Metallographic analysis

Metallography was carried out on copings made from both materials: imagen HNB and a leading competitor. The copings made from the competitor’s material were fabricated by skilled technicians at an independent commercial dental laboratory. The grain size of both materials is approximately the same, as shown in the micrographs of etched samples (Figures 1 & 2). Porosity was determined by digital image analysis of unetched micrographs (Figures 3 & 4). Results of the measurements are in table labeled Porosity Comparison.
In addition, Vickers microhardness (VPN) measurements were made on the polished but unetched samples; 10 measurements were made in each material. Hardness averages and standard deviations are displayed in table labeled Hardness Comparison.

Gold coping alloy

Table HNB Material above gives a comparison of the measured compositions of imagen HNB and that of a leading competitor. All compositions were determined by quantitative chemical analysis and are shown in weight percents.

Biocompatibility

The raw material components found in the imagen HNB alloy are the same as those in the competing process. These materials have long been used in dentistry. The imagen process uses the purest materials and helps break the biological link between dentist and lab. No new elements or compounds are introduced by the imagen process, as indicated by the chemical analysis results. Additionally, the gold surface layer of imagen HNB functions in the same way as that of competing process to provide superior biocompatibility and resistance to bacteria.