The effects of mixing capsule geometry on the early compressive strength of dental amalgam

Three dental amalgams were mixed in a number of different mixing capsules. Compressive strength specimens were prepared using a clinically relevant technique and tested at 1 h and 7 days. The results showed that the early compressive strength of an alloy was influenced by the mixing capsule, and suggested that internal capsule geometry may be an important contributory factor in capsule performance. With one exception, there was a marked difference between the compressive strengths produced under the present method and those reported by manufacturers under test conditions laid down in standards specifications.