A simple guide to selecting a CAD/CAM milling machine
CAD/CAM milling machines have only developed over the past few years, but today’s dental laboratories now feature various milling options. Even while the inner hardware of milling machines hasn’t changed, the dynamics of what they offer have and thus can make it difficult for dentists to choose features that will best support their practices. Tooling and milling strategies matter when choosing the right milling machine for your practice, but so does the machine itself. With the accuracy of today’s fabrication process, dental object printing has become a more potent, reliable source for restorations.
The Evolution of CAD/CAM Machines
CAD/CAM machines were originally developed in the 1960s for the aircraft and automobile industries. Still, it wasn’t until 1971 when Dr. Francosis Duret developed the first CAD/CAM machine for an abutment tooth and produced the first restoration for treatment in 1983. These CAD/CAM machines didn’t have digitization scanners and had to be manually operated to produce dental crowns, veneers, and other restorations. It wasn’t until 1987 when Mörmann and Brandestini discovered the CEREC system, which combined digital scanning with a milling unit to produce dental restorations.
All CAD/CAM machines contain three essential components:
Computerized Surface Scanners – Also referred to as the machine’s software, all geometric shapes are transformed into digital data using multiple scanning and digitization methods. The data acquired to transmute the information into a physical impression can be done through the following:
Optical Scanners – These types of scanners consist of a collection of three-dimensional structures operating in a triangulation procedure. The laser, acting as the light source, and the receptor are positioned at a definite angle to calculate a three-dimensional data set for the image. Some examples of these kinds of CAD/CAM machines are the ES1 and 3M ESPE Lava Scan ST.
Mechanical Scanners – Mechanical scanners use a master cast and ruby ball that reads mechanically line-by-line to create the three-dimensional structure. The diameter of the rubber ball is set to the smallest grinder in the milling system and produces a high scanning accuracy, milling all the data collected. However, mechanical scanners are more expensive, have more complicated mechanics, and have a longer processing time.
Design Software – The number of milling axes within the machine distinguishes the design software. The number of milling axes determines the degree of movement during the design process of the restoration and how many adjustments can be made during design.
3-axis milling – These milling machines operate in three spatial directions and are defined by the X-, Y-, and Z- values. These devices can turn the component by 180 degrees when processing the inside and outside of the data image. These machines produce shorter milling times, have more simplified controls, and are cost-effective.
4-axis milling – A 4-axis milling machine includes the three spatial axes and a tension bridge for turning infinitely. This gives the construction a larger vertical height displacement to save materials and milling time for creating mold dimensions.
5-axis milling – In addition to the three spatial axes and tension bridge, a milling spindle enables the milling of complex geometries within subsections of the mold design.
When it comes to processing methods for CAD/CAM systems, two classifications of milling processing determine the materials needed for the milling machine and the costs, including:
Dry Processing: Also called dry grinding or dry ball milling, dry milling uses pressurized air and a vacuum to remove material particles. Dry milling can use materials such as zirconia, polyester ether ketone, PMMA, and wax to develop prosthetics and restorations.
Wet Processing: A spray of cool liquid protects the milling diamond or carbide cutter to avoid damage due to heat. This process is necessary for metals, ceramics, and resins and typically produces a less grain-filled and more accurate restoration.
Depending on the company, each system has its own specifications and operating systems for milling machines. So, when searching for a wet or dry milling machine, please pay attention to what their digitization scanners operate on matters. Here are our suggestions for the top milling machines, their prices, and brief specifications on what they offer for your practice.
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1. PrograMill PM7 by Ivoclar Vivadent
The PrograMill PM7 can mill a selection of dry and wet materials, making it a highly viable hybrid machine suitable for various indications. The 5-axis milling process can be controlled through an integrated PC with a touchscreen monitor. Both the tool changers and materials can operate in unison, making the fabrication process seamless and independent.
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Its milling strategy is controlled through a central management system and contains an ionizer that helps to reduce the cleaning requirements when using PMMA materials. Its features include 970 watts of power, servomotors for speed, and an intuitive user interface, and it can use materials such as lithium disilicate glass and partially stabilized zirconia for development.
2. CEREC MC XL by Dentsply Sirona
Dentsply Sirona’s CEREC systems have helped to revolutionize the milling unit, as the company offers its latest developments for milling systems with the CEREC MC XL. While Sirona specializes in dry milling machines, they feature fine fissures for precise edging between 4 and 12 minutes and synchronization at 25µm. The CEREC MC Xl premium package features four spindle motors, a touchscreen display, and a maximum block size of 22×40-85 mm for maximum milling intake. The CEREC MC XL can work with bridges of up to four units and create abutments, screw-retained crowns, and full single-tooth restorations with their CEREC SpeedFire furnace.
3. Planmeca PlanMill 30S by Planmeca
The Planmeca PlanMill 30S gives dentists a relaxing chair-side experience with a single-spindle unit, running on a 4-axis spindle that runs at a maximum of 100,000 RPMs. The unit’s rotary axis runs with linear motors and a five-tool position path. It is compatible with various materials, including a regular mill, abutment, and aesthetic composite blocks. The PlanMil 30 S contains a robust, open platform that universally connects with most dental equipment, and with a milling time of between 20-25 minutes, this machine can mill for any order from start to finish.
4. Ceramill Mikro IC by Amann Girrbach
This 4-axis milling machine gives high performance in its milling thanks to its technologically advanced DNA milling strategies, giving solid design with precision and accuracy. The Ceramill Mikro IC works as a wet grinder, featuring eight-compartment tool changers, a power output of 750w, and a carving mode to reduce the processing time by 60 percent. Its design ensures accuracy and handling when processing harder materials such as titanium and glass ceramics. It includes a thrilling mode, which allows the possibility to thrill block assemblies from standard CAD blocks.
5. DWX-4W Wet Dental Mill – Roland
The DWX-4W is a 4-axis wet milling machine specifically designed to produce crowns, inlays, and bridges with glass ceramic and composite resin materials. It offers milling convenience through its multi-pin clamps, ball screw control, and automatic tool changer for consistent use without interruption. The milling machine operates at speeds of up to 60,000 RPMs, gives dentists a simple one-button operation, and can produce restorations for up to three patients daily without interruptions.
