Thermoforming Machine - Erkopress 300 Tp/Tp-ci - Glidewell Direct Dental Thermoforming Lab Supplies

Introduction

This step-by-step case study provides instructions on the setup and use of the Erkopress 300 Tp and Erkopress 300 Tp-ci thermoforming systems.

Figure #1
The Erkopress 300 Tp and Erkopress 300 Tp-ci from ERKODENT® are positive-pressure thermoforming machines.
Figure #2

Each machine is designed to fabricate various dental appliances, including bite splints, fluoride and bleaching trays, sports mouthguards and orthodontic appliances, in as little as 15 minutes.
Figure #3

The Tp-ci model shown here is a standalone unit equipped with a high-performance compressor and a reserve compressed air tank on board.
Figure #4

Offices or labs with compressed air may prefer the base Tp model, which connects to an external compressed air system.
Figure #5

The Tp model also includes a pressure regulator.
Figure #6

Both units are equipped with a touchless temperature sensor and programmable touch panel display, and follow the same operating protocol.
Figure #7

Let's take a quick tour of the machine. In the back is the main power port, where the power supply cable is connected.
Figure #8

Wattage is 340 on the Tp model, or 480 on the Tp-ci model. The machine should be unplugged when not in use.
Figure #9

On the base Tp model, we'll also find the compressed air supply and pressure regulator, complete with water separator.
Figure #10

On the front we have the main switch with a blue LED.
Figure #11

The blue LED will illuminate to indicate when power is active.
Figure #12

Here is the touch panel, which displays operational functions and user instructions. Functions can be selected by slightly pressing the finger on the framed fields, or by using a blunt plastic tip. A clear, adhesive-free cover protects the touch panel.
Figure #13

This is the medium wave, 280-watt infrared heating element.
Figure #14

The sensor window, beneath which lies an infrared sensor with a measuring range up to 240° Celsius.
Figure #15

The forming bay, where the models are staged and the heated foils are formed.
Figure #16

The foil reception fixture, located beneath the heating element, for receiving and transferring clamped foils.
Figure #17

Primary accessories include: the foil reception, a frame for containing the foils; the foil-securing ring, used to clamp foils to the foil reception; the form pot, on which to build a thermoforming bed; filling granules with rounded edges, made of high-grade magnetic steel, used to create the thermoforming bed; a granules brush for shaping the thermoforming bed; a magnet for collecting scattered granules; and a model plate, which can be placed atop the form pot as an alternative thermoforming bed. The granules collecting device, an exterior, handled carrier used to transport the assembled form pot in and out of the machine, acts as a reservoir to catch any extraneous granules. A foil trial package, including a list of contents, is also included.
Figure #18

The Erkopress 300 Tp and Erkopress 300 Tp-Ci also include all necessary documentation, including operating instructions and a thermoforming techniques manual.
Figure #19

To power the machine, press down on the main power switch.
Figure #20

A preliminary display message will prompt you to clean the sensor, if necessary.
Figure #21

To do so, wipe the sensor with a damp cloth. Do not use solvents.
Figure #22

The lowermost option on the display's main menu will allow you to select your language, after which, the display will return to the main menu.
Figure #23

With the display language set to English, select the "List of Foils" menu option. This will display a selection of preprogrammed heat and timer settings for the various foil types. Additional settings profiles may be programmed.
Figure #24

Selecting Erkodur, in this instance, will display the various Erkodur foils.
Figure #25

Select the foil type you intend to use. Let us select 1.0 mm. Preprogrammed operation settings for the Erkodur 1.0 mm foil are displayed.
Figure #26

After confirming the heat and timer settings, select "Continue." A summary of operating instructions will be displayed.
Figure #27

Clear the forming bay by sliding the foil reception fixture up and to the right, into its loading position beneath the heating element.
Figure #28

Next, remove the foil-securing ring from the foil reception, or "frame."
Figure #29

Now, locate your Erkodur 1.0 mm foil, or "disc."
Figure #30

The lettering on the selected foil should face down as it is placed into the foil reception. Load the securing ring and rotate down to clamp the foil securely.
Figure #31

Locate the granules collecting device, and place the form pot in the center of it.
Figure #32

Pour the steel granules into the form pot.
Figure #33

When the pot is filled, embed your model in the center of granules to the appropriate depth. The collecting device will catch any granule overflow.
Figure #34

Using the granules brush, clear excess granules from the form pot into the collecting device, leveling the surface of the thermoforming bed.
Figure #35

We can also use a model plate instead of granules for the thermoforming bed.
Figure #36

In this case, set the model plate on top of the form pot, and place your model atop the model plate, positioning it centrally.
Figure #37

Transfer the form pot into the machine, sliding the entire assembly forward until it rests against the backstop.
Figure #38

To turn off the Erkopress, press up on the main power switch.Refer to the instructions on the touch panel display.
Figure #39

To turn off the Erkopress, press up on the main power switch.Insert the foil reception, or "frame," into the reception fixture until it clicks into place.
Figure #40

The rising temperature is displayed as the foil is heated.
Figure #41

Wait for the actual temperature to reach the rated temperature. When it does, the machine will sound a continuous alert, signaling that the foil is ready to be formed. Once again, instructions are displayed.
Figure #42

Following those instructions, slide the foil reception fully to the left and press down over the form pot, thermoforming the foil against the model.
Figure #43

A cooling countdown is displayed.
Figure #44

When the cooling timer reaches zero, removal instructions will be displayed.
Figure #45

Following those instructions, remove the form pot assembly from the machine.
Figure #46

Unlatch the foil-securing ring from the assembly.
Figure #47

This allows you to remove the model and thermoformed appliance from the model plate.
Figure #48

To turn off the Erkopress, press up on the main power switch.

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Erkopress 300 Tp/Tp-ci™