DENTAL ALLOY JOINING

Dental Alloy Joining

Metal-joining operations are usually
divided into three categories;

Brazing
Soldering
Welding

Dental Alloy Joining

The primary difference between
soldering and brazing is that brazing
requires a heating temperature above
450C but below the solidus
temperature of the metal components
being joined. Both soldering and
brazing require a filler metal usually
called a solder.
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Dental Alloy Joining

Soldering operations are done below
450C and Brazing operations are
done above 450C

Dental Alloy Joining

For some unknown reason in dentistry
the term soldering is used to describe
the joining of metal components using
a filler metal. This is technically
incorrect as all metal joining in
dentistry is generally done above
450C which is the process of
brazing.
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Dental Alloy Joining

So we too will use this term soldering to
describe the process of joining metal
components together.

Dental Alloy Joining

The difference between soldering
(brazing) and welding is that welding
may not require a solder, the metal
surfaces to be joined are fused locally.
Welding is also generally done at higher
temperatures than soldering and
generally involves the melting of one or
more of the surfaces being joined. If
solder is used, its melting point is similar
to that of the metal being joined.
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SOLDERING

Soldering
Soldering can be used for two
purposes:

Joining as in the fabrication of a fixed

partial denture, where different
components are cast individually and
then joined together.

Soldering
Building to build up regions of metal
restorations where the dimensions
should be increased, such as for
missing proximal contact areas.
Some casting defects can be
corrected with soldering.

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PROCESS OF SOLDERING

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Process of Soldering
The action of solder on the surface of a
metal or alloy is to form a continuous
metal structure in which there is
metal crystal grain growth between
the solder and the alloy.
There is the formation of strong
intermetallic bonds.
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Process of Soldering
Bonding is contingent on wetting of the
joined surfaces by the solder, and not
on melting of the metal components.
When a solder joint is done properly,
there should be no fusion or
alteration of the two components
being joined.
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IDEAL PROPERTIES OF A
DENTAL SOLDER

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Ideal Properties of a Dental

Solder
Lower fusing 50C-100C lower than

melting point of the components, so

as to prevent the distortion and
melting

Free-flowing Silver tends to help the

solder adhere and flow freely to

dental gold alloys. Solders with a
higher melting temperature have a
lower surface tension and flow more
easily through narrow gaps
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Ideal Properties of a Dental

Solder
Strong should be as strong as the
components being melted

Corrosion resistant, so as to prevent

tarnishing and discolouration

Non-pitting more pitting occurs when

there is an increased amount of base
metal in the solder
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Ideal Properties of a Dental

Solder
Same colour the colour of the solder
should match that of the alloy
Solder must be compatible with the
oxide-free parent metal, but it does
not necessarily have a similar
composition

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HEATING SOURCE FOR

SOLDERING

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Heating Source for Soldering

Torch flame: the same gas/air
combination used for casting
dental alloys

Furnace: this is generally done in a

porcelain firing furnace but a casting
furnace may also be used. Less heat
is lost to other parts of the restoration
frame work or the ambient
atmosphere when using a furnace. 19

SOLDERING INVESTMENT

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Soldering Investment
Soldering investment is used as a
master cast to assemble the parts of
a metal frame work and hold them in
place. It can also be used to protect
very thin areas of the metal
restoration, such as fine metal
margins.

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Soldering Investment
Soldering investments should not
expand as much as casting
investments

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PRINCIPLES OF
SOLDERING

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Principles of Soldering
The aim of soldering is to form a good
adhesive bond; however this is not
possible if oxides are allowed to form
on the surface of the alloys prior to
soldering. If soldering is carried out
correctly it will be the outer layer of
the crystal grains, which are
changed, and not the total structure.
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Principles of Soldering
For soldering to be successful basic
practical steps should be followed:
Ensure the surface of the alloy is free
from dirt and oxides
Place the components as close
together as possible without touching
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Principles of Soldering
If using soldering investment use the
smallest amount possible
Place anti-flux over the alloy where
solder is not required
Place flux in the joint to be soldered

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Principles of Soldering
Select a suitable solder which melts
50C-100C below the melting point of
the components
Heat the components evenly by either
using the reducing zone of the flame
or a furnace

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Principles of Soldering
When evenly cherry red apply the
solder if not already present
Do not remove the heat before the
solder is applied or melted, as oxides
will form on the surface of the alloy
and soldering will fail

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Principles of Soldering

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LASER WELDING

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Laser Welding
A laser generates a coherent, high
intensity pulse of light that can be
focused. By selecting the duration
and intensity of the pulse, metals can
be melted in a small region without
extensive microstructural damage to
the surrounding areas.
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Laser Welding
In laser welding, the beam is focused at
the joint to melt the opposing
surfaces. Due to the expansion from
the locally high temperature and the
change of state, the two liquid
surfaces contact and form a weld on
solidification.
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