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Milling Mastery- Roadmap to Selecting Your Perfect Machine
(A Non-Biased Opinion)
By Mario Dasca · 08th Jan, 2024
Welcome! Reading time: 1100 words… 4 min.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the myriad of milling machine options available in the market?
We've got you covered.
As the dental industry continues to evolve, making the right choice can be a daunting task. Especially when your selection depends on the type of materials you use, your budget, and the daily operations of your lab.
In this email:
Uncover the evolution of CAD/CAM machines
Reveal the top 7 milling machines lab owners are raving about
Learn how these machines are transforming dentistry
The Evolution of CAD/CAM Machines
Did you know the first CAD/CAM machine for dentistry wasn't developed until 1971?
And it wasn't until 1987 that the first digital scanning and milling unit was unveiled.
Fast forward to today, and these machines are transforming how restorations are made, offering greater accuracy and reliability.
Milling machines are becoming an essential part of modern dental labs. They offer compactness, versatility, and speed.
Moreover, most of them are compatible with various materials and software options, enabling efficiency and saving time and money.
"Tools and milling strategies matter when choosing the right milling machine, but so does the machine itself." - Sean White, DDS
Essential Components to look for in the Cad/Cam machines
Computerised Surface Scanners
This is also known as the machine’s software, where geometric shapes are digitised using multiple scanning methods, like:
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- These 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 and the number of Milling Axes
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 mould 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 mould design.
Then, in terms of processing methods, 2 systems can affect the material needs and costs for operating a milling machine:
Dry Processing: Also called dry grinding or dry ball milling, dry milling uses pressurised 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.
So, as each system has its specifications, when searching for a wet or dry milling machine, please pay attention to what their digitization scanners operate on matters.
Sneak peek at the top Milling Systems
PrograMill PM7 by Ivoclar Vivadent
This hybrid, 5-axis milling machine can mill a selection of dry and wet materials, offering versatility for various indications.
Number of Axes: 5
Architecture: Open
Material Compatibility: PMMA, Zirconia, Lithium Disilicate
Lab Size Recommend: 🏠️ 🏠️ 🏠️
Known for its precise edging, this machine can work with bridges of up to four units, and create abutments, screw-retained crowns, and full single-tooth restorations.
Number of Axes: 5
Architecture: Not Available
Material Compatibility: Glass Ceramics, Feldspar Ceramics, Zirkonia
Lab Size Recommend 🏠️ 🏠️
This is a 4-axis single spindle unit, compatible with various materials and has an open platform that connects to most dental equipment.
Offering a relaxing chair-side experience, this machine can be a great solution for dentists’ offices also, and can mill for any order from start to finish.
Number of Axes: 4
Architecture: Open
Material Compatibility: Wax, Ceramics, PMMA, Zirconia
Lab Size Recommend: 🏠️ 🏠️
This works as a wet grinder and it can handle strong materials such as glass ceramics and titanium. It also has a grinding and a thrilling feature.
This high-performing machine is known for its precision and accuracy.
Number of Axes: 5
Architecture: Open
Material Compatibility: Zirconia, Wax, PMMA, Ceramics, Resin, CrCo
Lab Size Recommend: 🏠️ 🏠️ 🏠️
This 4-axis wet milling machine is specifically designed to produce crowns, inlays, and bridges with glass ceramic and composite resin materials.
Number of Axes: 4
Architecture: Open
Material Compatibility: Glass Ceramics, Resin, Composites
Lab Size Recommend: 🏠️ 🏠️
Enables dental professionals to mill and place crowns in a single appointment. The average milling time for a crown is less than 15 minutes!
Number of Axes: 4
Architecture: Open
Material Compatibility: Zirconia, Resin, Composites
Lab Size Recommend: 🏠️ 🏠️
The D5 Dental Milling Machine is said to be unrivalled in the dental world. With a fully automated eight-blank changer and up to 15 tool-holding positions, it can mill titanium, chrome-cobalt, zirconia and other materials for more than 100 consecutive hours unattended. German-engineered for extreme rigidity and precision, the D5 was designed for the sole purpose of milling complex dental parts and implant geometries.
The D5 reportedly provides your lab with the flexibility it needs to mill anything from bars and custom abutments to full-contour crowns, copings and bridges all while being controlled by the simplicity of an Apple iPad. Compatible with leading CAD/CAM software, it also allows for the integration of yet-to-be-developed technology.
Number of Axes: 5
Architecture: Open
Material Compatibility: Glass Ceramics, Resin, Composites, PMMA, Titanium, CoCr
Lab Size Recommend: 🏠️ 🏠️ 🏠️ 🏠️ 🏠️
How the Right Milling Machine Can Revolutionize Your Lab
Choosing the right milling machine can significantly improve the efficiency and productivity of your lab. It allows you to deliver high-quality, precision-fit products without the need for preparatory work or reworking.
Choosing the right milling machine is not just a purchase; it's an investment in the future of your dental lab.
Please remember, this is a non-biased opinion and this article had no sponsorship related to milling machines.
I’m just one lab technician doing a bit of research for your lab.
Happy Milling!
Extra Resources Roundup
Technicians are focusing more on 3D printers in production (NLM)
Dentists looking after manufacturing in the office (Science Direct)
Milling machines- Which ones? (HERE)
Dental Milling Beginners FAQs (Watch here)
Dental Milling Case Study (Basic Knowledge and Issues)
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