EN ISO 15854:2023 (Dentistry - Casting and baseplate waxes) is the current CEN-adopted ISO standard that defines the classification, required properties and test methods for dental casting waxes (including products intended for CAD/CAM milling used with the lost‑wax technique) and dental baseplate waxes. The standard supersedes EN ISO 15854:2021 and was approved for adoption across CEN member countries in 2023.
The document:
- Specifies how casting and baseplate waxes are classified.
- Lists performance requirements and the test methods to verify compliance.
- Covers sampling, marking, packaging and test reporting.
It explicitly excludes solid polymer CAD/CAM blocks (e.g., acrylics) and thermoplastic or photo‑curing resins used in additive manufacturing, and it does not set specific quantitative requirements for freedom from biological hazards.
Key topics and technical requirements
EN ISO 15854:2023 focuses on practical, testable attributes of dental waxes. Key topics include:
- Classification of wax types (including distinctions referenced as Type 1 and Type 2 in test clauses).
- Appearance and visual inspection criteria.
- Flow properties and a defined flow test procedure.
- Behaviour on trimming (mechanical handling and finishability).
- Behaviour on softening and appearance after flaming (thermal behaviour relevant to lost‑wax casting).
- Residue on ignition for casting waxes and residue on artificial teeth, plus behaviour of colouring material for baseplate waxes.
- Adhesion on storage and other aging/storage-related assessments.
- Biocompatibility considerations are referenced (general requirements) but without specific quantitative limits.
- Detailed test methods (general and specific), sampling rules, marking, packaging and test reporting.
- Annex A provides an informative method for determining melting point.
Practical applications
This standard is used to ensure consistent performance and safety of dental waxes in clinical and laboratory workflows:
- Validating materials for lost‑wax casting in crown, bridge and removable prosthesis production.
- Specifying CAD/CAM milling waxes intended to be invested and cast.
- Guiding quality control, incoming inspection and supplier specifications.
- Supporting procurement and regulatory documentation for dental laboratories and manufacturers.
Who should use this standard
- Dental materials manufacturers and product developers
- Dental laboratories and technicians
- Quality assurance and regulatory compliance teams
- Test laboratories performing material certification
- Dental schools and research groups working with casting workflows
Related standards
- EN ISO 15854:2023 supersedes EN ISO 15854:2021 (previous edition).
- It was prepared by ISO/TC 106 (Dentistry) and adopted by CEN/TC 55; users should refer to other ISO/CEN dental materials standards for complementary test and biocompatibility requirements.
