Fully automatic production of implants

Automated implant production by AMF zero-point clamping systems

Ever since compact AMF zero-point clamping systems were used in dental treatment machines, not only is it easier and safer to change workpieces. This means that implant abutments, crowns and caps for modern dentures can be milled fully automatically. The AMD modules have replaced the earlier rotating swivel units. It was still necessary to change manually with these.

AMF adapts to customer requirements

Apart from precision, speed is the most important factor in the production of modern dental prosthetics. For this reason, the manufacturer equips his machines with a zero-point clamping system from AMF. Clamping at a defined zero point has many advantages. Thus, it is possible to use various adapter systems quickly and easily, such as for block materials like glass ceramic or lithium or for prefabricated abutments – which are support screws or root caps. With the loading system, twelve blanks can be unloaded from the magazine and clamped precisely positioned for fully automatic as well as worker-free machining in three-shift operation. Circular blanks in turn are clamped in the blank holders, from which up to 35 units can be produced for the dentures.

AMF zero-point clamping modules K5 with a hardened cover and piston and a repetition accuracy of less than 0.005 mm when clamping are used pneumatically. Despite a very compact dimension of only 45 mm diameter and an installation depth of only 19.8 mm, the module has a retention force of 13 kN. Compressed air of 5 bar is already enough for opening. This is 8-12 bar as standard. AMF has changed this upon customer request.

So-called round holders or blank holders are clamped in the zero-point clamping modules. The actual workpiece – the blanks – are clamped in this. These blanks are made from all essential materials of the dental industry, including zirconium oxide, PMMA, wax or composites, as well as from base metals such as chromium-cobalt or titanium. Up to 35 individual implant abutments, crowns or caps are milled from these in a single clamping in 5-axis simultaneous machining. Frequently, these are also bridges from several teeth, bridge connections or full dentures. A special program calculates the most economically viable distribution. At the end of the machining process, just small bridges hold the milled dentures. These are severed later outside the machine in an additional work step. The finished dentures are then ready.

Automated clamping: confusion-proof and torsion-proof

The round holders are clamped immediately. For this purpose, the appropriate clamping pins from AMF are integrated in the bottom of the round holder. Protrusions and recesses as well as a mounting hole are arranged around the pins. They find their counterpart in an adjusting pin as well as in appropriate protrusions and recesses on the machine side. This ensures confusion-proof and torsion-proof clamping – a requirement for precise and repeatedly accurate, fully automated production. If the zero-point clamping module is opened pneumatically, the round holder can be used. The pins are then retracted and sealed with up to 1.5 kN before the retention force of up to 13 kN takes effect. Thanks to the innovative solution expertise and customer focus this occurs with the AMF zero-point clamping system fully automatically as well as worker-free.