Manual Maintenance Guide
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      1. MK-dent | Service Station
      2. Maintenance
      3. Manual Maintenance Guide

      4. Lubrication

      You read the introduction to this article before?

      Click here to jump directly to the instructions for manual lubrication 

      Click here to jump directly to the instructions for automated lubrication 

      Just like the previous steps, lubricating your handpiece is essential to allow maximum durability. With today's handpieces such as the Power Edition handpiece from our Eco & Classic Line, power up to 28W is provided which seemed unimaginable a few years ago.  But of course such a high performance requires care and proper lubrication.

      - Why you might ask? 

      As handpieces rotate up to 480.000 times per minute they have to endure tremendous forces to be able to provide a high power output during the operation. Several small components enable the handpiece to properly rotate and deliver the expected performance - Most importantly the bearings and gears (click the links to learn more about the components).

      Due to the high velocity it is important to reduce the friction and abrasion within these components as much as possible, which can only be achieved by using a high quality synthetic lubricant frequently, otherwise they will wear out very quickly.

      Click here to learn more about the construction and function of bearings

      Improved lubrication results in improved handpiece care

      Below we summed up the biggest questions and misconceptions about the lubrication process that reach us over the years to ensure your equipment can live up to it's full potential:

      • When in the reprocessing  cycle of the instrument should we lubricate?

      As indicated during this maintenance guide the lubrication should be done after it has been cleaned & disinfected. If it is done before, the oil will be flushed out completely by the cleaning & disinfectant liquids, meaning zero oil will remain in the bearings and gears. This causes tremendous abrasion as mentioned above.

      • Is there a significant difference between mineral oil and synthetic oil?

      Yes you can even put a number on it! Synthetic oil outperforms mineral oil by 46% according to a study from the American Automobile Association. This is due to the fact that mineral oil contains a larger number of nano-particles that hinder the oil film. Synthetic oil such as the MK-dent oil is biochemically engineered and is therefore free of any nano particles for the perfect lubrication. Click here to learn more about the difference between mineral and synthetic oil

      • How often should we lubricate our handpieces?

      To ensure maximum durability manufacturers suggest to lubricate handpieces after each use - but the latest after 30 minutes of operational use.

      30 minutes seems a bit short? Well it depends on from what angle we look at it:

      Imagine driving to the next family gathering at full speed and remove all of the oil from the gearbox and engine. We will most likely agree, that we will not be able to drive for 30 minutes as the car will go up in smoke - and depending on your car the maximum RPM is at only 7.000 .

      As handpieces have to be very small to reach their dedicated place in the patients mouth, so it is not possible to attach an oil tank as in cars. Due to the high velocity the oil can lubricate the bearings and gears for the above mentioned time and then will slowly start to evaporate leaving these components completely blank. If the handpiece is then continuously used there will be a high development of abrasion and heat that may become very dangerous.

      If you are aware that a longer procedure is scheduled, make sure to have another handpiece at hand to switch if needed. 

      If you are still in doubt, please feel free to check the instructions for use from other manufacturers that will state the same. In case we have enabled physics be then we will make sure to send a newsletter.
      • How do I detect if I or my machine lubricated correctly?

      If the handpiece is correctly lubricated, it should (depending on the model and manufacturer operate quietly without any squeaky noises. You can also insert a bur into the handpiece and slowly turn it with your fingertips. The bearings and gear set should feel very smooth and there shouldn't be any resistance or scratchy feeling. Click here to find more infoomation about bearing

      If you feel any strange resistance make sure to contact us through the contact form in the footer or your authorized service technician to take a look at your handpiece. It might be possible that bearings or gears are worn out and need to be replaced. 

      Are you curious what defective bearings look like and why it is so significant to lubricate them? Click here to learn more.

      Lubrication process

       

      Lubricate after each patient during the hygienic cycle or after 30 minutes of operational use. Ensure to follow the designated instructions for use.

      1. Manual Lubrication

      a) Required equipment:

      • Lubrication spray can such as the MK-dent LU1011 - preferably synthetic oil 
      • Suitable lubrication adapter for the spindle (Item LT104)
      • Suitable lubrication adapter for the coupling/tubing/motor connection (LT1012, etc.)

      • Paper cloth

       b) Ensure the following steps are executed properly:

      Lubricate the spindle

        1. Screw the spindle lubrication adapter for the spindle (LT1014) onto the can Ensure the adapter is properly seated (it should not be removable by slightly pulling on it) and the o-ring is intact.
        2. Place the tip of the adapter inside the spindle, where usually the bur is inserted.
        3. Place the can flat on the counter and do not tilt it to the side (Click here to learn why). Press the button on the can and ensure to hold it for at least 2 seconds. To prevent oil from spilling the head can be covered by the paper cloth, but ensure that the adapter remains placed inside the spindle opening.

        Lubricate the gears or cartridge

        1. Remove the spindle lubrication adapter (LT1014) and screw on the lubrication adapter for the coupling/tubing/motor (LT1012, etc.). Ensure the adapter is properly seated (it should not be removable by slightly pulling on it) and the o-ring is intact.
          2. Place the lubrication tool inside the inner adapter of the handpiece and ensure it is fully engaged.
          1. Place the can flat on the counter and do not tilt it to the side (Click here to learn why). Press the button on the can and ensure to hold it for at least 2 seconds. To prevent oil from spilling the head can be covered by the paper cloth, but ensure that the adapter remains placed inside the spindle opening.
          2. Confirm that while spraying oil comes through the head and that this oil is clear.
          3. Wipe down the handpiece to remove access oil. Place the handpiece vertically on a designated handpiece stand to allow excessive oil to drain. 

          Do not place contra-angles and handpieces immediately onto electric motors if they are stored vertically. The lubrication oil may run into the motor, causing internal damage. 

          2. Automatic Lubrication through a machine

          a) Required equipment:

          • Lubrication machine & spray  such as the MK-dent LU1022 or LU1031 - preferably synthetic oil
          • Suitable lubrication adapter for the spindle (Item LT104)
          • Suitable lubrication adapter for the coupling/tubing/motor connection (LT1012, etc.)

          • Paper cloth

           b) Ensure the following steps are executed properly:

          Lubrication of the spindle by hand if it's not equipped in the lubrication machine

            1. Screw the spindle lubrication adapter for the spindle (LT1014) onto the can Ensure the adapter is properly seated (it should not be removable by slightly pulling on it) and the o-ring is intact.
            2. Place the tip of the adapter inside the spindle, where usually the bur is inserted.
            3. Place the can flat on the counter and do not tilt it to the side (Click here to learn why). Press the button on the can and ensure to hold it for at least 2 seconds. To prevent oil from spilling the head can be covered by the paper cloth, but ensure that the adapter remains placed inside the spindle opening.

            Lubrication of the gears or cartridge

            1. Ensure the unit the lubrication machine is equipped with the correct adapter such as the LT1012. Confirm that the o-ring is in good condition
            2. Place the handpiece on the adapter and check if it holds tight to the handpiece. If the handpiece is not successfully seated or if the adapter is worn out, the handpiece might be physically damaged during the process.
            3. If the oil supply is adjustable, ensure that the oil supply is set to the maximum.
            4. Start the program of the lubrication machine, ensure to watch the machine operate to ensure that the handpiece receive a sufficient amount of oil as you confirm that while spraying, oil comes through the head and that this oil is clear.
              1. Wipe down the handpiece to remove access oil. Place the handpiece vertically on a designated handpiece stand to allow excessive oil to drain. 

              Do not place contra-angles and handpieces immediately onto electric motors if they are stored vertically. The lubrication oil may run into the motor, causing internal damage. 

              Click here to continue to step 5. Sterilisation