Multi-Cavity Mold for Dental Glass Ceramic Blanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing glass ceramic blanks for dental purposes are inefficient and lack the capability to produce multiple blanks simultaneously with precise temperature control and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A multiple mold system with a frame and separating elements that allows for the simultaneous production of multiple glass ceramic blanks through hot pressing, incorporating a heating device with adjustable temperature zones and a clamping mechanism for precise positioning and heat treatment, using graphite or conductive materials for efficient heating and non-stick properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single mold is used for producing glass ceramic blanks, then the structure is simple, but the production efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving volume is divided into multiple partial volumes using separating elements, allowing simultaneous production of multiple glass ceramic blanks. The mold is segmented into distinct sections (first, second, and third partial volumes) that can be independently filled and processed, thereby increasing productivity without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple mold cavities are combined within a single mold body that shares common structural elements including the receiving volume, separating elements, and heating device. This merging approach enables simultaneous production of multiple blanks while maintaining a unified structure that is mechanically coherent and can be handled as a single unit
2Productivity
If multiple powder blanks are placed in a single receiving volume, then production efficiency increases, but temperature distribution uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving volume is segmented into multiple isolated partial volumes using separating elements made of thermally insulating material. This segmentation creates independent thermal zones for each powder blank, allowing uniform temperature distribution within each partial volume while enabling simultaneous production of multiple blanks
Solution Approach 2:
Separating elements act as thermal intermediaries between adjacent partial volumes, preventing heat transfer between neighboring blanks. These separating elements made of thermally insulating material serve as mediators that maintain thermal independence between zones, ensuring uniform temperature distribution in each zone while allowing multiple blanks to be processed simultaneously
3Reliability
If a structurally simple mold is used, then durability and robustness increase, but the capability to produce multiple blanks simultaneously decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold incorporates separating elements that divide the receiving volume into multiple partial volumes, enabling simultaneous production of multiple glass ceramic blanks. Despite this added functional complexity, the overall structure remains relatively simple with a single mold body and common support elements, maintaining mechanical coherence and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mold design uses universal structural elements including a single receiving volume that accommodates multiple partial volumes, common support plates, and shared heating devices. This multi-functional design allows the same structural components to serve multiple purposes, increasing productivity while avoiding proportional increases in complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and reliable production of multiple glass ceramic blanks with uniform temperature distribution and mechanical coherence, enhancing the production efficiency and quality of dental restorations.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device comprises at least one induction heating element
Implementation Method 2
the heating device comprises at least one electrical resistance heating element
Implementation Method 3
a multiple mold according to the invention is arranged in the vacuum chamber of the pressing device
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-cavity mold (42) for producing at least two glass-ceramic blanks is described. These glass-ceramic blanks are used for dental purposes and are produced from at least two powder blanks by hot pressing. The multi-cavity mold (42) comprises a frame (48) that defines a receiving volume (50) for the at least two powder blanks, at least in sections. A separating element (52) is also provided, which is arranged within the receiving volume (50) and subdivides the receiving volume (50) into at least two partial volumes, each designed to receive one of the at least two powder blanks. Furthermore, the use of the multi-cavity mold (42) for producing a glass-ceramic blank for dental purposes is presented. In addition, a pressing device and a continuous flow system for producing glass-ceramic blanks for dental purposes are presented.