sintering
Pronunciation: SIN-ter-ing
A high-temperature furnace process that densifies pre-sintered zirconia or ceramic blanks to their final hardness and dimensions after CAD/CAM milling.
Full Definition
Sintering is a critical post-milling step in the fabrication of zirconia restorations. Pre-sintered zirconia blocks are milled in an enlarged, softer state, then fired in a dedicated sintering furnace at temperatures of approximately 1,450–1,600 °C. The process causes the material to shrink predictably (typically 20–25%) and achieve its full mechanical strength. Editors should note that 'sintering' is a gerund/noun used as a process name and should not be confused with 'glazing' (a surface finishing step applied after sintering).
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'firing' or 'glazing.' Sintering refers specifically to the densification of ceramic blanks at high temperature.
In Context
- "The sintering cycle for the high-translucency zirconia crown took approximately eight hours." — Production log
- "Editors should note that 'sintering' and 'glazing' are sequential steps and must not be used interchangeably in technical reports." — Editorial style guide for dental laboratory documentation