Explore how U.S. dental manufacturers are doubling their production volumes while saving time and costs using Ifanger boring tools
Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium. The inner cone of the implant plays a critical role, ensuring an exact and stable connection between the dental implant and the implant abutment. A tight and resilient fit can only be guaranteed with a very high level of precision and perfect surface quality.
Machining titanium comes with it’s fair share of challenges, even on a top of the line Swiss CNC machine. Low thermal conductivity leads to high cutting temperatures, and the heat generated is primarily dissipated in to the cutting tool rather than the chips. The gumminess and stickiness of titanium creates built up cutting tool edges, and the high abrasion accelerates tool wear. Long tough chips can create birds nesting, causing machinists to stop the machine to clear out chips. High tool wear + machine down time creates higher unforeseen costs to production.
Unfavorably designed tools promote work hardening of titanium, which leads to rapid blunting and shortened tool life. The abrasive properties of the material accelerate tool wear, while material build-up on the cutting edge worsens the surface quality – with possible scoring, scratches or dimensional deviations. High temperatures during machining can also cause rejects. Tool breakages or strong tool vibrations, for example at the transition from the internal cone to the internal hexagon, are particularly critical.
The Solution: Ifanger Swiss-MicroTurn
Through decades of cooperation with leading dental manufacturers worldwide, Swiss manufacturer Ifanger AG has developed carbide boring tool MTEE 42504-R-TiAlN specifically for taper machining on dental implants. The tool impresses with its outstanding robustness and cutting ability, resulting in precise tapers and excellent surfaces.
Comparison with competitor products: While internal turning tools have to be replaced after 2,000 implants at the latest (for titanium grade 4), the Swiss-MicroTurn MTEE 42504-R-TiAlN reliably machines 3,800 parts in Titanium grade 4 and grade 5, nearly twice as many. It delivers superior surface quality and dimensional accuracy right up to the last implant, especially with an active chip breaking cycle.
Quick Change Coolant Through Tool Holders: In addition to optimal cutting tool geometries Ifanger’s tool holders are quick change, allowing a tool change in 10 seconds or less via a 1/8 turn of the front nut. Coolant ports via the back or side of the holder allow high pressure coolant to travel down the shank of each tool directly to the cutting edge. In addition, the closing of the internal split collet ensures a uniform grip on the tool shank – eliminating vibrations and chatter during turning operations. See visual demonstration below:
Contact Alouette Tool today to request a test of Ifanger Swiss-MicroTurn boring tools and experience first hand how we can optimize your medical production