As digital dentistry continues to evolve, choosing the right milling machine is critical for dental laboratories aiming for precision, efficiency, and long-term value. Milling machines are typically classified into three categories: dry milling, wet milling, and metal milling machines. Each type is designed for different materials and clinical requirements.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which milling solution best fits your workflow:
| Feature | Dry Milling Machines | Wet Milling Machines | Metal Milling Machines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling Method | Dry milling (no coolant) | Wet milling (with coolant) | Wet milling (with coolant) |
| Materials | Zirconia, PMMA, wax, resin, soft model materials | Glass ceramics (e.g., lithium disilicate), harder ceramics | Titanium, cobalt-chrome alloys, high-strength ceramics |
| Cooling System | Air-cooled, no fluid used | Integrated coolant system | Advanced liquid cooling system |
| Milling Precision | Moderate, for soft materials | High precision for brittle/hard materials | High precision for metals and technical restorations |
| Maintenance | Dust collector needed, simple upkeep | Requires coolant refills and cleaning. | High maintenance: tool monitoring, cooling inspection |
| Typical Applications | Crowns, inlays, wax-ups, temporaries | Veneers, all-ceramic crowns, custom abutments | Implant abutments, metal bridges, bars, frameworks |
| Machine Cost | Low | Moderate | High |
| Advantages | Low cost, easy to use, ideal for soft materials | High accuracy, low tool wear | Industrial-grade precision, compatible with metal blocks |
| Limitations | Cannot process hard or brittle materials. | Requires regular maintenance | Expensive and slower for non-metal cases |
| Example Models | HCE-M5X | HCE-ME6X |
Dry milling machines are ideal for soft dental materials like zirconia, PMMA, wax, and composite resins.
Highlights:
No coolant required.
Simple structure, easy to maintain
Not suitable for glass ceramics or metal.
Best for: temporary crowns, diagnostic models, wax patterns
Wet milling is designed for hard and brittle materials, especially lithium disilicate and other glass ceramics.
Highlights:
High surface quality and accuracy
Reduces tool wear due to lubrication
Requires coolant system cleaning.
Best for: permanent aesthetic restorations, veneers, abutments
Built for strength and endurance, metal milling machines are essential for dental metal restorations.
Highlights:
Capable of milling titanium and Co-Cr alloys
High load-bearing precision
Higher investment and maintenance required
Best for: implant bars, custom abutments, PFM frameworks
Choosing the right type of milling machine depends on your lab's needs:
| If You Mainly Mill... | Choose This |
|---|---|
| Soft materials like PMMA or wax | Dry Milling Machine |
| Glass ceramics or lithium disilicate | Wet Milling Machine |
| Titanium or cobalt-chrome alloys | Metal Milling Machine |
| A variety of materials (hybrid needs) | Wet + Dry Combo Machine |
Investing in the right dental milling machine ensures higher restoration success rates, smoother workflows, and better cost control in the long run. Whether you’re a small lab focusing on prosthetics or a full-service facility processing implants and full arches, matching your equipment to your daily case types is essential.
For OEM/ODM service, customization, and machine recommendations, feel free to contact HONCHON, your professional partner in digital dental solutions.
