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PHP+ Wedge Style vs. Standard Spring Style Chucking Mechanisms

Find our full offering of products with both Standard Line and PHP+ Line options here.

Premium Handpiece Parts is pleased to offer two lines of dental high speed handpiece repair products to fit your unique needs. Read below to learn about the differences between these two lines of products and their chucking mechanisms to figure out which is right for you.

Chucking Mechanism Warranty
Standard Line Spring Style / NSK style 6 Months
PHP+ Line Wedge Style / Kavo style 1 Year

Standard Line: Spring Style Chucking Mechanism

Spring style chucking mechanisms, also known as NSK style chucking mechanisms, rely on a spring as the primary gripping element for the bur. When the button on the back cap is pressed, the spring contracts, expanding the inner diameter to allow smooth insertion of the bur. Upon releasing the button, the spring expands, securely gripping the portion of the bur inserted into the spindle.

While the static retention (pull test) of spring style chucking mechanisms is generally lower than that of wedge style chucking mechanisms, they are known for wearing slowly. This enables the spring style chuck to maintain reliable retention throughout the life of the bearings. However, over time, wear on the metal components will eventually lead to spindle failure.

PHP+ Line: Wedge Style Chucking Mechanism

Wedge style chucking mechanisms, also known as Kavo style chucking mechanisms, use two metal wedges that work in tandem to grip the bur. Pressing the button on the back cap forces the wedges outward, creating enough space for smooth bur insertion. When the button is released, the wedges retract and securely clamp down on the bur.

Wedge style chucks generally provide higher static retention (pull test) compared to spring style chucks. However, this retention force gradually diminishes over time due to wear on the metal from constant movement of the wedge mechanism. To counteract this, the PHP+ spindle line undergoes specialized processing with a high-precision grinding machine to maintain both external and internal tolerances. This process helps the spindles retain their concentricity for a longer period, which is why they come with a longer warranty compared to spring style chucking mechanisms. Still, like all mechanical components, wear on the metal parts will eventually result in spindle failure.

Warranty Length

A key distinction between the two spindle lines is their warranty length. The wedge style chucking mechanism begins with a higher static retention (pull test), which allows it to maintain performance for a longer period and continue functioning in turbine rebuilds before it fails a pull test. In contrast, the spring style chucking mechanism starts with lower static retention, meaning it will typically fail the pull test sooner with normal use and cannot be used in turbine rebuilds once it does.

Both spindles are designed to outlast the lifespan of the bearings and can be used in turbine rebuilds as long as they pass the pull test. However, both chucking mechanisms will eventually experience wear and failure over time due to continued use.

Summary

In summary, both our Standard Line spring style and PHP+ wedge style chucking mechanisms have been rigorously tested to ensure they are reliable and durable for dental handpiece repairs. Both mechanisms are designed to outlast high-quality bearings and deliver long-term performance. While the wedge style spindle is expected to offer a longer lifespan and comes with an extended warranty, both spring style and wedge style chucking mechanisms are dependable choices for maintaining your handpiece’s performance over time.

Find our full offering of products with both Standard Line and PHP+ Line options here.

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Are dentists using the correct handpieces?

Different dental handpieces with different a standard head, a torque head, and a small head by Premium Handpiece Parts

Most dentists both new and old have no idea there are different handpieces on the market that are used for different facets of dentistry.  When you ask a dentist why they use a specific brand or model of handpiece you will receive answers like, “this is what I have always used,” “this one feels the best in my hands,” or “this one was the best price when I was purchasing my equipment.”  While these comments are true, they are not maximizing their efficiency with each patient losing both time and money.  Your job as a repair technician is to educate the doctor on what handpieces are available and the advantages each will bring to his practice. Continue reading Are dentists using the correct handpieces?