BS EN ISO 6360-1:2004

Part 1 of BS EN  ISO 6360 presents a number coding system for dental rotary instruments and accessories, and provides guidance with regard to its interpretation and use.

This part of BS EN ISO 6360 specifies the code numbers for materials used for the working parts of instruments, the coating and the binding of abrasives for instruments. This three-digit number forms the first group of three digits in the 15-digit overall number.

BS EN ISO 6360-1 is the international standard that specifies the code numbers for shanks, handles, or bore diameter of unmounted instruments, and for the overall lengths of instruments. This three-digit number forms the second group of three (two plus one) digits in the 15-digit overall number.

Several examples of complete 15-digit identification numbers are given to demonstrate the number coding system, including examples of three (additional) optional digits (16 to 18) for diamond instruments are included.

In addition to terms for rotary instruments and accessories used in two of the three official ISO languages (English, French and Russian), this standard  gives the equivalent terms in the German language; these are published under the responsibility of the member body for Germany (DIN). However, only the terms given in the official languages can be considered as ISO terms.

Contents of BS EN ISO 63609-1 includes:

• Foreword
• Introduction
• Scope
•  Normative references
• Terms and definitions
• Number code
• Code numbers for general characteristics
• Materials of the working part
• Coatings and bindings
• Types of shanks, handles or bore diameters (of unmounted instruments)
• Overall length
•  Examples of identification numbers
• Bibliography

Part 1 of BS EN ISO 6360 is one of a series of International Standards relating to dental rotary instruments. A wide variety of dental rotary instruments, including root-canal instruments, is manufactured throughout the world for use by the dental profession.

The BS EN ISO 6360 series of standard provides a general number coding system for all types of dental rotary instruments, including accessories used in connection with these rotary instruments.

The benefits of this system for dentistry in its entirety will only be derived if the system is widely adopted; manufacturers of dental instruments, as well as the dental trade, are therefore requested to refer to ISO 6360 in their catalogues.

This part of ISO 6360 was prepared in response to a need by the dental trade and industry and the dental profession for a universal system of classification and designation for these instruments. It establishes a comprehensive number coding system suitable for all dental rotary instruments by use of a 15-digit code number identifying general and specific characteristics of instruments or groups of instruments.

• The first group of three digits identifies the materials used for the working part of instruments.
• The second group of three digits identifies the shanks and handles used for instruments and the overall lengths of instruments.
• The third group of three digits identifies the shapes of instruments.
• The fourth group of three digits identifies the specific characteristics for groups of instruments.
• The fifth group of three digits identifies the nominal diameter of the working part of the instruments, nominal size.

The code numbers are generic code numbers. They do not provide exact product information. This information is given in the respective product standard for dental rotary instruments.

For the application of the system and for the correct allocation of numbers or their identification, it is intended that the user consult this part of BS EN ISO 6360 and BS EN ISO 6360-2 for general information, and in addition one of the subsequent parts (BS EN ISO 6360-3 to BS EN ISO 6360-7) for further information on specific characteristics of instruments or groups of instruments.