3M ESPE Pentamix 3 Automatic Mixing Unit

Consultants’ Comments

• “This new unit moves! Easily twice as fast as the Pentamix 2.”
• “The unit is solid and well constructed.”
• “Dispenses putty with ease.”
• “Buttons on both sides make the unit easier to use.”

Description

The Pentamix 3 Automatic Mixing Unit is the newest in the Pentamix line from 3M ESPE. This smaller unit was designed to take up less counter space or to be installed directly on the wall. 3M ESPE also added activation buttons on both sides to increase ease of operation. A RFID (Radio-frequency identification) microchip has been added to the impression material’s front cap so that the Pentamix 3 unit will recognize the material and adjust the unit to dispense material faster than the Pentamix 2 unit. The microchip is covered by an authentication label making sure the product is from 3M ESPE. The RFID chip on the front cap of the impression material is read by the device, identifying the material type to optimally mix the material. 3M ESPE recommends use of 3M ESPE Penta impression materials for optimal performance; however, this unit is compatible with the materials for the Pentamix 2 unit. Thirteen consultants used the Pentamix 3 unit in making over 275 impressions. This product received a 96% clinical rating.

Equipment Features

With the new, smaller design of the Pentamix 3 unit, much less counter space is needed compared to the previous models. No consultants utilized the wall mount option. The increased speed was easily noticeable compared to previous Pentamix machines. Quicker dispensing resulted in more usable working time, which is especially valuable with fast-setting materials and full-arch impressions. Consultants noted that the material was dispensed quickly with no voids found in the material. In this evaluation, most consultants used Imprint 3 for the impression material; other materials used were Impregum and Aquasil. Pentamix 3 unit performed flawlessly with all of the different impression materials used. Ninety-two percent of the consultants found the Pentamix 3 unit to be better than their current mixing unit, while 84% of consultants said they would switch to the Pentamix 3 Automatic Mixing Unit unit.