Clasp fabrication using one-process molding by repeated laser sintering and high-speed milling

Abstract Purpose A single machine platform that integrates repeated laser sintering and high-speed milling for one-process molding has been developed. Methods The Akers clasp was designed using the CAD system (DWOS Partial Frameworks, Dental Wings) and fabricated using repeated laser sintering and a high-speed milling machine (LUMEX Advance-25, Matsuura) with 50-μm Co–Cr particles (CAM clasp). As controls, cast clasps of the same forms were also prepared using conventional casting methods with a Co–Cr alloy and CP titanium Grade 3. After the surface roughness was measured, the gap distance between the clasps and the tooth die was assessed using the silicone film method. The initial retentive force and changes in retention up to 10,000 cycles were also measured. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test (α=0.05). Results CAM clasps exhibited significantly smoother surfaces than those of cast Co–Cr and CP Ti clasps ( p p p Conclusions The CAM clasp made by repeated laser sintering and high-speed milling can be used effectively as an RPD component.