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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the Procera pressed-powder
method can be used to fabricate titanium copings. Materials and Methods: Commercially
pure titanium powder was used to prepare the copings. The powder was pressed onto an
enlarged tooth preparation die of aluminum using cold isostatic pressing. The outer shape
of the coping was formed using a Procera milling machine, and the copings were vacuum
sintered. Results: Titanium copings could be prepared using this method. The density of
the sintered copings reached 97% to 99%+ of theoretic density, and the copings showed
ductile behavior after sintering. Enlarging the tooth preparation die to compensate for the
sintering shrinkage could optimize the final size of the copings. Conclusion: Ductile and
dense titanium dental copings can be produced with powder-metal processing using cold
isostatic pressing, followed by milling and sintering to final shape. The forming technique
has, if properly optimized, a potential of becoming a more cost-efficient production
method than spark erosion. Int J Prosthodont 2004;17:11–16.
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