Relation between attractive force and keeper surface characteristics of iron-neodymium-boron magnetic attachment systems

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of heating, cast bonding, and subsequent polishing procedures on attractive force of magnetic attachments. Two magnetic attachment systems with keepers of different chemical compositions (Hicorexslim 3013, 447J1; Magfit EX400, AUM20) were employed. Keepers examined were: (1) untreated; (2) heated; (3) cast-bonded with Ag-Pd alloy; (4) cast-bonded with Ag-Pd alloy and polished; (5) cast-bonded with gold alloy; and (6) cast-bonded with gold alloy and polished. Attractive force was determined with a force gauge, and surface structure was evaluated with scanning laser and electron microscopes. Attractive force of the Hicorex system was reduced by cast bonding, whereas that of the Magfit system was reduced by both heating and cast bonding. However, attractive force of both systems was somewhat recovered through the polishing process. Based on the findings of this study, it was suggested that careful polishing after cast bonding was indispensable to the recovery of attractive force for both attachment systems.