There is no universal service interval for every machine. Frequency depends on usage, age and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular inspection is important for heaters, seals, vacuum pumps, compressed-air components and…
FAQ Tag: Erkoform
How do I clean and maintain a dental thermoforming machine?
Keep the forming area clean, remove stray granules and plastic debris, and inspect seals, model plates and moving components regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the heater, sensor and…
Why are there folds or creases in my thermoformed appliance?
Folds generally occur when excess softened material gathers rather than stretching evenly over the model. Excessive model height, poor positioning, unusual model geometry or incorrect heating can contribute. Repositioning or…
Why didn’t my thermoforming material adapt properly to the model?
Common causes include insufficient heating, delayed forming, inadequate vacuum or pressure, leaks in the forming system, blocked airflow, excessive model height or poor model positioning. Review the complete workflow before…
How much should a sheet sag before forming?
There is no single correct sag distance for all dental thermoforming materials. Older workflows sometimes relied on visual sag, but this is material-specific and subjective. Programmed or temperature-controlled thermoforming provides…
How do I know when a thermoforming sheet is hot enough?
The most reliable method is to use the material manufacturer’s program or a thermoforming machine that measures or controls material temperature. Visual sag can be useful on some older systems…
How long should I heat thermoforming material?
Heating time depends on the material type, sheet thickness, heater design and thermoforming machine. Modern programmed machines calculate or control the heating cycle for the selected material. Rather than using…
Can thermoforming material be overheated?
Yes. Overheating can cause excessive sag, bubbling, surface deterioration, excessive thinning or distortion. It may also increase the risk of damaging a printed model. If adaptation is poor, do not…
What happens if thermoforming material is underheated?
Underheated material may not stretch sufficiently to adapt closely to the model. The result can be incomplete seating, poor reproduction of detail or bridging across deeper areas. Use the correct…
How long should an appliance cool before removing it from the model?
Allow the full cooling period recommended for the material and machine. Removing a thermoformed appliance while it is still warm can distort it and reduce fit. Thicker materials generally retain…