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Thermoplastic forming units designed to manufacture dental plastic products using positive pressure thermal procedures. Typically these machines consist of a unit that includes a solid base plate for thin models and/or a cup with metallic pellets that act as a base for taller (i.e., thicker) models; a small chamber for the thermoplastic material sheet; a heating element (e.g., infrared light); and time and pressure controllers for the heating and processing times and pressures according to the material (alternatively, a scanner that automatically reads the code of the material). High positive pressure (up to 100 psi/7 bar) is applied to the thermoplastic material placed on top of the original model using compressed air until the material is conformed to the original model. Positive-pressure thermoplastic forming units are mostly used to manufacture orthodontic appliances, such as dental retainers, splints, temporary dentures, and mouth guards.
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