T1: Temperature climbs up to 1,100 C in 75 minutes. During this period, most of the gases from the zirconia binder and/or color liquids are burned out.

T2: Since there is no holding period after this climb, the temperature remains at 1,100 C for zero minutes.

T3: The second stage of sintering uses a slower climb to reach the high temperature of 1,500 C in 105 minutes

T4: Holding period at 1,500 C for 70 minutes.

T5: Controlled cooling of zirconia for 230 minutes to reach the normal temperature of 25 C.

Example of regular 8 hour graph used by most brands of zirconia
The graph to the left is an example of a regular 8 hour sintering mode applicable to most brands of zirconia currently available on the market.

Understanding the basic concepts of the graph will allow you to create any custom graph tailored to your needs for specific brands of zirconia. In addition, B&D Dental can provide preset modes for your particular brand of zirconia.

Large Bridge Cases Require the Extended Cycle Time and Slower Heat Up
What is your success rate for large bridge cases? The success of large bridge cases depends on factors such as the accuracy of CAM software, Pontic design, and the control of the uneven shrinkage between thin coping areas and thick/large pontic areas. In addition, it is largely dependent on whether the heat source is circumferential or simply one directional (upward only) as it is with microwave methods. Test results show that a circumferential heat source along with the extended cycle time and slower hea up has a much higher success rate for large bridge cases.