In a dental laboratory, suction captures dust at the workstation. Cattani offers it in two forms: a machine beside the workbench, or a suction unit serving several workstations. The right choice mainly depends on two figures: the number of workstations and the distance. Here is how to decide.
Two approaches
- At the workstation: a cabinet placed beside the workbench, for one workstation.
- As a central installation: a suction unit installed at a distance, serving one or more workstations.
One workstation: Aspi-Labor and Mono-Labor
These two machines sit beside the workbench. They share the same base: 0.4 kW single-phase, 1250 l/min maximum flow, 1300 mm H2O vacuum in continuous operation. Their motor is protected by a thermal cut-out.
Aspi-Labor
On theAspi-Labor, the suction arm is positioned at the work point. It measures 450 × 350 × 760 mm, plus the arm, and weighs 32 kg. Its sound pressure is 67.5 dB(A).
Mono-Labor
The Mono-Labor is lower: 510 × 270 × 490 mm. A suction arm or suction mouth is available on request. It is also quieter: 53.5 dB(A). If the technician works next to the machine for long periods, that difference counts.
Suction units: from one to 12 workstations
When the machine is installed at a distance, Cattani specifies the number of workstations and the distance served for each unit:
- Tecno-Jet : one workstation at 8-10 m. 0.75 kW single-phase, 2000 l/min, 1300 mm H2O, 68 dB(A), 18 kg.
- Flux-Jet : 2 workstations at 8-10 m. 1.1 kW single-phase, 3300 l/min, 1500 mm H2O, 68.5 dB(A), 22 kg.
- Medio-Jet : 3 simultaneous workstations at 10-12 m. 2.2 kW three-phase, 5000 l/min, 1750 mm H2O, 76 dB(A), 30 kg.
- Maxi-Jet 2S : 4 simultaneous workstations at 10-15 m. 4 kW three-phase, 8333 l/min, 1700 mm H2O, 76.5 dB(A), 54 kg.
- Uni-Jet 500 : 6 simultaneous workstations at 20 m. 3.5 kW three-phase, 9500 l/min, 1300 mm H2O, 78 dB(A), 90 kg.
- Uni-Jet 1000 : 12 simultaneous workstations at 25 m. 4.5 kW three-phase, 20000 l/min, 1200 mm H2O, 82 dB(A), 118 kg.
One workstation: at the bench or at a distance?
For a single workstation, there are two approaches. The Aspi-Labor and Mono-Labor sit beside the workbench: simple installation, machine within reach. The Tecno-Jet is installed up to 8-10 m from the workstation: the machine leaves the workshop, and its noise goes with it. It also offers a higher maximum flow, 2000 l/min versus 1250 l/min.
Four questions to ask
1. How many workstations use suction at the same time?
As with suction in the practice, the criterion is simultaneous use. For the Medio-Jet, Maxi-Jet 2S and Uni-Jet units, Cattani explicitly refers to simultaneous workstations. Count the active workstations at peak times, and think about the ones you will add.
2. How far away is the machine?
Each unit is specified for a distance: 8-10 m for the Tecno-Jet and Flux-Jet, 10-12 m for the Medio-Jet, 10-15 m for the Maxi-Jet 2S, 20 m for the Uni-Jet 500, 25 m for the Uni-Jet 1000. Measure the actual route between the planned location and the furthest workstation.
3. What power supply do you have?
The Aspi-Labor, Mono-Labor, Tecno-Jet and Flux-Jet run on single-phase power. From the Medio-Jet upward, the units are three-phase. Check the laboratory's electrical installation before you choose.
4. Where will the machine go, and how much noise is acceptable?
Sound pressure ranges from 53.5 dB(A) for the Mono-Labor to 82 dB(A) for the Uni-Jet 1000. A machine at the workstation must stay discreet. A central unit can be installed outside the workshop: that is the whole point of the distance served. Also plan for space and weight, from 18 kg for the Tecno-Jet to 118 kg for the Uni-Jet 1000.
Summary
- 1 workstation, machine at the bench: Aspi-Labor or Mono-Labor.
- 1 workstation, machine at a distance: Tecno-Jet.
- 2 workstations: Flux-Jet.
- 3 workstations: Medio-Jet.
- 4 workstations: Maxi-Jet 2S.
- 6 workstations: Uni-Jet 500.
- 12 workstations: Uni-Jet 1000.
Dental technology schools and faculties often have rooms with many workstations. See the Schoolspage, and our article “Centralized suction: clinics and universities”. The full range is on the Laboratory.
A Cattani specialist can advise you
Send us the number of workstations, the laboratory layout and the planned location of the machine. A Cattani specialist will suggest the right suction unit.
Ask a Cattani specialist for advice
Sources: Cattani, product sheets Aspi-Labor, Mono-Labor, Tecno-Jet, Flux-Jet, Medio-Jet, Maxi-Jet 2S, Uni-Jet 500 and Uni-Jet 1000 (cattani.it).