Overview
EN ISO 14356:2024 (ISO 14356:2024) is the updated European/International standard for dentistry duplicating material. It specifies requirements, classification and test methods for materials used to form flexible moulds that produce positive refractory investment copies of properly blocked-out master models. This edition supersedes EN ISO 14356:2003 and was approved by CEN in October 2024.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard defines material classes, test procedures and essential performance criteria for dental duplicating materials, including:
- Classification by type (e.g., Type 1 and Type 2 materials) and associated test regimes.
- Material properties and acceptance criteria such as:
- Melting temperature and pouring temperature (Type 1 materials).
- Component colours and colour stability (Type 2 materials).
- Detail reproduction capability for accurate model replication.
- Compatibility with refractory investment and, where applicable, gypsum materials.
- Elastic recovery (dimensional recovery after deformation).
- Tear strength to resist ripping during use.
- Resistance to fungal growth (applicable to Type 1 agar materials).
- Sampling, specimen preparation and laboratory conditions required for reliable testing.
- Test protocols covering apparatus, stepwise specimen preparation, pass/fail criteria and expression of results.
- Packaging, labelling and instructions for use requirements to support safe, traceable and standardized application.
Annexes include an optional tear-test procedure and a bibliography of related references.
Practical applications
EN ISO 14356:2024 applies wherever accurate duplicating molds are needed in dental prosthetics and laboratory workflows. Typical applications:
- Production of flexible moulds for casting refractory investment copies used in ceramic and metal dental restorations.
- Quality control and incoming inspection of dental duplicating materials.
- Specification and procurement of materials by dental laboratories and manufacturers.
Who should use this standard
- Dental material manufacturers (product design, quality assurance and regulatory compliance).
- Dental laboratory managers and technicians (material selection and QA testing).
- Prosthodontists and dental technicians involved in lab-fabricated restorations.
- Regulatory bodies and conformity assessment organizations.
- Procurement teams specifying material performance for labs and clinics.
Related standards (context)
EN ISO 14356:2024 was prepared by ISO/TC 106 (Dentistry) in collaboration with CEN/TC 55 and aligns with international testing and labelling practices. Users should consult complementary ISO/CEN dental materials standards and national regulations when applying this standard.
Keywords: EN ISO 14356, ISO 14356:2024, duplicating material, dental duplicating materials, flexible moulds, refractory investment, detail reproduction, elastic recovery, tear strength, fungal resistance.
