PROPERTIES OF DIE MATERIALS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

SVICRKER TORESKOG, D.D.S., M.S.D.,” RALPH W. PHILLIPS, M.S., D.Sc.,*” AND

RICHARD J. SCHNELL, D.D.S., M.S.‘“”
Indiana Un,iver-sity School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Id.

NE OF THE POTENTIAL SOURCES of error in the indirect technique is the die

upon which the wax pattern is constructed. All ,die materials exhibit some
dimensional change upon setting or hardening. Certain types have poor resistance
to abrasion, thus endangering the marginal detail during fabrication of the pattern;
others do not adequately reproduce the detail present in the impression.
Some of these properties have been studied in depth while other characteristics
have been investigated only superficially. For example, the dimensional change
ha:; been measured during the setting of dental stone,‘.” for some of the resins
used as die materials, +sr,the electroplated die,g and silicophosphate cenlent.i Detail
duplication has been deterniinedx-1” for hardness,1:‘-15 and the influence of addi-
tives or immersion media. lG-lH On the other hand, there are limited data available
on the abrasion resistance of the popular die materials.* Such tests have generally
been limited to weight loss determinations when the specimen is held in contact with
an abrasive disc,‘!’ although one investigator designed an abrasion testing machine
that simulated to a certain extent the cutting and abrasive actions induced in the
die during carlring of the wax pattern.20
Thus, while numerous publications have reported on isolated properties of
die materials, there is a lack of research in which most of these pertinent prop-
erties have been compared for the common types of materials used in die con-
struction. Furthermore, several new products have recently been introduced, ac-
companied by manufacturers claims for superior properties. It was the purpose
of this investigation to make such a comparative study.

M 4TERIALS .4ND METHODS

The products evaluated in this study are shown in Table I. They were selected
as being representative of the various classes of materials being used and include
some of the materials that have not been previously studied. All materials were
manipulated in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.

Portions of this article are taken from a thesis submitted by the senior author for the
M.S.D. degree. Indiana University. 1964.
This research was supported in part by Research Grant D-00433-07 from the National
Institutes of Health, United States Public Health Service,
*Now at GBteborg, Sweden.
**Research Professor and Chairman, Department of Dental Materials.
***Associate Professor of Dental Materials.
119
 J. Pros. Den.
120 TORESKOG, PHILLIPS, AND SCHNELL
January-February, 1966

The stones were mixed mechanically under 27 inches of vacuum for 15

seconds and poured with mild vibration. The models were removed from the im-
pressions at the end of 30 minutes. In two series, after three hours, the dies were
immersed in a polystyrene solution, 10 Gm. polystyrene per 100 ml. of butyl-acetate.
The silicophosphate cement was spatulated on a cool cement slab and the
mixing was completed within one minute. The most suitable consistency was ob-
tained when 1.3 Gm. of powder was mixed with 0.4 ml. of liquid.
Material I is a heat-fused artificial die material. The die was removed from
the impression after one hour, at which time it was fired in a furnace for eight min-
utes at 1220* 10” F. Immediately upon removal from the furnace, the die was
quenched in a light mineral oil.
Material K, a silica-filled epoxy resin, was mixed in the jar supplied by the
manufacturer, and held under 27 inches vacuum for 10 seconds before pouring.
The die was permitted to set for three hours prior to removal from the impression.
Material L, an industrial modified epoxy resin, was mixed with its hardening
agent at a ratio of 7 to 1, by weight, and the mix allowed to set in the impression
for six and one-half hours before removal.
Material M, a bismuth alloy with a fusing point of 136” F., was melted by
placing it in a constant temperature oven held at 145” F. The die was poured and
the metal then allowed to solidify under 30 pounds of pressure.
In order to produce copperplated dies, the impression was metallized with

= TABLE I. MATERIALS STUDIED

CODE
-I MATERlAL

Vel Mix (+ water) Kerr

MANUFACTURER

Mfg. Co.
POWDER-LIQUID
(G&/ML.)
RATIO

Vel Mix (+ Gypsum hardener*) Kerr Mfg. Co.

Vel Mix (+ Stalitet) Kerr Mfg. Co. 23/100
Vel Mix (+ water) Kerr Mfg. Co. 23/100
Die immersed in polystyrene
for 10 seconds
Vel Mix (+ water) Kerr Mfg. Co. 23/100
Die
r 2^immersed in polystyrene
tor mmutes
Silky Rock (+ water) Whip Mix Corp. 22/100
Glastone (+ water) Ransom & Randolph Co. 24/100
H Kryptex S. S. White Dental Mfg. Co. 1.3/0.4
Diamond Die Material Surgident Ltd.
f Micra Die Dental Perfection Co.
Perma Rock Permadent Products
LK Devcon F 2 Devcon Corp. 1 part to 7 parta Devcon
F 2 (by weight)
Cerrolow 136 Cerro de Pasco Sales Corp.
NM Silverplated-metallized with
silver powder
0 Copperplated-metallized with
silver powder
P Copperplated-metallized with
bronze powder

*Whip Mix Co.

tstalite, Inc.
Volume 16
Nunlber 1
PROPERTIES OF DIE MATERIALS 121

either silver powder* or brass powder. 7 The metallized surface was connected
with the cathode and the impression immersed in the plating solution. The plating
solution consisted of an acidic copper sulfate solution.21 A current of approximately
40 ma. was employed for each square centimeter which was to be plated and the
impressions were plated for six hours. After the copperplating was completed, the
dies were poured in stone and separated 30 minutes later.
The silverplated dies were obtained by metallizing the impression with
silver powder and plating the metallized impression for six hours in a basic silver
cya.nide solution, 1 at a current of 5 to 10 ma. per square centimeter of surface
to be plated.
Dimvtsional Change.-A brass master die was made in the form of a fuli
crown preparation with a cervical shoulder (Fig. 1). The occlusal surface and
the cervical shoulder were polished to a high finish. Reference points were placed
as indicated with a Tukon Tester, by means of a Knoop indenter point. Two such
indentations were positioned at right angles and the point of intersection served
as the reference point. Two such marks, diametrically opposite, were placed on the
occlusal surface and on the cervical shoulder of the master die.
An impression of the master die was made with an industrial si1icone.o Pre-
liminary tests showed that no measurable dimensional change occurred in this
impression material following storage for three weeks. Thus, in order to eliminate
the possibility that the impression itself would continue to change in dimension
during the hardening of the die material, the impression molds were stored for a
minimum of one month before being used.
The reference marks were readily distinguishable, even in the deepest area
of the impression. Furthermore, the light source could be placed at a sufficient
distance from the impression mold that no dimensional change occurred because
of thermal changes. Measurements, reproducible to -rtll 1 p, were made by means of
a micrometer microscope.
The impression was measured, occlusally and cervically, just before the die
material was poured into the mold. The die was measured immediately following
separation, at two and one-half hours after separation, and finally at twenty-four
hours from the time the die was poured. The contraction or expansion in the die
was thus compared to the original impression. Each distance was measured three
times at every time interval, using three specimens of each die material.
In order to demonstrate more definitively the effect of stresses during electro-
deposition, and to determine possible differences in the restrictive effect of elastic
im,pression materials upon these stresses, flat strips of one silicone and one mer-
captan impression material were plated. The behavior of the plated surface was
observed.
Hardness.--Cylindrical specimens, 12 mm. by 18 mm., were prepared. The
dies were stored for 24 hours before the surface hardness was determined. The
flat surface of the die that had hardened in contact with the silicone mold was
employed for the test.
*Silver metallizing powder, Kerr Mfg. Co., Detroit, Mich.
iVenus brushed brass, U. S. Bronze Powder Works, Inc., New York, N. Y.
SKerr Permlastic Silver Plating Concentrate, Kerr Mfg. Co., Detroit, Mich.
$Silastic RTV 502, Dow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich.
 TORESKOG, PHILLIPS, AND SCHNELL J. Pros. Den.
122 January-February, 1966

MASTER DIE

Fig. I.-A schematic drawing of the master die used in the dimensional change test. ( X7.)

Both a Baby Brine11 hardness and Knoop hardness test were used. The aver-
age diameter, based on five measurements of each indentation, was used to calcu-
late the hardness number. Three indentations were placed in each die. Tests were
made on three specimens for each material and the mean values were calculated.
Abrasion Resistance.-In order to test the materials for the conditions similar
to those presented during the carving of a wax pattern, a special testing apparatus
was designed and constructed (Fig. 2). It consisted of a carriage on which speci-
mens could be consistently secured in an exact relationship to the abrading instru-
ment. The abrading instrument was hinged around an axis and a constant load of
55 Gm. was applied. The specimens, secured to the carriage, moved with a speed
of approximately 6 mm. per second. Preliminary tests indicated that during finish-
ing of the margins of a wax pattern, the carving instrument travels with approxi-
mately this speed across the surface of a die.
Both a dull and a sharp blade were used as abrading instruments. The sharp
blade was a special quality alloy steel blade, * the dull blade was a square ortho-
dontic stainless steel wire,f mounted so that one of the right angles was exposed
to the specimen.
*Stanley blades No. 1992.5, Stanley Tools, New Britain, Conn.
Wquare stainless steel wire (0.021 inch by 0.021 inch), Unitek Corp., Monrovia, Calif.
 PKOPERTIES OF DIE MATERTALS 123

Fig. 2.-The machine used to test the abrasion resistance of the die materials. (A) base, (B)
carriage, (C) specimen, (D) abrading instrument, (E) motor, (F) counter, (G) dial gauge as-
sembly. This was used to position the specimens in exactly the same relationship to the abrad-
ing instrument. (H) support for the dial gauge assembly, (I) shaft.

The specimens were prepared in the aged silicone impression and tested at
24 hours. The upper right angle of a specimen served as the test surface. The car-
riage was permitted to run 75 strokes, back and forth. A measuring microscope was
used to measure across the abraded surface at four predetermined places. The
mean value, volume loss per millimeter, was calculated on the basis of three speci-
mens for ‘each material. Both the sharp and the dull abrading instrument were
tested on each specimen.
Detail DupZica~tiolz.--A detail duplication test, previously described in the
literature, was emploved.“-l0 A pattern of Knoop indentations, ranging in length
from 32 to 422 ,.L andd in clepth from 1 to 14 p, was placed on the polished sur-
face of a steel die. The pattern consisted of three rows of seven indentations. A
silicone impression, which reproduced all 21 indentations, was made of this sur-
face. The impressions were stored for a minimum of one month before being used.
The die material was poured into the impression and allowed to harden for
the recommended length of time. Twenty-four hours after the die was poured, the
surface was examined under magnification, and the number of indentations which
were reproduced were recorded. The mean value for each die material was cal-
culated on the basis of data obtained from three specimens.
ColqMbiZity.-The compatibility of the die materials and four commonly
used elastic impression materials was studied. Two of the materials were light body
po’lysulfide rubbers and two were silicones. The impression materials will be re-
ferred to as AA,* BB,+ CC,r and ‘DDs throughout the remainder of this report.
A copper band impression was made with the impression material of the same
die that was used in the detail duplication test. The impression materials were
--
*Permlastic, Kerr Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Mich.
tRubberje1, L. D. Caulk Company, Milford, Del.
ZPolytrans, Dental Perfection Company, Glendale, Calif.
$.Jelcone. L. D. Caulk Company, Milford, Del.
 J. Pros. Den.
124 TORESKOG, PHILLIPS, AND SCHNELL
January-February, 1966

cured for 12 minutes at 98” F. Upon removal of the impression from the stainless
steel die, the impression was examined under a low-power binocular microscope.
Only those impressions which reproduced all the 21 Knoop indentations were
used. The die was poured and allowed to harden for the prescribed length of time.
It was then removed from the impression and stored under room conditions of
temperature and humidity. Twenty-four hours after the die was poured, it was
observed under high magnification and the number of indentations reproduced were
recorded. Three specimens were made from each combination of impression
material and die material and the mean value for each combination determined.
These data were then compared with the data obtained in the detail duplication
test, using the industrial silicone mold. If the reproduction of detail in these two
tests was comparable, it was obvious that the compatibility of that specific impres-
sion and die material was quite good. On the other hand, if there was a great
difference in the ability of the die material to reproduce detail when poured against
the silicone mold as compared to the dental impression material, then the com-
patibility of that specific die material and impression material was considered to
be inferior.

RESULTS

Dimensional Change.-The average per cent dimensional change of the die

materials at the respective time intervals is shown in Table II, and a summary
of the 24 hour values is shown in Fig. 3. Only materials I, M, N, and 0 did not
change further in dimension after the fiducial reading.
The type II artificial stones (A, F, and G) were comparable in accuracy and
produced only slight dimensional change at the cervical end of the dies. The special
liquid hardeners for the stones did increase the dimensional change.
Material H, the silicophosphate cement, showed the greatest change in di-
mensions during the test period, being grossly undersized at 24 hours.
The modified epoxy resins, materials K and L, produced comparable shrink-
age during polymerization. The dies from materials I were grossly undersize at
the cervical but reasonably accurate at the occlusal ends of the dies.
When removed from the mold, the dies made of material J were oversized.
However, after 24 hours they were slightly smaller than the impression into which
they had been poured. The copperplated dies were more accurate than the silver-
plated ones.
The two strips of impression materials AA (polysulfide rubber) and BB
(silicone), shown in Fig. 4, were plated in the same silverplating bath. After
approximately seven minutes, the silver deposit formed on the silicone material
had completely pulled loose, making contact only where the wire was attached.
However, the silver deposit formed on the polysulfide impression was still firmly
attached to the impression material. Apparently, the polysuifide rubber impression
restricted the shrinkage of the silver deposit to a greater’ extent than did the sili-
cone material.
Hardness.-The mean Brine11 and Knoop hardness numbers appear in Table
III. One hardening solution (B ) did increase the hardness of stone somewhat,
but the other solution (C) left no effect. Immersion of the stone in polystyrene did
not increase the hardness.
Volume 16 PROPERTIES OF DIE MATERIALS 12.5
Nuznber 1

Fig. 3.-Summary of the 24 hour dimensional change data.

Fig. 4.-Silverplated silicone (top) and polysulfide rubber (bottom) impressions. The
silver deposit is still attached to the polysulfide rubber while the silicone is attached only
where the wire contacted the specimen.

The plated dies and those prepared from the ceramic material (I) had the
highest Knoop hardness. However, the Brine11 hardness readings varied con-
siderably and were invariably much lower than the Knoop hardness.
Abrasion Resistance.-The mean values for volume loss appear in Table III
while in Figs. 5 and 6 the relationship between Knoop hardness and abrasion is
plotted. The graphs indicate that there is an apparent correlation between hard-
ness and abrasion resistance for most of the materials. However, the filled epoxy
re’sins (K and L), the low fusing alloy (M), and, to a lesser extent, the stone
dies treated with polystyrene (D and E) did not show such a relationship.
As previously mentioned, the immersion of stone dies in the polystyrene solu-
tion did not alter the hardness of the stone significantly. However, it is obvious
th.at this treatment had a pronounced beneficial effect upon the resistance to abra-
sion.
Both the liquid hardeners significantly increased the abrasion resistance of
the stone, although only solution B had a comparable effect on the hardness. The
126 TORESKOG, PHILLIPS, AND SCHNELL J. Pros. Den.
January-February, 1966

.-HO-

.240-

.220-

.200-

.180-

.160-

1 .140-
f .120-

.lOO-
DM
.060-
OL
.060-

.040-
ON
.020-
OH
, OK <
I 0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 60 a0 100 110

Fig. 5.-A graph demonstrating the relationship between volume loss (sharp blade) and
Knoop hardness. The letters refer to materials tested (Table I).

.260-

.240-

.220-

.200-

.160-

.160-

l .140-
>
g .120-

.100-

.060-

.060-

.040-

. ozo-
MO LOOK OE
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 60 90 100 110

Fig. 6.-A graph demonstrating the relationship between volume loss (dull blade) and
Knoop hardness. The letters refer to the materials tested (Table I).
 PROPERTIES OF DIE &I ATERIi\LS 127

TABLE II. DIMENSIOK~L CHANGE (PER CENT)

AT TIMli OF
MATEHIAI. I AK&Z* KEMOV.41.
/
AT 2.5 HR.
I AT 24 HR.

:I 0 0.03 0.09 0.06

c 0.02 0.03 0.00
13 0 0.21 0.18 0.16
c 0.13 0.10 0.08
C 0 0.14 0 13 0.10
c 0.13 0.12 0.10
F 0 0.13 0.13 0.10
c 0.00 0.01 -0.01
G 0 0.09 0.12 0.10
c 0.01 0.02 0.01
H 0 -0.08 -0.22 -0.37
c -0.22 -0.31 -0.43
I 0 -0.09 -0.09 -0.09
c -0.34 -0.34 -0.34
J 0 0.10 0.05 -0.03
c 0.08 0 0.5 ~-0.06
K 0 -0.07 -0.11 ~-0.15
c -0.15 -0.21 -0.26
L 0 -0.09 -0.13 ---0. 14
c -0.15 -0.17 -0.19
M 0 0.42 0.42 0.42
C 0.24 0.24 0.24
N 0 -0.10 -0.10 -0.10
c -0.20 -0.20 -0.20
0 0 0.04 0.04 0.04
c -0.07 -0.07 -0.07

*o, occlussl
c, rervical.

plated dies were, of course, very resistant to abrasion, as was the heat-fused
material (I).
Detail Duplication.-The detail duplication data, when the materials were
poured into the industrial silicone, may be seen in Column I of Table IV. Stone A
was somewhat superior to the other two stones, corroborating previous studies.”
The hardening solutions did not significantly decrease the ability of the stone to
reproduce detail. However, the immersion of the stone dies in the polystyrene solu-
tion reduced somewhat the reproducibility of detail. With the exception of the
heat-fused die material, in general the remainder of the materials reproduced all of
the seven Knoop indentations in each row of the steel die.
Collzpatibility.-The detail duplication of the die materials when poured
against the four rubber impression materials, and the per cent reduction in detail
as compared to the values obtained when set in the industrial silicone mold, appear
in columns 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Table IV. The higher the percentage, the poorer is the
compatibility of the die and the impression material.
The compatibility varied greatly with the specific die material-impression
material combination. For instance, material B was more compatible with impres-
sion material RR than was material A, indicating a beneficial effect of the special
liquid hardener. However, no improvement was observed when material B was set
in contact with any of the other impression materials.
 J. Pros. Den.
128 TORESKOG, PHILLIPS, AND SCHNELL
January-February, 1966

Generally, the compatibility of the filled epoxy resins with the different im-
pression materials tested was very poor. Only impression material AA consistently
gave a satisfactory surface on the dies made of material K.
The silicophosphate cement (H) and the low-fusing alloy (M) were com-
pletely compatible with all the impression materials studied. However, nodules and
pits caused by collapse of voids in the impression occurred invariably on the sur-
face of the dies made of the low-fusing alloy. Detail duplication was excellent with

TABLE III. HARDNESS AND ABRASION

VOLUME LOSS (MM.‘/MM.)

BRINELL KNOOP ~~__--_
MATERIAL HARDNESS HARDNESS
SHARPBLADE DULL BLADE

A ti 3.5 0.248 0.123

: 41 0.129
0.123 X%
D 2: 0.186 0:036
0.150 0.009
0.191 0.086
0.253 0.121
0.014 0.004
I 61 9.5 0.002 0.001
k 20 0.009 0.004
L :z 17 0.070 0.005
M Too low for measurement 9 0.086 0.005
N 90 99 0.025 0.002
0 46 102 0.010 0.002
P 60 116 Not tested Not tested

TABLE IV. DETAIL DUPLICATION AND COMPATIBILITY*

INDENTATIONS REPRODUCED WHEN SET IN CONTACT WITH

I
[MATERIAL
SILASTIC AA BB cc DD
I I I I I

A 6.4 5.6 (13)

: 2:; 5.8 (5) 5.6 (8) z:; ):y’ 5.6 (8)

FD
G 4.6
E 2:: g;
5.4 4.3
2:; (7)
(11) 4.6
5.3 (7) 2 {$
57:; (7) ;y; (15)
__
H 7:o . 7.0 7.0
5.7 5.1 (11) 5.i (11) 4.9 (14) .- (7)
5.3
k 7.0 ;:j (43) Tacky surface Tacky surfact: Tacky surface
L Tacky surface Tacky surface
E ~:T4)+ 7.0$
it
_. 7:o 2 2 7.0 6.9 (11
0 &:“7 5.6 (16) 6.i (13) 6.6 (6)
P 4.9 (27) 4.6 (31) 6.4 (4)

*Figures in parentheses represent the percent decrease in detail duplication as compared to the val-
ues obtained when the die materials set iu the Silastic molds.
tgurface tacky upon removal. After 24 hours the tackiness had disappeared.
SNodules and pits 011 the surfece.
Volume 16
Number 1
PROPERTIES OF DIE MATERIALS 129

all of the plated dies with the exception of impression materials AA and BB when
co:pperplated.

DIIXZUSSION

In order to produce a satisfactory restoration, the die used in the indirect

technique has to meet specific requirements. It should be dimensionally accurate
and stable, exhibit a certain degree of resistance to abrasion, be compatible with the
impression material, and reproduce the minute details of the impression.
The exact minimum requirements for each of these properties have never
been established, and thus the practical significance of the data presented in this
article is difficult to interpret. It does seem obvious that there is no single die
material which is superior to the others in all respects; however, these results
should be beneficial in determining the limitation of each material and thus make
it possible to choose more intelligently the best material, or combinations of mate-
rials, for the intended use.
The measurement of the dimensional change in different areas of the die
may serve as a better basis for determining the practical significance of these
changes as they relate to the indirect technique than use of unrestricted specimens,
such as in a trough. All of the stones showed less setting expansion at the cervical
margin than at the occlusal end. This phenomenon can be accounted for, at least
partially, by the fact that water rises to the surface when the stone-water mixture
is vibrated into the impression. Therefore, there is a tendency for higher powder/
liquid ratios to be present at the surface of the die which is in apposition to the
impression, and thus produce a comparatively greater degree of setting expansion.
The special hardeners did obviously increase the setting expansion of stone.
Smith has discussed the controversial matter of the influence of accelerators on the
setting expansion of stone .22 It is not yet known if the increase in setting expan-
sion, as reported in this study, is related to this accelerating effect of the hardeners,
or whether some other mechanism is involved.
Unless the pattern is to be fabricated immediately after removal of the die
from the impression, the continued contraction of the silicophosphate dies should
be recognized by those who use this type of die material.
nlthough the filled epoxy resins showed a greater curing shrinkage than has
been reported,4v5 from a dimensional standpoint these materials would probably
Ix: clinically satisfactory if used soon after hardening. However, when a die mate-
ri:al requires a long setting time, it is possible that the dimensional change of the
impression material might affect the accuracy of the resultant die. This should be
borne in mind when die materials, such as the epoxy resins, are being used.
The dies produced by material M, the low fusing alloy, often exhibited
rounded corners and sometimes pits and nodules. This, in addition to the relative
inaccuracy, contraindicates the use of this material for the construction of dies.
This research has corroborated other conclusions that a certain dimensional
change does occur during the electroforming of a die in a silicone impression.
Apparently, the distortion is related not only to the continuing polymerization
of the silicone but also to the silver deposit pulling away from the impression.
The heat-fused artificial die material showed a marked shrinkage at the cer-
 J. Pros. Den.
130 TORESKOG, PHILLIPS, AND SCHNELL January-February, 1966

vital margin. Additional research in order to evaluate more completely this new
type of die material is suggested.
The hardness test is a conventional one in evaluating die stones. It is gen-
erally f,elt that the harder the stone, the better it will resist wear and destruction
during fabrication and finishing of the pattern or casting. Thus many attempts
have been made to increase the hardness of die stones. This study indicates that
a better evaluation of the ability of die materials to resist the forces induced dur-
ing the carving of a wax pattern, for example, might be obtained by employing
some type of an abrasion testing machine. For the results of such a test to be
meaningful, the actual conditions of wear should be simulated as closely as possible.
This is not easy to reconstruct in a laboratory test method.
The use of a device designed to simulate certain operations performed on
the die demonstrated a general relationship between the hardness and resistance
to abrasion for the die stones. There are, however, conspicuous exceptions. A
higher hardness number for one die stone does not, invariably, give an indication
that the resistance to abrasion is also greater.
The Knoop hardness number was less indicative of the resistance to abrasion
when the dull blade was employed with the abrasion device than when the sharp
blade was used. For example, the stone dies immersed in polystyrene conformed
fairly well to the general correlation between hardness and abrasion resistance when
the sharp blade was employed but they did not when the test was conducted using
the dull blade. Undoubtedly, this indicates only a superficial layer of polystyrene
was absorbed and that layer was soon cut through by the sharp blade. Thus, the
wear which would occur during fabrication of the wax pattern could be governed
by whether the die was being abraded by a sharp or a dull instrument.
The data obtained when the specimen was permitted to set in the “aged”
silicone mold do not in themselves have any practical significance, but merely serve
as an aid in determining the compatibility of these elastic impression materials
to the die materials being tested. It is very likely that the compatibility could also
be measured as a change in hardness or resistance to abrasion. The fact that dif-
ferent kinds of impression materials do affect the hardness of die stones to varying
degrees has been previously demonstrated.13
Although the significance to the dental laboratory of the data here presented
has yet to be determined, it is felt that sound methods for the evaluation of die
materials have been developed and that a good understanding of the comparative
properties of these materials has been acquired. The selection of the material for
fabrication of the die in the indirect technique is dependent upon an analysis of
the properties believed to be most pertinent to the specific use to which the die
is to be subjected. This research has demonstrated that as yet no one material, or
class of materials, has proved to be superior in all of the properties and character-
istics evaluated.

SUMMARY

A comparative study of the pertinent properties of die materials used for the
indirect materials has been made. Eight classes of materials were evaluated. No
one material proved to be superior in all properties, The stones were superior from
Volume 16
Number 1
PROPERTIES OF DIE MATERIALS 131

the standpoint of dimensional accuracy but their abrasion resistance was low. All
of the dies, with the exception of those made from stone or low-fusing alloy, were
undersize at the cervical margin of the simulated full cast crown preparation.
An abrasion apparatus, designed to duplicate certain of the conditions to
which such dies are subjected, was devised. On the basis of these tests it was not
allways possibl,e to predict the abrasion resistance from the corresponding hardness.
The dies made from the ceramic material, silicophosphate cement, one of the
resins and by electrodeposition were superior in abrasion resistance,
The surface of the electroplated dies, the ceramic material, stones and silico-
phosphate cement provided excellent duplication of detail. Differences were ob-
served in the compatibility of certain die materials and rubber impression products,
as compared to the duplication produced when the die material was poured
against an inert surface.

REFERENCES

1. Hollenback, G. M.: The Physical Properties of Gypsum Plasters, J. South. California

D. A. 31:47, 1963.
2. Sweeney, W. T., and Taylor, D. F.: Dimensional changes in Dental Stone and Plaster,
J. D. Res. 29:749, 1950.
Mahler, D. B.: Plaster of Paris and Stone Materials, Internat. D. J. 5:241, 1955.
:: Wasser, V. E.: New Die Material For Master Casts, J. PROS. DEN. 11:1122, 1961.
Wasser, V. E.: New Die Material for Master Models, D. Digest 68:76, 1962.
2: Phillips, R. W., and Schnell, R. J.: Electroformed Dies From Thiokol and Silicone Im-
pressions, J. PROS. DEN. 8:992, 1958.
7. Fusayama, T.: Dimensional Form and Hardness Changes of Dies for Indirect Dental
Technic, J.A.D.A. 52:162, 1956.
8. Ayers, H. D., Jr.: Detail Duplication Test for Dental Materials, New York State D. J.
25 :82, 1959.
9. Ayers, H. D., Jr., Phillips, R. W,, Dell, 4. D., and Henry, R. W.: Detail Duplication
Test Used to Evaluate Elastic Impression Materials, J PROS. DEN. 10:374, 1960.
10. Henry, R. W., and Phillips, R. W.: Influence of Particle Size of Stone on Surface De-
tail of Casts, J. PROS. DEN. 11:169, 1961.
11. Fusayama, T., and Hosoda, H.: Surface Reproduction of Elastic Impressions, J. D. Res.
38 :929, 1959.
12. Bombonatti, P. E., Pignataro,, J. C., and Siiffert, L. W.: Immersion in Oil of Stone Models
to Preserve Fine Details, D. Abstract 8:263, 1963 (Abstract).
13. Skinner, E. W. and Gordon, C. C.: Some Experiments on the Surface Hardness of Dental
Stones, J. PROS. DEN. 6:94, 1956.
McLean, J. W.: Silicone Impression Materials! Brit. D. J. 104:441, 1958.
;;;: Cohen, J. : New Die Materials in Dentistry, J. Michigan D. A. 44:9, 1962.
16. Richardson, J. F., and Worner, H. K. A.: Micro-Hardness Instrument for Studying Sur-
face Hardness, Austral. J. Den. 49:217, 1945.
17. Buchanan, A. S., and Worner, H. K.: A Study of the Action of Borax in Retarding the
Setting of Plaster of Paris, J. Sot. Chem. Ind. 65:23, 1946.
18. Hosoda, H., Otani, H., Hirano, T., and Fusayama, T.: Measurement and Reinforcement
of the Superficial Hardness of Indirect Stone Models, J. D. Res. 41:752, 1962.
l!). Peyton, F. A., Liebold, J. P., and Ridgley, G. V.: Surface Hardness, Compressive Strength,
and Abrasion Resistance of Indirect Die Stones, J. PROS. DEN. 2:381, 1952.
20. ostlund, S. G.: Cutting Resistance Tests of Die Materials. J. PROS. DEN. 9:461, 1959.
2’1. Phillips, R. W., and Dettman, F. J.: A Study of Some Variables Associated With Copper-
plating of Dental Impressions, J. PROS. DEN. 6:101, 1956.
22. Smith, D. C.: The setting of Plaster, D. Practitioner & D. Record 13:473. 1963.
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