Comparison of DMLS and DMLS-waste assisted investment casting

This study compares the mechanical, dimensional, and biocompatibility features of canine dental crowns (DC) fabricated by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and DMLS-waste-assisted investment casting (IC) by using two different alloys (17-4 precipitate hardened (PH) stainless steel (SS) and Inconel 625). The support (as waste) of DMLS printed DC was collected and used after re-melting for the IC. This study suggests that IC is cost-effective (as it accommodates DMLS waste), and has better mechanical properties than DMLS parts. From biocompatibility and dimensional tolerance viewpoint, both processes are acceptable for DC. However, the DMLS fabricated parts have shown better results.