ISO 15854:2023

Overview

ISO 15854:2023 - Dentistry - Casting and baseplate waxes specifies classification, requirements and test methods for waxes used in dental casting (including CAD/CAM milling waxes) and for dental baseplate preparation. It covers waxes intended for the lost‑wax technique and sets out how to sample, test and mark products to demonstrate compliance. The third edition (2023) clarifies scope, adds waxes supplied for CAD/CAM milling and extends tests such as appearance after flaming to casting waxes. The standard excludes solid polymer CAD/CAM blocks (e.g., acrylics) and thermoplastic or photo‑curing resins used in additive manufacturing.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Classification
  • Type 1 - Casting wax (Classes: Soft, Hard, Milling)
  • Type 2 - Baseplate wax (Classes: Soft, Hard, Extra hard)
• General requirements
  • Uniform appearance, colour and texture; free from foreign material
  • Defined flow (represents hardness) and behaviour on trimming and softening
  • Tests for appearance after flaming, residue on ignition, adhesion on storage, and residue on artificial teeth
• Test methods and sampling
  • Detailed test procedures for visual inspection, flow measurement, trimming behaviour, softening behaviour (Type 1 and Type 2), ignition residue, and other specific tests
  • Guidance for ambient conditions, apparatus verification, sampling, test reporting and packaging/marking
• Ancillary information
  • Annex A: informative method for determination of melting point
  • The document does not set quantitative limits for biological hazards but recommends reference to biocompatibility standards.

Practical applications

• Provides a harmonized framework for manufacturers to formulate, label and batch‑test casting and baseplate waxes.
• Guides dental laboratories and prosthodontists in selecting appropriate wax types (soft/hard/milling) for lost‑wax casting, denture baseplate formation and CAD/CAM pattern production.
• Used by quality control and testing laboratories to perform standardized assessments (flow, residue, appearance) and produce compliant test reports.
• Helpful for procurement and regulatory teams to evaluate supplier conformity and packaging/marking requirements.

Who should use this standard

• Dental material manufacturers and formulators
• Dental technicians and CAD/CAM milling centers
• Prosthodontists and dental clinics involved in prosthesis production
• Test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies and regulatory authorities

Related standards

• ISO 1942 (Dentistry - Vocabulary)
• ISO 22112 (Artificial teeth)
• ISO 21920‑2, ISO 6873, ISO 8601‑1 (referenced for testing and documentation)
• For biocompatibility assessment: ISO 7405 and ISO 10993‑1

Keywords: ISO 15854, dentistry, casting wax, baseplate waxes, CAD/CAM milling wax, lost‑wax technique, dental wax standards, test methods, wax classification.