The fully automatic press function (FPF) of Programat furnaces: This is what Oliver Brix has to say.

Oliver Brix, MDT (Germany), was given the opportunity to test the fully automatic press function (FPF) of the Programat EP5010 press furnaces. As one of the first users of the units, he praised the easy handling of this feature and the excellent surface quality of the results. Read about his experiences in the following interview.

Mr Brix, how long have you been using the press technique?

Oliver Brix: I started using it 21 years ago in 1997.

How did you find out about the press technique?

Oliver Brix: I discovered it thanks to IPS Empress 1. At that time, I was looking for an efficient way of fabricating inlays and onlays.

What do you like about the press technique? What distinguishes it from other techniques such as CAD/CAM?

Oliver Brix: I love its flexibility and the diversity of its materials. These are the main advantages offered by the press technique. In other words, I can press restorations of any shape and thickness, even very thin ones, if this is required.

Ivoclar Vivadent has recently developed the fully automatic press function (FPF) for the Programat EP5010. Have you had the opportunity to work with this feature?

Oliver Brix: Yes, I have been working with the FPF feature since its inception. I had the privilege of testing it before it was released for the market. I am one of the initial FPF users.

How did you experience FPF? What did you like about it compared with conventional press systems?

Oliver Brix: The main thing I liked about this system was the fact that FPF is very easy to use. In addition, I would like to highlight the excellent results achieved in terms of the surface quality.

How does the FPF feature benefit your routine work?

Oliver Brix: FPF has brought considerable calmness to our daily procedures – even when we are extremely busy. The FPF feature takes care of everything fully automatically. Therefore, I am reassured of reliable and consistent results.

Why is the press process featuring the FPF more robust and sound?

Oliver Brix: Since the press furnace automatically monitors the processes, the risk of error decreases quite significantly. Due to the FPF feature, the press furnace optimizes the entire press procedure. Errors in the temperature during preheating, or in the selection of the program with regard to the material or the size of the investment ring are automatically adjusted.

How would you describe the FPF feature in a few short words?

Oliver Brix: Turn on the furnace, select FPF, place the investment ring containing the ingot in the furnace and press start.

Do you think the press technique could be further improved, and if so in what way? 

Oliver Brix: Even though this may sound strange or even unbelievable, I would say, please leave everything as it is.

Mr Brix, thank you for this interview.

Are you unsure about the correct way to calibrate your dental furnace? Then you are in good company. These are questions often asked by dental technicians: (Why) Do ceramic furnaces need to be calibrated? Which options are there? Which is the best method? In this checklist, we have put together the most important tips on calibration.