Effects of joint configuration for the arc welding of cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy rods in argon.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Titanium and its alloys are more commonly used in prosthodontics and welding has become the most common modality for their joining. Studies on the welding of titanium and its alloys have not quantified this value, though its importance has been suggested.

PURPOSE

This study compared the strength and properties of the joint achieved at various butt joint gaps by the arc-welding of cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy tensile bars in an argon atmosphere.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty of 50 specimens were sectioned and welded at four gaps. All specimens underwent tensile testing to determine ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation, then oxygen analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

As no more than 3 samples in any group of 10 actually fractured in the weld itself, a secondary analysis that involved fracture location was initiated. There were no differences in ultimate tensile strength or percentage elongation between specimens with weld gaps of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mm and the as-cast specimens. There were no differences in ultimate tensile strength between specimens fracturing in the weld and those fracturing in the gauge in welded specimens; however, as-cast specimens demonstrated a higher ultimate tensile strength than welded specimens that fractured in the weld. Specimens that fractured in the weld site demonstrated less ductility than those that fractured in the gauge in both welded and as-cast specimens, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy examination. The weld wire showed an oxygen scavenging effect from the as-cast parent alloy.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of the joint gap were not significant, whereas the characteristics of the joint itself were, which displayed slightly lower strength and significantly lower ductility (and thus decreased toughness). The arc-welding of cast titanium alloy in argon atmosphere appears to be a reliable and efficient prosthodontic laboratory modality producing predictable results, although titanium casting and joining procedures must be closely controlled to minimize heat effects and oxygen contamination.