# NIC® U-Series

> The Familiar Classic

- **Manufacturer:** NIC Dental (Shenzhen Superline Technology)
- **Motion:** Continuous Rotation
- **Alloy:** MaxTech NiTi (Untreated / Gold / Blue Tiers)
- **Key feature:** Eight-size SX–F5 convex-triangle crown-down sequence in three MaxTech wire tiers with per-wire motor settings — U+ (gold) at 300 RPM with graduated 5.0/1.5/3.0 Ncm torque, U-Blue at 400 RPM, untreated U at 250-300 RPM

## Specifications

### U+ (MaxTech 3.0 Gold)

| File | Tip (mm) | Taper | Length | Cross-section | Motion | Speed (rpm) | Torque | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SX | 0.19 | 4% | 19mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 5.0 Ncm | orifice opener |
| S1 | 0.18 | 2% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 5.0 Ncm | shaping |
| S2 | 0.20 | 4% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 1.5 Ncm | shaping |
| F1 | 0.20 | 7% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 1.5 Ncm | finishing |
| F2 | 0.25 | 8% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F3 | 0.30 | 9% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F4 | 0.40 | 4% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing (optional) |
| F5 | 0.50 | 5% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 300 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing (optional) |

### U-Blue (MaxTech 6.0)

| File | Tip (mm) | Taper | Length | Cross-section | Motion | Speed (rpm) | Torque | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SX | 0.19 | 4% | 19mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | orifice opener |
| S1 | 0.18 | 2% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | shaping |
| S2 | 0.20 | 4% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | shaping |
| F1 | 0.20 | 7% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F2 | 0.25 | 8% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F3 | 0.30 | 9% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F4 | 0.40 | 4% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing (optional) |
| F5 | 0.50 | 5% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 400 | 3.0 Ncm | finishing (optional) |

### U (MaxTech 1.0, Untreated)

| File | Tip (mm) | Taper | Length | Cross-section | Motion | Speed (rpm) | Torque | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SX | 0.19 | 4% | 19mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 3.0-4.0 Ncm | orifice opener |
| S1 | 0.18 | 2% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 3.0-4.0 Ncm | shaping |
| S2 | 0.20 | 4% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 1.0-1.5 Ncm | shaping |
| F1 | 0.20 | 7% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 1.5-2.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F2 | 0.25 | 8% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 2.0-3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F3 | 0.30 | 9% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 2.0-3.0 Ncm | finishing |
| F4 | 0.40 | 4% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 2.0-3.0 Ncm | finishing (optional) |
| F5 | 0.50 | 5% | 21mm, 25mm, 31mm | Convex triangular | Continuous Rotation | 250-300 | 2.0-3.0 Ncm | finishing (optional) |

## Protocol

### Glide Path

1. **Scout with SS K-10 and K-15** — Per the manufacturer's IFU, passively scout the coronal two-thirds with size 010 and 015 stainless steel hand files in the presence of a viscous chelator or lubricant.
   - Confirm patency before any rotary instrument (IFU)
   - In restrictive canals, negotiate the apical third with 010 and 015 hand files until loose at length (IFU)
2. **Confirm a Glide Path to at Least ISO 015** — Determine working length with a radiograph and/or apex locator, then confirm a smooth, reproducible glide path to at least ISO 015 before rotary shaping, per the IFU.
   - NIC's PRG, T-Series, and EZ-Can mechanical glide path files are available separately if a mechanical glide path is preferred
   - ⚠ Do not advance rotary files without a confirmed glide path (IFU)

### Shaping

1. **Shape the Coronal 2/3 — S1, S2** — In the presence of sodium hypochlorite, let S1 (18/.02) passively follow the glide path with a brushing action on the withdrawal stroke, then use S2 (20/.04) the same way, each to the depth of the size 015 hand file, per the IFU. _(File: S1, S2 · 300 RPM (U+) / 400 RPM (U-Blue) / 250-300 RPM (U) · U+ S1 5.0, S2 1.5 / U-Blue 3.0 / U S1 3.0-4.0, S2 1.0-1.5 Ncm)_
   - Always brush away from the furcation (IFU)
   - Irrigate, recapitulate, and re-irrigate at minimum after each file (IFU)
   - ⚠ Never force the file apically (IFU)
2. **Take S1 and S2 to Working Length** — Scout the apical third with 010 and 015 hand files until loose at length, establish working length and patency, then carry S1 and then S2 to working length with a brushing action, per the IFU. _(File: S1, S2 · 300 RPM (U+) / 400 RPM (U-Blue) / 250-300 RPM (U) · U+ S1 5.0, S2 1.5 / U-Blue 3.0 / U S1 3.0-4.0, S2 1.0-1.5 Ncm)_
   - Reconfirm working length after coronal shaping, especially in more curved canals (IFU)
3. **Optimize Coronal Shape — SX (Selective)** — Use SX (19/.04, 19 mm) selectively with a brushing motion to improve coronal access, move the coronal canal away from furcal concavities, or shape canals in shorter roots, per the IFU. _(File: SX · 300 RPM (U+) / 400 RPM (U-Blue) / 250-300 RPM (U) · U+ 5.0 / U-Blue 3.0 / U 3.0-4.0 Ncm)_
   - Brush away from the furcation in molars (IFU)

### Finishing

1. **Finish the Apical Third — F1, then Gauge** — Use F1 (20/.07) in a passive non-brushing action, each insertion deeper than the last, until working length is reached; then gauge the foramen with a size 020 hand file, per the IFU. _(File: F1 · 300 RPM (U+) / 400 RPM (U-Blue) / 250-300 RPM (U) · U+ 1.5 / U-Blue 3.0 / U 1.5-2.0 Ncm)_
   - Do not hold any finishing file at working length longer than about one second (IFU)
   - If the 020 hand file is snug at length, the canal is ready for final irrigation and obturation (IFU)
2. **Larger Apical Sizes — F2 to F5 (When Needed)** — If the 020 gauge is loose at length, continue with F2 (25/.08) and, when necessary, F3 (30/.09), F4 (40/.04), or F5 (50/.05) in the same passive motion, gauging after each with 025/030/040/050 hand files, per the IFU. _(File: F2 / F3 / F4 / F5 · 300 RPM (U+) / 400 RPM (U-Blue) / 250-300 RPM (U) · U+ 3.0 / U-Blue 3.0 / U 2.0-3.0 Ncm)_
   - Stop enlargement at the first finisher that is clinically appropriate for the anatomy — over-enlargement increases transportation and separation risk (IFU)

## Clinical Tips

- Motor settings are per wire (manufacturer fact sheet, 2026-08-12): U+ (gold) runs at 300 RPM with graduated torque — 5.0 Ncm for SX and S1, 1.5 Ncm for S2 and F1, 3.0 Ncm for F2–F5; the untreated U tier runs at 250-300 RPM with graduated 1.0-4.0 Ncm torque; U-Blue runs at 400 RPM / 3.0 Ncm (direct manufacturer confirmation, 2026-08). Set the motor for the wire in your hand
- Shaping files work with a brushing action on the withdrawal stroke; finishing files work passively without brushing, and are not held at working length longer than about one second (IFU)
- Apical gauging is built into the sequence: after each finisher, a matching hand file (020–050) confirms whether the preparation is complete or the next size is needed (IFU)
- All three tiers share the same geometry and differ in heat treatment (manufacturer): the untreated U is MaxTech 1.0 conventional NiTi, U+ is MaxTech 3.0 (gold-type, positioned for conventional curvature up to ~15°), and U-Blue is MaxTech 6.0 (blue-type, moderately flexible and pre-bendable, for curvature up to ~30°) — which the fact sheet positions as "more flexible than ProTaper Gold". The available IFU covers the U+ wire
- Due to heat treatment the file may appear slightly curved out of the package — the manufacturer states this is not a defect and the file does not need straightening (IFU)
- NIC's own cross-reference table positions the untreated U as its ProTaper Universal alternative and U+ as its ProTaper Gold alternative; the finishing-file sizing (20/.07 → 50/.05) mirrors that sequence — a manufacturer-claimed correspondence, not independently verified
- S1 is 18/.02 and F4 is 40/.04 in every tier per the manufacturer's consolidated fact sheet (2026-08-12), which is the controlling source where earlier NIC documents differed
- SX is a 19 mm orifice shaper; S1–F5 use a 13 mm short shank in 21/25/31 mm lengths; maximum flute diameter is 1.2 mm across the line (fact sheet)
- System-matched machine-made gutta-percha and paper points (VTF F1–F5) are offered by the manufacturer; the IFU directs confirming cone fit, tug-back, and radiographic fit before sealer placement
- Specifications on this page come from the manufacturer's consolidated fact sheet (2026-08-12, the controlling source), 2026 IFU draft, 2025 catalog, and direct manufacturer confirmations (2026-08); no independent peer-reviewed performance data exists for this system (PubMed, 2026-08-11)

## Warnings

- Single-use only per the manufacturer's IFU — reuse may increase the risk of cross-contamination, loss of cutting efficiency, or file separation
- Supplied non-sterile in this version: sterilize before first clinical use (steam autoclave 134 °C, 18 min holding time per the IFU) and discard after the procedure
- Use only in continuous clockwise rotation — the IFU directs against reciprocating motion for these files
- Do not use a file from a damaged package, or any instrument showing deformation, unwinding, corrosion, fracture, or wear (IFU)
- Avoid apical pressure: forcing the file may cause separation, ledging, transportation, or perforation (IFU)
- Contains nickel — the IFU contraindicates use in patients with known nickel/NiTi allergic sensitivity
- The IFU contraindicates mechanical use in canals with severe, sudden apical curvatures, complex canal divisions, or anatomy where safe passive file progression cannot be achieved

## Contraindications

- Known allergic sensitivity to nickel-titanium alloy or any component of the device (IFU)
- Canals with severe, sudden apical curvatures, complex canal divisions, or anatomy where safe passive file progression cannot be achieved (IFU)

## Best for

- familiar SX–F5 graduated shaping sequence
- IFU-defined technique with built-in apical gauging
- untreated, gold, or blue wire tiers chosen per case

## Technical profile

- **Category:** multi-file-rotary
- **Heat treatment:** Blue Heat-Treated — Manufacturer's MaxTech heat treatment in three tiers on the same geometry (manufacturer fact sheet, 2026-08-12): the untreated U is MaxTech 1.0 conventional NiTi at 250-300 RPM, U+ is MaxTech 3.0 (gold-type, enhanced fatigue life for conventional ~15° curvature, 300 RPM per its IFU), and U-Blue is MaxTech 6.0 (blue-type, moderately flexible and pre-bendable, positioned by the manufacturer as more flexible than ProTaper Gold, 400 RPM per direct confirmation). No independent metallurgical characterization is cited.
- **Reuse:** Single-use
- **Motor:** any-rotary
- **Glide path requirement:** manual-only — SS K-10 and K-15 hand files to at least ISO 015 per the IFU; NIC PRG, T-Series, or EZ-Can mechanical glide path files available separately
- **Canal suitability:** Curvature: mild, moderate; Canal size: narrow, normal, wide; Calcified canals: no; Retreatment: no; Conservative access: no
- **Matching gutta-percha:** NIC U-series machine-made gutta-percha points (VTF F1–F5) (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
- **Matching paper points:** NIC U-series absorbent paper points (VTF F1–F5) (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5)
- **Content revision:** 2026-08-13

## FAQ

**What alloy is NIC U-Series made from?**

NIC® U-Series is manufactured from MaxTech NiTi (Untreated / Gold / Blue Tiers) with blue heat treatment.

**How many files are in the NIC U-Series sequence?**

The NIC® U-Series system includes 24 files: SX, S1, S2, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, SX, S1, S2, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, SX, S1, S2, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5.

**What is the NIC U-Series file sequence?**

NIC® U-Series is used in this order: SX → S1 → S2 → F1 → F2 → F3 → F4 → F5. Per-file speed, torque and technique are in the protocol section above.

**What motion type does NIC U-Series use?**

NIC® U-Series uses continuous rotation motion.

**What cases is NIC U-Series best for?**

NIC® U-Series is best suited for: familiar SX–F5 graduated shaping sequence, IFU-defined technique with built-in apical gauging, untreated, gold, or blue wire tiers chosen per case.

**What speed and torque settings are recommended for NIC U-Series?**

Recommended settings: 300–400–250-300 RPM and 5.0 / 1.5 / 3.0 / 3.0-4.0 / 1.0-1.5 / 1.5-2.0 / 2.0-3.0 Ncm across the file sequence (refer to official DFU for full per-file parameters).

## References

- [Manufacturer instructions for use (DFU/IFU)](https://www.nicdental.com)

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_Educational reference for dental professionals. Always confirm settings against the official manufacturer instructions for use before clinical procedures._