Have you ever wondered what goes into making a root canal procedure as safe and effective as possible? For dentists, a key tool is the irrigation cannula, a small tube that delivers cleaning solutions during the procedure. While traditionally, metal cannulas have been used to this purpose, a Swiss company, Produits Dentaire SA (PD-Dental), envisioned a better way: a flexible plastic cannula named IrriFlex® that could navigate the complex curves of a root canal more easily, while also delivering a more accurate cleaning.
This would not only improve the effectiveness of the procedure but also reduce the risk of accidental damage to the canal walls.
Not all ultrasonic welding producers were in the game
PD-Dental’s initial designs were promising, but a major challenge emerged during production. Creating a secure seal between the two plastic components of the cannula proved difficult. Ultrasonic welding, typically a reliable method, caused the delicate plastic stalks to vibrate and break.
This is where Emerson stepped in.
The team decided to isolate the fragile cannula stalk from the vibrations during welding with acoustic “dampeners.” These dampeners acted like a cushion, absorbing the unwanted vibrations and allowing the weld to be completed without damaging the cannula.
The new sonotrode design, along with a fully automated ultrasonic welding platform, revolutionized IrriFlex® production. Within a mere six weeks, a reliable and efficient welding process was established.
The new sonotrode was paired with the Branson 2000XC Micro ultrasonic welder, a welding platform. The welder was positioned/installed in an automated welding cell that was used by PD-Dental to produce finished IrriFlex cannula assemblies.
Millions of Smiles, Thanks to Innovation
Today, thanks to this innovative ultrasonic welding technique, millions of IrriFlex® cannulas have been produced.
Dentists around the world are experiencing the benefits of this flexible design, leading to more effective and safer root canal procedures for their patients.
If you want to know more about this story and Irriflex, read HERE the full article from Emerson experts Frank Didierjean and Thierry Maire.
