Effect of boronizing on the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of CoCrW dental alloy produced by selective laser melting

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effects of boriding on the structural, mechanical and tribological properties of CoCrW dental alloy manufactured by the method of selective laser melting. Design/methodology/approach In this study, CoCrW alloy samples that are used in dentistry were manufactured by the method of laser melting, and boriding treatment was made on the samples at 900 degrees C and 1,000 degrees C for 1, 4 and 8 h. The structural, mechanical and tribological effects of boriding on the samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, microhardness and an abrasion test device. Findings According to the results, the best outcomes in terms of abrasion strength and hardness were obtained in the sample that was subjected to boriding at 1,000 degrees C for 4 h. Originality/value This study produced CoCrW alloys, which are fundamental biomaterials that are used in dentistry, by a different production method called selective laser melting and improved their surface characteristics by boriding.