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

© 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited.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°C and 1,000°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°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.