CAD/CAM Milling Machines for Dental Labs: Which One Is Worth It in 2025?

Meisterstück Dental  ·  Expert Knowledge for Dental Technology Labs

The milling machine is the heart of the digital dental lab. Whether it's zirconia, PMMA, glass ceramic or wax – without the right milling machine, no digital workflow can be completed. The market in 2025 offers a wide range: from compact entry-level machines to fully automated high-performance systems.

We have taken a closer look at the most important models for dental labs – by number of axes, material compatibility, system openness and cost. So you can make the right decision for your lab.

 

1. Basics: What distinguishes dental milling machines?

Wet grinding vs. dry milling

The most important technical difference lies in the processing method:

–     Wet grinding: For glass ceramics (IPS e.max, Celtra), hybrid ceramics and PMMA. Coolant prevents thermal damage to the material.

–     Dry milling: Standard for presintered zirconia and cobalt-chrome. Fast, no coolant needed, but dusty environment.

–     Combination (wet+dry): Modern machines like the vhf R5 or E5 combine both methods — maximum flexibility for the lab.

 

4-axis vs. 5-axis

The number of axes determines how complex the geometries a machine can mill:

4 axes: Sufficient for single-tooth restorations, inlays, crowns. Cheaper to purchase.

5 axes: Necessary for bridges, telescopes, implant abutments and complex geometries. Standard in modern dental laboratories.

 

Open vs. closed system

Open systems (vhf, imes-icore) accept STL files from any CAD programs and scanner systems. Closed systems (CEREC workflow) prefer the manufacturer's own data path, but offer seamless integration.

 

2. Overview of the most important milling machines

 

Model	Axes	Processing	System	Zirconia	Glass Ceramic	PMMA	Class
vhf R5	5	Wet+Dry	Open	✓	✓	✓	Lab
vhf E5	5	Wet+Dry	Open	✓	✓	✓	Lab
vhf Z4+	4	Wet	Open	—	✓	✓	Practice/Lab
Amann Girrbach Motion 3 Air	5	Dry	Semi-open	✓	—	✓	Lab
Dentsply inLab MC X5	5	Wet+Dry	Open/CEREC	✓	✓	✓	Lab
Ivoclar PrograMill PM7	5	Wet+Dry	Open	✓	✓	✓	Premium Lab
CEREC Primemill	5	Wet+Dry	Open/CEREC	✓	✓	✓	Chairside
imes-icore 350i	5	Wet+Dry	Open	✓	✓	✓	Lab

3. The Top Models in Detail

vhf R5 & E5 — the all-rounder for dental laboratories

The German manufacturer vhf camfacture has a particularly strong presence in the German-speaking dental market. The R5 is its flagship: a 5-axis wet/dry combination in one unit without an additional wet module — thanks to integrated DirectClean technology.

Strengths: Open system, all materials, excellent extraction concept, easy cleaning, Made in Germany

vhf E5: The slightly more compact alternative with a separate wet module — also 5-axis, open, and very common in German dental laboratories

Ideal for: Dental laboratories that value material flexibility and an open ecosystem

 

Amann Girrbach Ceramill Motion 3 Air — the integrated workflow

Amann Girrbach offers a sophisticated complete package consisting of a scanner, CAD software (Ceramill Mind), and milling machine. The Motion 3 Air is compact, has an integrated compressor, and does not require an external compressed air connection — ideal for smaller laboratories without the corresponding infrastructure.

Strengths: Seamless Ceramill workflow, no compressed air connection needed, compact design

Limitations: Ceramill software requires annual license fees; workflow strongest within the Amann ecosystem

Ideal for: In-house laboratories and smaller dental laboratories that prefer a closed, easy-to-use workflow

 

Dentsply Sirona inLab MC X5 — the lab standard in the CEREC ecosystem

The inLab MC X5 is the laboratory version of the CEREC system. As a 5-axis wet/dry machine with an open STL connection, it processes all common materials and can be integrated into both the CEREC chairside workflow and open laboratory systems.

Strengths: Seamless CEREC integration, open system, Easy-Clean concept, proven technology

Ideal for: Laboratories that collaborate with many CEREC practices and desire smooth data exchange

 

Ivoclar PrograMill PM7 — the premium choice

Ivoclar's PrograMill PM7 is the high-performance machine for demanding laboratories: 5 axes, hybrid mode (wet+dry), automatic tool changer with multiple positions, and an integrated ionizer for zirconia. Perfect for laboratories with high throughput.

Strengths: Maximum automation, tool changer, ionizer, all materials, IPS e.max optimized

Ideal for: Medium to large dental laboratories with high volume and high quality demands

 

4. What to consider when buying

Compressed air — underestimated factor

Many milling machines require an external compressed air connection. This is standard in established laboratories, but it represents additional installation effort for new ventures or relocations. Machines like the Amann Girrbach Motion 3 Air with an integrated compressor circumvent this problem.

Material strategy first, machine second

The most important question before purchasing: Which materials do you primarily want to process? If you mill a lot of zirconia, you need a powerful dry milling machine. If you process a lot of glass ceramic and PMMA, you need good wet processing. Combining both offers the most flexibility — but is also the most expensive — solution.

Check milling tool availability

Ensure that compatible milling cutters for the device are available long-term and at reasonable prices. Proprietary tools can become expensive in the long run. Open systems have clear advantages here — cutters are available from multiple suppliers.

Software and CAD Integration

Milling machines require CAM software that generates the milling job from the CAD data. Check whether the software of your preferred CAD solution (exocad, 3Shape, Ceramill Mind) is compatible and whether license fees apply.

 

5. Overview of Investment Costs

 

Model	Acquisition (approx.)	Axes	Compressed Air	Software Sub.
vhf Z4+	from ~€15,000	4	Yes	No
vhf E5	from ~€25,000	5	Yes	No
vhf R5	from ~€30,000	5	Yes	No
Amann Girrbach Motion 3 Air	from ~€20,000	5	No (internal)	Yes (Ceramill)
Dentsply inLab MC X5	from ~€30,000	5	Yes	Per workflow
Ivoclar PrograMill PM7	from ~€45,000	5	Yes	No
CEREC Primemill	from ~€35,000	5	Yes	Per workflow

 

Note: All prices are guide values without guarantee — actual prices vary depending on configuration, accessories, and dealer conditions. Leasing models are available from all manufacturers and can significantly extend the investment.

6. Conclusion: The Right Machine for Your Lab

There is no universal recommendation — but clear tendencies for different lab types:

–     Small Lab / Entry-level: vhf Z4+ or Amann Girrbach Motion 3 Air — compact, affordable, reliable

–     Medium Lab / All-rounder: vhf E5 or R5 — open system, maximum material flexibility, proven quality

–     CEREC Practice Partner: Dentsply inLab MC X5 — seamless integration, open system

–     High-performance Lab: Ivoclar PrograMill PM7 — maximum automation and precision

–     Chairside Practice: CEREC Primemill — the standard for practices with their own workflow