Getting ready to purchase a milling unit can be a very confusing decision. There are so many manufacturer options, so many features to consider, so many specifications to parse out, and so on and so on. It can be exhausting! But that’s where we come in.

The editors of Dental Lab Products have compiled a list of some of the leading  milling machines on the market, providing you all the details you need to know in one place. Under each description, there are also ways to contact the manufacturer if you have any additional questions or if you want to know more information. We hope this helps make your milling solution decision a little bit easier.

Before we get to the list, here are some questions and qualities to keep in mind:

• Open vs. closed architecture
• Understanding the implications of various CAM software options
• Single stock vs. multi-stock feeder
• Educate yourself on the materials you use and — more importantly — what materials you hope to incorporate. From here, you can decide whether dry versus wet milling is the right choice based on material and maintenance needs.
• Advantages of the 3- or 4-axis mill and the cost-benefit analysis of upgrading to a 5-axis mill
• Consider the costs associated with CAM tooling—certain materials require different tools—and its impact on the overall cost of a milling purchase.

Consider these questions and details as you figure out what mill might be the best fit for your lab:

3M ESPE
Lava™ CNC 500 Milling System

Laboratories are said to achieve a higher level of automation with the Lava CNC 500 milling machine. With the ability to run for 76 hours straight and 3- or 5-axis smart milling, laboratories can increase productivity and become a more versatile source of CAD/CAM milling. The CNC 500 machine knows whether to use 3-axis milling or convert to 5-axis milling for full contouring, undercuts and abutments, and can load up to 21 frames with as many as 10 units per frame. The design eliminates the need for spring retainers, and boasts an easy-view window and adjacent touchscreen control center to show exactly where it is in a milling cycle. Because the CNC 500 tool changer holds 31 tools up to 50 mm in length, the tool portfolio can be changed to fit a variety of materials and indications. Its highly efficient suction system can be connected to a central dust abatement system at no extra cost, and with no extra devices required. In addition to genuine Lava zirconia materials, the CNC 500 machine works with the wax block and Lava™ Digital Veneering System (DVS) glass ceramic materials.

800-634-2249
3MESPE.com

800-243-2000
jensendental.com

Amann Girrbach
ceramill motion 2

Ceramill Motion 2 combines the 5-axis milling technique (wet/dry) with the wet-grinding technique in a compact machine. The machine can be used not only as a purely dry or wet system, but also can be operated in the wet and dry combination mode. In the combination mode operation can be easily changed between milling and grinding mode (by exchanging the blank holder). The choice of version depends on the indications the laboratory wants to fabricate on a CAD/CAM basis.

Advanced 5-axis technology and proven stable, highly reliable precision components from the Motion 1 (e.g. Jäger® spindle) form the basis for a future-proof, robust dental CNC system, which also is optimally equipped for future areas of indications and materials (models, templates, full-denture prosthetics, etc.).

800-851-3719
amanngirrbachamerica.com

CadBlu
ezmill

The ezMill line of 4- and 5-axis compact desktop milling systems combines highspeed production and precision accuracy in a variety of compact and affordable tabletop units. Using a variety of advanced features — including hands-free operation and push button automation — the ezMILL is able to manufacture an array of restoration types using a variety of available materials, including zirconium, acrylic and wax.

212-481-8700
cadbludental.com

Roland DGA
DWX-50

Designed to streamline the production process, the DWX-50 features 5-axis simultaneous machining capability and a 5-station automatic tool changer with tool length sensor for added production convenience. The 5-axis dental milling machine is also equipped with a diagnostic notification system that alerts the operator of system errors and upon job completion, enables dental laboratories and technicians to carry out the milling process with minimal operator intervention.

The unit supports a wide range of software and tools and is built on open technology, allowing for easy integration with any commercially available dental prosthetic production solution. Additionally, the DWX-50 offers multicast capability, making it possible to connect up to four machines to one computer, allowing labs to grow their business by adding additional production capability at a fraction of the cost.

800-542-2307
rolanddga.com

Available through multiple dealers.

Laserdenta
openmill 500

Featuring German engineering, the OpenMill 500 milling machine is designed to mill Vita YZ, zirconia, wax and PMMA. With 5-axis milling capabilities, it has automatic toolpath creation for a high degree of accuracy and precision. It has dual material holders, an automated tool changer and automatic calibration. An open system, it is ready to use with a number of other open applications and systems. It is capable of producing copings, reduced anatomical crowns, full crowns, up to 16-unit bridges, implant superstructures and more.

866-328-5011
laserdenta.com

Datron
D5 dental mill

The D5 Dental Mill is designed based on close consultation with the dental lab industry — and was built from the ground up to meet the specific demands required for the production of complex implant geometries. It’s compatible with industry leading CAD/CAM software packages, while still allowing for the integration of yet-to-be-developed technology. Linear and torque motors control the 4th and 5th axis for highly accurate 5-axis simultaneous machining, and a user-friendly Apple iPad controls the milling jobs, tools, and material blanks. It features a 13-station tool changing unit with tool-length and tool-break sensors, as well as optional integrated 8-blank automation, 1.8 kW water-cooled Jäger spindle and drives. It also comes with a minimum-quantity cooling/lubrication system for machining hard metals (i.e. titanium, chrome cobalt), and a chip tray with adapter for vacuum/dust extraction of soft materials (i.e. zirconia and PMMA).

888-262-2833
datron.com

Primotec USA
Premio plus

The 5-axis Premio Plus mill is a simultaneous fully open wet and dry mill. The machine is capable of dry milling zirconia, Co-Cr, PMMA, wax, composites and polyurethane models. Titanium and ceramics (e.max) are milled wet. Because of the design and suction of the mill it is said to be very efficient and clean, and switching from wet to dry or from one material to another is quick and easy.

866-643-3129
primotecusa.com

Sirona Dental Systems
inlab mc xl

The inLab MC XL supports a wide range of production tasks in your dental lab. You benefit from its high speed, precision, large milling volume and outstanding versatility. The inLab MC XL is said to not only expand the available range of clinical indications, but also significantly increase a lab’s productivity. Said to work with an extensive range of materials, it is able to complete a 4-unit zirconium oxide bridge in approximately 40 minutes with a precision of +/- 25 μm, irrespective of the indication and the material.

800-659-5977
sirona.com

Zirkonzahn
M3 Milling Unit

The upgradable M3 milling unit is designed to make access to CAD/CAM systems less expensive. The modular unit with multiple functions is capable of adapting to the needs and new knowledge acquired by the laboratory by being able to upgrade from 3+1 to 4+1 or 5+1 axes. It offers a sliding door as protection from dust, an easy-to-clean glass interior, and the ability to produce approximately 100 units per day. Compatible milling materials include: pre-sintered zirconium dioxide (ICE Zirkon Translucent, Prettau® Zirconia), pre-sintered alumina, resin and wax.

800-989-8931
zirkonzahn.com

This article originally appeared in the March 2013 issue of Dental Lab Products magazine. For more great product roundups, industry news, technique articles and behind-the-scenes articles, click here to subscribe to DLP: http://bit.ly/18S8j4i