Overview
ISO 15087-4:2000 specifies the form, dimensional requirements and marking conventions for Coupland dental elevators (also known as bone scissors). This part of ISO 15087 complements the general requirements in ISO 15087-1 and uses terminology from ISO 1942-3. The standard is intended to ensure consistent, fit-for-purpose hand instruments for dental extraction work.
Key facts:
- Applies to Coupland elevators (Types 1–3).
- Total length requirement: 145 mm to 165 mm.
- Handles: shape and dimensions are at the manufacturer's discretion.
Key Topics
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Classification: Coupland elevators are classified by the shape and size of the active end:
- Type 1 - rectilinear, small
- Type 2 - rectilinear, standard
- Type 3 - rectilinear, large
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Dimensional requirements: Table 1 of the standard provides blade and geometry values for the three types. Representative values from the table include blade widths, thicknesses and blade length (example values):
- Type 1: 3.1 mm (width), 2.0 mm (thickness), 18.0 mm (blade length)
- Type 2: 3.6 mm (width), 2.2 mm (thickness), 18.0 mm (blade length)
- Type 3: 4.1 mm (width), 2.4 mm (thickness), 18.0 mm (blade length)
- A blade angle reference and curvature radius are also given in the table; blade angle is specified as 8° in the published values.
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Measurement points: The standard defines where to measure blade width and thickness (measured at 5 mm from the tip) and how to measure blade and active lengths (measured parallel to the instrument axis). Radius and angle measurement points are identified in the normative tables.
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Designation and marking: When an instrument conforms, manufacturers may mark or catalogue the instrument using the format: ISO 15087-4/ (for example, ISO 15087-4/1 for a Type 1 elevator).
Applications
- Standardized specification supports manufacturers, dental product buyers, procurement specialists and clinical users by:
- Ensuring interchangeability and predictable ergonomics across suppliers
- Facilitating regulatory and conformity claims tied to a recognized ISO part
- Supporting safe and effective use through defined geometry and labelling
Related Standards
- ISO 15087-1:1999 - Dental elevators - Part 1: General requirements
- ISO 15087 (other parts) - Warwick James, Cryer, Bein, Flohr elevator parts
- ISO 1942-3 - Vocabulary for dental instruments
For manufacturers and clinical procurement teams, ISO 15087-4:2000 provides the practical dimensional baseline and marking guidance needed to specify and identify compliant Coupland elevators.
