Effects of Er:YAG laser treatments on surface roughness of base metal alloys

We investigated the effects of different Er:YAG laser treatments on the surface roughness of base metal alloys. A total of 36 specimens were prepared of two base metal alloys (Wiron 99, Bellabond plus). The surfaces of the specimens were standardized by gradual wet grinding with 320-, 600-, 800- and 1,000-grit silicon carbide paper for 10 s each on a grinding machine at 300 rpm. Specimens of each alloy were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) comprising a control group (group C), a group sandblasted with Al₂O₃ powder at 60 psi for 10 s through a nozzle at a distance of 10 mm (group S), and four Er:YAG laser (Fotona AT) treatment groups. The laser treatment groups were as follows: 500 mJ, 10 Hz, 100 μs (group 500MSP); 500 mJ, 10 Hz, 300 μs (group 500SP); 400 mJ, 10 Hz, 100 μs (group 400MSP); and 400 mJ, 10 Hz, 300 μs (group 400SP). Surface roughness measurements (Ra) were performed using a profilometer. The data were analysed by two-way ANOVA, and mean values were compared using Tukey’s HSD test (α = 0.05). According to the two-way ANOVA results, the base metal alloys and interaction between base metal alloy and surface treatment were not statistically significant different (p > 0.05), the surface treatments were significantly different (p < 0.0001). For the two base metal alloy groups, no significant differences were observed among the control, 400MSP, and 400SP groups (p = 0.912), and these groups demonstrated the lowest Ra values. The highest Ra value was observed in group S (p < 0.05). Er:YAG laser treatment at 400 and 500 mJ/10 Hz is not an alternative method for surface roughening of base metal alloys.