KDF U.S., Inc. has introduced the KDF Master Accel-23, a porcelain furnace that is suitable for firing low-fusing dental ceramics. The furnace is capable of processing three separate cases consecutively without user intervention. Three independent platforms rotate through the muffle to heat and cool each restoration as it completes the programmed cycles. The manufacturer claims that the rotating robot arm system is vibration free and permits ceramists to concentrate completely on the porcelain build-up as each tray fires in turn. The Accel-23 uses a vacuum pump and operates on 120, 220, and 230V. The unit can be manually set for up to 100 "firing" programs. Standard accessories include a firing tray kit, ceramic tray and stand, and instruction manual. An optional feature is an attachable printer to record information on casting parameters, date of casting, and laboratory name. The KDF Master Accel-23 can be purchased for $4,800.00 (suggested retail) and $4,320.00 (government).

(MSgt Young)

Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd. recently introduced a new version of the Biostar, a positive pressure thermal forming machine that is designed to fabricate a variety of hard and soft dental appliances. Great Lakes claims that the new Biostar unit has additional features including: advanced thermostatic infrared heating technology; an extra deep model cup for embedding mounted models; 90 psi positive pressure; and a large display panel. Biostar is available for $3,300.00 (suggested retail).

(MSgt Young)

Dentsply Raintree Essix recently introduced the Essix Vacuum Thermoforming Machine, an electric vacuum former used to heat any thermoforming material. The manufacturer states that the vacuum former incorporates heating elements that disperse heat evenly over any thermoforming material. The machine is equipped with a dial timer that prevents overheating and an automatic shut off. Additional items include two vacuum maximizer gaskets, one for full arch and one for cuspid to cuspid casts that concentrate suction directly around the cast by covering the outer holes on the table. The Essix Vacuum Thermoforming Machine operates on 110/220V and has a five year warranty. The Essix Vacuum Thermoforming Machine (Item # EVM01) is available from Dentsply Raintree Essix for $379.95 (suggested retail).

(MSgt Young)

Glidewell Laboratories has introduced the Erkoform RVE™, a thermoforming machine used in the fabrication of hard, soft, and combined hard/soft bite splints, nightguards, bleaching trays, and single- or multiple- layered mouthguards. Glidewell states the Erkoform RVE has a self-contained thermoforming system that eliminates the need for compressed air. The machine is equipped with a vacuum pump and a pre-charge feature that aids in the adaptation of the mold material. Glidewell supplies steel granules for the thermoforming chamber to eliminate the need for model trimming. An additional feature is the Occluform, an attachment used to maintain or alter the interocclusal distance between casts when making hard/soft splints. The Erkoform RVE sells without the Occluform for $1,299.00 (retail) and for $1,789.00 (retail) with the Occluform. Call for government pricing.

(MSgt Young)

Glidewell Laboratories recently introduced the Erkopress™ ES-200E, a thermoforming machine that uses heat and compressed air to mold thermoformed materials. Glidewell recommends the ES-200E for individuals who are familiar with and prefer using press-type thermoforming for orthodontic appliances with acrylic glued metal components and for applications that require perforated plastic spacers. The machine is equipped with an interfaced timer and requires an air connection of from 87 to 145 PSI. Included with the machine are a flask, a disc material samples kit, and steel filling granules. The Erkopress ES-200E sells for $2,349.00 (retail).

(MSgt Young)

Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd. recently introduced Magicryl 2, an acrylic resin that changes color. The color reportedly disappears when the appliance is placed in the mouth and reappears when it is removed from the mouth. The Magicryl 2 kit includes six 2 oz size packages of polymer in a variety of colors including teal, yellow, orange, red, blue, and black. The kit also contains a 120 mL container of clear monomer and an eye dropper. The colored acrylics are also sold separately in 4 oz and 1 pound bottles. The Magicryl 2 kit sells for $56.95 (retail and government)

(MSgt Young)

Great Lakes Orthodontics Ltd. recently introduced Ortho Mouthguard, a boil and bite dual material mouthguard that is suitable for orthodontic patients. The manufacturer claims the mouthguard material protects teeth from impact during sports or athletic activities without damaging brackets or wire. The Ortho Mouthguard is available in purple or pink and with or without a strap. It is sold separately by color or style in boxes of twelve or in an assorted kit (three of each color and style). The Ortho Mouthguard sells for $54.95 (retail).

(MSgt Young)

Whip Mix Corporation has introduced two new programmable dispensing units, the AquaSpense and the AquaSpense SL. Whip Mix states that the AquaSpense and the AquaSpense SL are designed to calculate powder weight and accurately dispense water and/or water and special liquid. The units are designed for mixing all types of gypsums, plasters and investments while accepting up to 15 separate programmable options. The AquaSpense SL unit dispenses both water and special liquid for investment material. Both units operate on 115/230V and include a three year warranty. The AquaSpense sells for $1,826.00 (retail) and AquaSpense SL sells for $2,077.00 (retail)

(MSgt Young)

AmannGirrbach has introduced the Smartbox, a programmable dispensing unit designed to measure the water-to-powder ratio of gypsum, plaster and investment products in precise grams/milliliters. The dispensing unit reportedly blends the measured powder/liquid combinations for a variety of materials using up to 20 separate mixing programs. The unit is equipped with a joystick that allows easy operation and contains a five kg plaster container and a three liter water container. The unit operates on 115V or 230V. The Smartbox sells for $2,701.00 (retail)

(MSgt Young)