KK5032722LL3 - Entwicklung von einschichtig diamant-belegten Dental-Schleifwerkzeugen mittels umweltschonender Kupfergalvanik für die Bearbeitung von Dentalkeramiken

Dental grinding tools for processing all-ceramic restorations are currently manufactured using nickel electroplating, which entails both ecological and medical risks. The treatment of electroplating wastewater is energy-intensive and residual amounts require disposal; furthermore, there is a risk of nickel residues on medical products. This challenge affects manufacturing companies and dental practices that increasingly prioritize sustainability and patient safety. Nickel free bonding with copper and titanium-coated diamonds offers the potential not only to reduce environmental and health risks but also to increase tool performance and service life. For dental technology companies, this enables the introduction of process- and environmentally sustainable products to the market.

Objectives

The goal of the project is to develop and validate an innovative manufacturing process for diamond dental tools with copper bonding as an environmentally friendly alternative to nickel electroplating. Titanium-coated diamonds are embedded galvanically in a copper matrix and then converted to titanium carbide via heat treatment to specifically increase grain retention and thermal conductivity. The microstructural and functional properties of the bonding are characterized and optimized for use in dental ceramics. Finally, the tool is tested in an industrial 5-axis grinding process to demonstrate practical applicability and advantages.

Benefits

This method enables a nickel-free, environmentally friendly, and patient-safe production of dental tools with higher durability and quality, supports sustainable manufacturing, and lowers long-term costs.

Approach

The project is structured into four work packages for systematic development, validation, and application of the new dental tool. First, the galvanic embedding of titanium-coated diamonds in a copper matrix is examined. Then, targeted heat treatment produces titanium carbide to improve grain retention and thermal conductivity. The tool’s performance is tested under practical grinding conditions. Finally, the tool concept is validated under industrial conditions.

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Contact Michael Maier via email at maier@ifw.uni.hannover.de or by phone at +49 511 762 19936.