@article{10.4103/2321-1407.139496, title = {Comparative analysis of weld properties of titanium-niobium, titanium molybdenum and stainless steel archwires}, author = {Pattabiraman, Vinod and Shashikala Kumari, V. and Upadhya, Sarala and Ahmed, Nausheer}, abstract = { Objective Ability to achieve sound weld joints is a desirable characteristic for orthodontic archwires. Titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) has been the only truly weldable orthodontic archwire alloy until now. Titanium-niobium (Ti-Nb) alloy archwires exhibit similar mechanical properties as TMA. Whether sound weld joints can be produced in these wires has not been evaluated thus far. In this study Ti-Nb alloy archwires were compared with TMA and stainless steel (SS) for weld quality, with SS wires serving as the control group. Materials and Methods Weld joint strength was assessed by subjecting welded samples of TMA, Ti-Nb and SS wires (0.017 × 0.025-inch) to a tensile load. The weld joints were also qualitatively assessed by studying the surface characteristics under a scanning electron microscope and the metallographic features under an optical microscope. Results The weld joint of TMA wire was found to be superior in terms of the strength, surface and metallographic characteristics of the weld joint. Weld joints in Ti-Nb wires had higher strength than those of SS though statistically insignificant. Conclusion The study concluded that TMA wires are superior to Ti-Nb and SS wires in situations where weldability is a desirable characteristic. }, volume = 4, journal = {APOS Trends in Orthodontics}, issn = {2321-4600}, issn = {2321-1407}, url = {https://doi.org/10.4103/2321-1407.139496}, doi = {10.4103/2321-1407.139496} }