surface of the clasp was examined with a scanning electron microscope, and the surface hardness (Vickers hardness) of the clasps was measured. In clasps with greater fatigue resistance scanning electron microscope photomicrographs revealed a coarse grain structure. The surface hardness of the alloy was least in the group with the lowest fatigue resistance and was higher in groups with greater fatigue resistance. This study suggests that, although some porosities are formed in the middle of the clasps after the alloy is overheated, the fatigue resistance of cobalt-chromium alloy denture clasps can be increased by lengthening the induction melting period of the alloy.