Effects of Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties of two Nickel-Chromium-Based Casting Alloys

Mechanical and heat treatment characteristics of two nickel-chromium-based dental casting alloys were investigated. Both alloys showed rapid response to heat treatment. In their softened state the alloys lost 25 to 50% of their as-cast hardness. Elongation was 20 to 45%. Rehardening nearly restored as-cast strength, whereas elongation values remained at 10 to 17%.