Finding the perfect mill for your lab

Finding the perfect new equipment for your lab can be a challenge.

There’s a lot to consider: what price point are you comfortable at? What features are a must have? What features can you do without? What materials do you mill most often? What applications are you looking for?

To help narrow down your search, we’ve gathered several of the most cutting-edge milling machines available today. From big to small and everything in between, chances are one of these mills will be just what you and your lab are looking for.

Which mill will you add to your lab?

Ceramill Motion 2 | Amann Girbach

The Ceramill Motion 2 is a benchmark in terms of the range of indications and materials in-house. The 5-axis milling unit combines wet and dry processing in one unit and enables the value-creation chain to be kept virtually completely in-house in the laboratory.

The Ceramill Motion 2 can be used either as a purely dry or wet unit or in combined operation for a reportedly unlimited range of materials and indications.

Equipped with the innovative control technology and robust machine concept from Amann Girrbach, the Ceramill 2 is guaranteed to be future-proof, economic and precise.

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Versamill 5X400 | Axsys

The Versamill 5X400 from Axsys Dental Solutions is reportedly the most capable mill in its class. It offers double the machining capability of the top-selling competitive brand for almost half the price. Constructed with the technology in “full-frame” CNC industrial machines, the 5X400 is designed to perform reliably with high precision for the long term.

This open source 5-axis mill can accept input from any popular design program and process virtually any dental milling material (even titanium) with superior surface finishes, faster cycle times and greater tool life. Single-unit zirconia and glass ceramic crowns in 14 minutes. 

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M10Pro Next | DATRON

The M10Pro Next is a German-engineered, high-speed milling machine featuring the new DATRON next control system. DATRON next, for DATRON high-speed milling machines, provides an intuitive touch-screen machine control that functions much like a Smartphone – allowing the operator to tap into robust machining functionality. Unlike other numbers-based controls, DATRON next is image-based and swiftly leads the user through the steps required to start milling. Recognizable images replace numerical input for selecting tools, projects, and more.

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inLab^® MC X5 | Dentsply Sirona

The inLab MC X5 is the only five-axis milling and grinding unit that switches seamlessly between wet and dry functions and processes a wide range of materials. With the inLab MC X5, laboratory technicians have complete control throughout the entire production process while creating esthetically pleasing restorations.

It also accommodates any 98mm standard disc as well as milling blocks, enabling the production of fixed restorations, implant abutments and screw-retained implant bridges with multi-unit abutments from nt-trading and Medentika.

Moreover, Dentsply Sirona’s recent launch of inLab SW 18 now allows users the ability to mill Digital Dentures right in-house using the inLab MC X5. The inLab MC X5 is an open system that can be used in combination with inLab software, open STL-design file import, or any other laboratory CAD-software. 

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CORiTEC one | imes-icore

The new CORiTEC one machine system is said to be suited perfectly for processing any common CAD/CAM blocks up to a size of 65mm x 40mm x 20mm (maxi blocks). Offering the new and extremely robust axis kinematics, the machine is also able to machine premilled abutments. The cast aluminum construction facilitates high stability while maintaining the smallest of footprints. Machine operation is user-friendly via the large touchscreen display with its integrated high-performance PC, no additional computer system required. The 3-fold block holder and 6 tool positions with sister (twin) tool function make economic, safe and fast processing possible.

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PrograMill One^TM | Ivoclar Vivadent

The PrograMill One milling machine is a compact, 5-axis milling machine designed to mill beautiful, esthetic IPS e.max restorations. PrograMill One is wireless, which enables it to be positioned anywhere within the practice. It can be controlled using the mill’s corresponding app on a tablet or smartphone. An LED light ring visually informs the user about the current processing status. An innovative rotary grinding process, 5XT, reportedly produces shorter duration of the milling process and minimal tool wear. A camera integrated within the mill automatically records all data on material and tool use. Material management is said to be more expedient than ever with PrograMill One.

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Planmeca PlanMill^® 30 S | Planmeca

The New Planmeca PlanMill 30 S has been designed for optimal precision without compromising quality, expectations or budget.

PlanMill 30 S Features:

• 4-axis high-speed single spindle: Capable of reaching maximum speeds of 100,000 RPMs, ideal for single visit restorations and everyday milling of inlays, onlays, crowns or bridges.

• SMART software: Streamlines the user experience with updates on System Maintenance, Alerts, Reports and Tool status to notify you when the mill needs attention.

• Broad Range of Milling Materials: To provide the best treatment option for the patient. Milling blocks include ZirCAD, IPS e.mas, IPS Empress, Lava Ultimate and VITA.

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DWX-52DCi | Roland DGA

The DWX-52DCi features an Automatic Disc Changer (ADC) that reportedly optimizes productivity by storing up to six discs of different materials and enabling discs to be replaced automatically during milling. In addition, the DWX-52DCi supports new DWINDEX performance visualization software that provides reporting on operation time, materials used and other deliverables. It also features include an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) for fully automated 5-axis milling of a wide range of materials, such as zirconia, PMMA, PEEK, CoCr Sinter Metal, fiber-reinforced resins, composites, and all other standard milling materials. Typical applications range from crown and bridge to surgical guides, denture bases and more. Both models feature rigid frame construction, automatic calibration, and other advanced features that ensure optimum performance, reliability and convenience.

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K5+ mill | vhf

The updated K5+ features DirectDisc Technolo­gy for fixing discs. Thanks to this tool-free blank clamping system, the machine can reportedly be loaded with material quickly and easily. A built-in ionizer neutralizes the static charge of acrylic particles. Improved air circulation in the working area is said to significantly reduce cleaning time.

The dry milling machine now includes a built-in camera for simplified sup­port and an Ethernet port, which increases stability and flexibility of the connection. The extremely stable design with a solid cast body guarantees first-rate machining results. An automatic changer with space for 16 tools rounds out the machine’s many versatile features.

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