Bonart Ultrasonic Scalers: Piezo vs Magnetostrictive Units Compared

The right Bonart ultrasonic scaler depends first on technology: piezoelectric units like the ART-P6 Piper and ART-P3II Pelican use BS tips with a linear motion, while magnetostrictive units like the ART-M1 Maverick and ART-M3II Marquee use 25K or 30K inserts with an elliptical motion. Chase Dental Supply carries the Bonart lineup of tabletop, built-in and combo units, plus tips, inserts and parts.

Key Takeaways

• Piezo units (ART-P6, ART-P3II, ART-PB3) use BS tips and a torque wrench; magnetostrictive units (ART-M1, ART-M3II, ART-MB3) use 25K or 30K inserts.
• The ART-P6 Piper is the compact piezo option; the ART-P3II Pelican adds an LCD screen, two LED handpieces and three modes.
• The ART-M1 Maverick is 25KHz only; the ART-M3II Marquee offers three modes and frequency lock-in.
• The ART-PB3 and ART-MB3 built-in kits must be professionally installed and do not include a solenoid valve, foot switch or transformer.
• The ART-SP1 scaler and polisher combo is approved for veterinary use only.

Piezo vs Magnetostrictive: What’s the Difference?

Piezoelectric scalers vibrate the tip in a mostly linear, back and forth stroke, while magnetostrictive scalers move the working end in an elliptical or orbital pattern. That changes tip adaptation and which consumables you buy. For clinical settings, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

A piezoelectric scaler is an ultrasonic unit that uses ceramic crystals in the handpiece to convert electrical energy into tip vibration. The lateral sides of the tip are the active surfaces. Bonart piezo units run BS series tips seated with a metal torque wrench.

A magnetostrictive scaler is an ultrasonic unit that uses a stack of metal strips inside a removable insert to generate vibration in a magnetic field. The insert must match the unit’s frequency, 25K or 30K. See our 25K vs 30K ultrasonic scaler inserts guide.

Which Bonart Piezo Scalers Are Available?

Bonart offers two tabletop piezo scalers, the compact ART-P6 Piper and the larger ART-P3II Pelican. Both use Auto Gain Control and ship with a torque wrench and BS tips.

ART-P6 Piper Compact Piezo Scaler

The Bonart ART-P6 Piper Compact Piezoelectric Scaler measures 7.68 by 3.38 by 3.27 inches and weighs 3.52 lbs. It runs at 26 to 32 KHz and has a large power dial ringed with LED indicators.

The kit includes a metal piezo torque wrench, two BS-1 universal pointed tips, one BS-2 flat chisel tip and one BS-3 round flat tip. The Piper uses its own proprietary accessories, sold as the Bonart Piper P6 Foot Switch and Power Cord.

ART-P3II Pelican Piezo Scaler

The Bonart ART-P3II Pelican Piezoelectric Scaler is the second series of the original ART-P3. It adds an LCD screen, front knobs for power and water flow, and three modes: Scaling, Perio and Endo.

The Pelican operates at 26 to 32 KHz and includes two LED piezo handpieces, a torque wrench and BS tips (see the product page for the full list). For choosing replacement tips by procedure, see our Bonart BS piezo scaler tips guide.

Which Bonart Magnetostrictive Scalers Are Available?

Bonart’s tabletop magnetostrictive scalers are the basic ART-M1 Maverick (25KHz) and the three mode ART-M3II Marquee, listed at Chase in a 30KHz, 110V version.

ART-M1 Maverick (25K Only)

The Bonart ART-M1 Maverick Magnetostrictive Scaler, 25K is Bonart’s most basic scaler and is available only in a 25KHz model. It offers a regular mode (10W to 30W) and a turbo mode (20W to 35W).

It comes with a foot switch, power cord, water tube, quick connector and one 25K IF-50 insert. Compatible 25K inserts include the Bonart P-10 Universal Insert 25KHz (TM0006-162) for general scaling.

ART-M3II Marquee (30K Listing)

The Bonart ART-M3II Marquee Magnetostrictive Scaler, 30KHz is a stand-alone unit with Scaling, Perio and Endo modes. It locks in the frequency of the installed tip and ships with a foot switch, power cord, water tube and quick connector.

Pair this 30KHz model with 30K inserts such as the Bonart P-10 Universal Insert 30KHz. Call to confirm included inserts, and see our Bonart magnetostrictive inserts guide.

What Are the Bonart Built-In Scalers?

The ART-PB3 and ART-MB3 are built-in versions of Bonart’s piezo and magnetostrictive scalers, installed directly into an existing dental chair or rig. They are not plug and play.

ART-PB3 Built-In Piezoelectric Scaler

The Bonart ART-PB3 Built-In Piezoelectric Scaler comes with the ART-PB3 PC board, an autoclavable handpiece, handpiece cable, display module, three piezo tips and a metal torque wrench.

ART-MB3 Built-In Magnetostrictive Scaler

The Bonart ART-MB3 Built-In Magnetostrictive Scaler includes the ART-MB3 PC board, handpiece and cable, display module and two inserts, and it is available in 25K or 30K versions.

Installation Warning for Built-In Units

Both built-in kits consist of individual parts that must be professionally installed into a dental chair or table. Neither includes a solenoid valve, a foot switch or a transformer, as these are often already in the chair or table.

Bonart warns that built-in units are complicated to install, easy to damage through improper installation, and should never be considered a cheaper alternative to tabletop units.

What Is the Bonart ART-SP1 Combo?

The ART-SP1 is a magnetostrictive scaler and polisher in one unit, approved for veterinary use only.

The Bonart ART-SP1 Magnetostrictive Scaler and Polisher Combo switches from scaling to polishing at the push of a button. It operates at 24.5KHz, polishes at 2,000 to 30,000 rpm, and accepts most major brand prophy cups and paste (not included).

Replacement parts such as the micro-motor and prophy head are covered in our Bonart scaler parts and accessories guide.

Bonart Ultrasonic Scaler Comparison Table

Which Bonart Scaler Should You Choose?

• Small or mobile practice wanting piezo: the ART-P6 Piper. The most compact unit, shipped with four BS tips.
• Hygiene operatory that wants modes and a display: the ART-P3II Pelican, with three modes and an LCD screen.
• Office already stocked with 25K inserts: the ART-M1 Maverick, 25KHz with regular and turbo power.
• Office standardized on 30K inserts: the ART-M3II Marquee 30KHz listing.
• Chair refit with a technician on hand: the ART-PB3 or ART-MB3, professionally installed.
• Veterinary clinic: the ART-SP1 combo, which is approved for veterinary use only.

If you are comparing brands, the TPC Advance piezo ultrasonic scalers guide covers another piezo option Chase carries. For other manufacturers, see the dental lab and office supply brands guide.

Shop the Products

The universal foot switch fits most Bonart units, but not the Piper (P6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Bonart piezo or magnetostrictive scaler better?

Neither is better for every office. Piezo units like the ART-P6 and ART-P3II use screw-on BS tips with a linear stroke, while magnetostrictive units like the ART-M1 and ART-M3II use 25K or 30K inserts with an elliptical stroke. Most offices choose based on training and existing consumables.

What frequency does the Bonart ART-M1 run at?

The Bonart ART-M1 Maverick runs at 25KHz and is available only as a 25KHz model. It ships with one 25K IF-50 insert.

Does the Bonart ART-PB3 or ART-MB3 include a foot switch?

No. The ART-PB3 and ART-MB3 built-in kits do not include a solenoid valve, a foot switch or a transformer. Both must be professionally installed.

Can the Bonart ART-SP1 be used on human patients?

No. The Bonart ART-SP1 magnetostrictive scaler and polisher combo is approved for veterinary use only.

Does the Bonart universal foot switch fit the ART-P6 Piper?

No. The universal foot switch PP0031-002 fits most Bonart units, but the ART-P6 Piper uses its own proprietary foot switch and power cord.

From a compact piezo unit to a 25K or 30K magnetostrictive scaler or a built-in system, the Bonart lineup covers each option. Chase Dental Supply can help you confirm compatibility before you order. Email sales@chasedentalsupply.com or call for current pricing.