?:definition
|
-
Thermoplastic forming units designed to manufacture plastic dental products in a pre-established shape using a vacuum process. These units consist of a relatively small, typically bench-mounted machine that heats plastic (e.g., polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon) sheets until soft and then applies vacuum to suck the sheet into a mold; after the sheet takes the shape of the final product, it is ejected. The machines usually include electric motors to drive a suction (i.e., vacuum) pump as well as heat, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic controls. They may also include a variety of tools (e.g., vacuum forming sheets, tray handles, cutting knives and burs) to facilitate the procedure. Dental laboratory vacuum thermoplastic forming units are also, but less frequently, used in dentists\' offices.
|