Investigation of the melt metallurgical production of the titanium alloy Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O (TNTZ-O)
TiReZa Project
New titanium alloys for reversible dental implants with maximum strength
Problem Statement
The dental health of the German population has improved significantly in recent years, largely due to comprehensive campaigns promoting preventive care and oral hygiene. Nevertheless, the demand for high-quality, comfortable dentures is rising, driven in particular by increasing life expectancy and growing aesthetic and functional expectations for one’s own teeth. Compared to natural teeth, conventional full dentures have limited functionality and impair the sense of taste. For this reason, the demand for implant-supported dentures is rising. In this context, patients must make a fundamental decision with significant and long-term implications:
Dentures anchored to the bone via implants and screw connections provide a stable fit and are extremely comfortable to wear—but they require intensive care.
Removable dentures are attached to the implants using a snap-on or clasp system. This makes oral hygiene much easier—while ensuring a comfortable fit.
Project Description and Work Plan
The goal of the TiReZa project is to develop a system that can be used for both fixed and removable restorations. This allows for a simple switch between the two types of restorations at any time. As part of this project, the titanium alloy Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O (TNTZ-O) will be investigated and, through specific thermomechanical treatment processes, transformed into a state of high strength with an optimized modulus of elasticity.
As part of the HWH subproject, the metallurgical process route for the production of TNTZ-O is to be fundamentally investigated, including the necessary processes of raw material compaction, melting, and forming using a new and combined plasma arc-cold-wall-induction melting technology (Plasma-Arc-Melting / Cold-Wall-Induction).