A comparison of bending and torsional properties of K-files manufactured with different metallic alloys

The purpose of this study was to compare bending (bending moment) and resistance to fracture by twisting (torsional moment and angular deflection) of triangular cross-section K-files made of either nickel titanium (Nitiflex, Naviflex), titanium (Microtitane) or stainless steel (Flexofile, Flex-R), A total of 200 files were tested, 10 instruments for each type from size 25 to 40, according to ANSI/ADA specification no. 28 and ISO reference no. 3630, Files made of nickel titanium, especially Nitiflex, were the most flexible, Stainless steel instruments presented a higher bending moment than files made of nickel titanium and titanium, particularly Flex-R sizes 35 and 40, With regard to resistance to fracture, measured by angular deflection at the failure point, Flexofile followed by Flex-R were the most resistant to fracture and Nitiflex were the least resistant, Differences in angular deflection among file groups were greater than those for torsional moment, Thus, it seems that angular deflection is a more specific measurement for assessing resistance to fracture by twisting.