Metal-to-metal connections

Abstract

Improvements in material-to-material connections are provided. For example, metal-to-metal connections are improved, such as the interface connection between a dental handpiece bur tube ( 10 ) and a component such as a bearing ( 12 ). At least one marking, such as a laser marking ( 20 ) is provided such that an amount of excavate material ( 21 ) is excavated from the marking ( 20 ). When a component such as a bearing ( 12 ) is positioned upon the bur tube ( 10 ), a portion of the excavate material ( 21 ) is physically impinged between the two components ( 10, 12 ) filling any spaces or gaps therebetween.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method joining two components wherein each component has an opposing and physically contacting surface therebetween, comprising the steps of: 
 marking at least one of the surfaces to create an excavation site, so as to form an amount of excavate material proximately to said excavation site; moving each of the parts into their joined position such that an amount of said excavate material is impinged between the two parts and is deformed therebetween.    
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said step of marking is created with a laser, electric discharge apparatus, mechanical scribe or mechanical cutter.  
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said step of marking to form said excavate material causes said excavate material to be softer than the material from which it is excavated.  
     
     
         4 . A dental bur tube assembly having a bur tube and at least one component positioned upon and press-fit to the bur tube, the improvement comprising at least one marking positioned lengthwise upon the bur tube, and a plurality of excavate material removed from the marking positioned proximate to the marking; the at least one component positioned upon the bur tube such that an amount of said excavate material is deformed and physically impinged between the bur tube and the at least one component.  
     
     
         5 . A dental bur tube assembly as in  claim 4 , wherein the at least one component is a bearing.