Understanding the instrument code: ISO 6360, grit and shank

At first glance, the codes and colours on rotary instruments look like a secret cipher. In fact, they are based on international standards that make selection and ordering simpler and safer. This article explains ISO 6360, the grit system and the shank standards, and why ISO 13485 and CE-MDR are not nice extras.

The ISO 6360 code

The ISO 6360 standard describes a uniform number system for rotary dental instruments. The multi-digit code encodes, among other things:

• Material and instrument type
• Shank type and total length
• Shape of the working part
• Size, i.e. the largest diameter of the working part

Anyone who reads the code identifies an instrument unambiguously, regardless of the manufacturer. This makes reordering and comparison easier.

Grit and colour code

On diamond instruments, a colour ring indicates the grit. This lets you see immediately how coarse or fine an instrument works:

The shank standards

The shank determines which hand- or contra-angle piece an instrument fits. The common versions:

• FG (Friction Grip): for the turbine, preparation in the practice
• RA / WST: for the contra-angle, lower speed
• HP: for the straight handpiece, lab and technology

ISO 13485 and CE-MDR: a legal requirement

Rotary instruments are medical devices. Anyone who uses them on patients is liable for their suitability. Two requirements are therefore central:

• ISO 13485 is the standard for quality management of medical devices. It proves that development, manufacturing and testing are systematically monitored.
• CE-MDR confirms conformity with the European Medical Device Regulation.

Both are not voluntary quality seals but a legal prerequisite for safe use. rotatec instruments are Swiss Made to ISO 13485 and CE-compliant.

Ordering safely

Anyone who knows the code and the standards orders more precisely and safely. The entire relevant range at rotatec is from stock and ready to ship in 48 hours.

Reprocessing, marking and service life

Rotary instruments are medical devices and must be reprocessed properly: clean, disinfect and sterilise in line with the recommendations of the relevant hygiene authorities. Marking by figure and code number helps to assign instruments unambiguously, sort them and trace their use. Economically, service life counts: high-quality instruments that stay precise over many reprocessing cycles lower the cost per treatment. A clearly organised instrument management, from procurement through reprocessing to reordering, is thus a building block for quality and efficiency in the practice.

Register as a trade customer and find the right instrument in the shop.

From our range

The ISO code reflects what we offer: diamond instruments in various grits, carbide instruments in various toothings, all in the common shanks (FG, RA, HP). So you can filter precisely by shape, grit and shank. All Swiss Made to ISO 13485, in stock and ready to ship within 48 hours.

Register as a professional and filter by shape, grit and shank in the shop.

That makes finding the right instrument fast: our shop can be filtered and grouped by material and application as well as many further specifications (shank, size, grit, toothing, pack size).