Guide DentalCAM5

vhf camfacture AG n CNC-Fräsmaschinen | Werkzeuge n CNC Milling Machines | Tools n www.vhf.
eu
Technical Documentation
Manufacturing Software
as of 02/2014
Operating instructions
DentalCAM 5
vhf camfacture AG n Lettenstraße 10 n 72119 Ammerbuch n Phone: +49 (0)7032 97097-0 n www.vhf.eu n info@vhf.eu
This document is designed by vhf and released for the following groups:
■■ vhf service employees

■■ authorised vhf resellers
■■ service centres, which are authorised by vhf
■■ users
Distribution or duplication of this document may only be done with a written con-
sent by vhf camfacture AG.
This document is an original instruction.
Release date of this document: 02/2014
Technical modifications and mistakes excepted.

2 User Guide DentalCAM 5
Contents
1 General information 5
1.1 Concept 5
1.2 About this manual 5
1.3 Intended use of the software 6
2 Installation 7
2.1 Minimal requirements 7
2.2 Program installation 7
2.2.1 STL viewer 11
2.2.2 USB driver 12
3 DentalCAM software 21
3.1 DentalCAM windows 21
3.1.1 Blank archive 22
3.1.2 Import 23
3.1.3 Nesting 24
3.1.4 Bars/drops 25
3.1.5 Restore empty areas 26
3.1.6 Start calculation 27
3.1.7 Program settings 27
3.1.8 Milling parameters 27
3.2 File directory 28
3.3 Program settings 30
3.3.1 General settings 30
3.3.2 Milling 31
3.3.3 Data transfer 33
4 Work flow 35
4.1 Choice of material 36
4.2 File import 38
4.2.1 Choose object 38
4.2.2 Preview of the object 39
4.2.3 Place a sinter bar 39
4.2.4 Choose the type of object 40
4.2.5 Adjust vertical orientation in Z 40
User Guide DentalCAM 5 3

4.2.6 Determine the quality of objects 41
4.2.7 Import options 41
4.2.8 Import objects 42
4.3 Nesting 43
4.4 Setting of bars and drops 45
4.5 Reuse existing blanks 48
4.6 Calculate the production job 51
4.7 DentalCNC 53
5 DentalCNC software 55
5.1 Production job 56
5.1.1 Details of the production job 57
5.1.2 Tool changing unit 58
5.1.3 Functions 59
5.1.4 Inputs 61
5.1.5 Blank changer control (only CAM 5-S2) 62
5.2 Tool administration 63
5.3 Milling protocol 65
5.4 Settings 66
5.4.1 Program settings 66
5.4.2 Tool assignment CAM 67
5.4.3 Machine geometry 68
5.4.4 Machine control 69
5.5 Milling a calibration specimen 71
5.6 Drilling tool changer inserts 73
Index 75

1 General information
1.1 Concept
The software DentalCAM was developed for safely and comfortably con-
trolling the 3D milling machines of the Impression line. The software consists
of a CAM module and a CNC module.
In the CAM module you equip your blank with the STL data of your objects
and manage and save the blanks. This module automatically calculates the
files to be milled and generates the output for the software DentalCNC. Thus
you are able to mill without previous knowledge.
The CNC module sends the milling data to the machine and monitors the
milling process. Additionally you can start various calibrating and measuring
processes.
1.2 About this manual

With of this manual, we want to guide you to safely and reliably use the pro-
grams DentalCAM and DentalCNC. Especially potential sources of danger
which might emanate from the systems as well as the conventional appli-
cation of the systems are pointed out. Hence we ask you to attentively read
the manual and to accurately observe the given guidelines. For information
about operating the machine as well as for security and protective regula-
tions, please view the operating instructions of the machine.
The following chapter explains the installation of DentalCAM and Den-
tal-CNC. Chapter 3 deals with the menu of the software DentalCAM. In
the subsequent chapter you get introduced into operating the program by
means of a practical example. The last chapter deals with certain functions
and characteristics of DentalCNC.
This manual was developed with the software version DentalCAM 5,
CAM-module 6.1.18, CNC-module 6.1.19

General information: Intended use of the software
1.3 Intended use of the software

Only use the software in User mode. Only a personal training at vhf allows a
user to operate the program in the administrator mode.

2 Installation
2.1 Minimal requirements

■■ Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
■■ free hard disk memory (for installation): approx. 300 MB
■■ RAM at least 2 GB
■■ vertical screen resolution at least 800 pixels
■■ all energy saving options have to be deactivated and the laptop has to
be connected to an electrical source during operation, so that the back-
ground calculations of the CAM module are not interrupted.
2.2 Program installation

■■ Installing and operating the software and milling machine is only possible
with inserted dongle.
■■ Insert the dongle into the USB port of the computer which you will use for
operating the milling machine.
■■ Download the installation file of the software. You can receive the installa-
tion file from your vhf reseller.
■■ Unpack the ZIP file.
■■ Please deactivate any anti-virus program for the installation and reactivate
it again afterwards.
■■ Start the file setup.exe.
Note: the following installation windows have been extracted from
Windows 8. Depending on your operating system other designs or descrip-
tions are possible!

Installation: Program installation
The following window opens:
Illustration: DentalCAM setup window 1.
■■ For the initial installation choose “New” in the upper left part of the win-
dow. If you want to install an update, choose “Update”.
■■ In the upper right part of the window, you can select which elements you
want to install. The topmost option creates a desktop icon. If you select
the other two options, the installation programs of the STL viewer and
the USB driver will automatically start while installing DentalCAM (rec-
ommended)
■■ If you want to choose another directory, click on the folder symbol at the
end of the row and change it accordingly. However, we recommend to
install the program in the preset directory.
■■ Start the installation by clicking the start button. Follow the instructions
of the installation program.



2.2.1 STL viewer

During the installation of the DentalCAM software, the installation window
of the STL viewer EasyFit opens automatically. Now also install the STL viewer
by following the instructions of the installation program.
Illustration: STL viewer EasyFit installation window 1.
The STL viewer is not necessary for milling. But it is a useful tool with which
you can easily and quickly check your milling files for possible errors previous
to the nesting process.
If you want to change the installation directory, click on “Browse” and change
it accordingly.

In order to be able to start EasyFit out of DentalCAM to check STL files, con-
firm the following message with “Ja”.
2.2.2 USB driver

While installing the DentalCAM software, the installation window of the USB
driver automatically opens (if previously selected). Install the USB driver by
following the instructions of the installation program.

Illustration: USB driver installation window 1.

■■ If Windows doesn’t automatically find and install drivers for the machine,
they have to be installed manually.
■■ Open the “Control Panel”, choose “System and Security” and open the
“Device Manger”.
■■ Click with the right mouse button on “USB <-> Serial Cable” and choose
“Update Driver Software...”.
Illustration: Manual driver installation – device manager.

■■ Choose the option “Browse my computer for driver software” in the fol-
lowing dialogue window.
Illustration: Manual driver installation – choose driver source (1).
■■ Now choose the folder with the drivers for Windows by clicking on
“Browse…” and selecting the folder “USB” from the installation directory
of DentalCAM.

■■ The selected path is now shown in the previous window. Confirm the
location of the driver software by clicking on “Next”.

■■ Install the drivers by confirming the following dialogue with “Install”.
Illustration: Manual driver installation – confirm Installation.
Illustration: Manual driver installation – completion.
■■ The driver installation has to be executed one more time. For this pur-
pose go back to the “Device Manger”. The labeling of the USB port has
changed due to the first installation, as you can see in the following pic-
ture. Click on it again with the right mouse button and choose “Update
Driver Software…”. The second run of the driver installation will be exe-
cuted the same way like the first one.

Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation – device manager.
■■ Choose the option “Browse my computer for driver software” again in the
dialogue window.
Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation – choose driver source 1.

■■ The correct installation directory is already indicated this time. Confirm it

with “Next” and “Install” the driver software..
Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation– choose driver source 2.
Illustration:
2nd run of manual driver installation – confirm installation.

Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation – completion.
■■ The USB port has been given a port number in the Device Manger, here:
COM 3.
Illustration: Manual driver installation – device manager.
■■ The installation of the software and the drivers is now completed. The
programs DentalCNC and DentalCAM can be opened from now on.

3 DentalCAM software
This chapter briefly explains the meaning of each window. A detailed step-
by-step instruction is included in chapter 4 Work flow.
If you use the right mouse button to click on an icon in the software, the
function of the according button will be displayed in the information bar at
the bottom of the window.
3.1 DentalCAM windows

In the DentalCAM module you see a the following icons. By clicking one of
the icons you can switch between the different windows.

DentalCAM software: DentalCAM windows
3.1.1 Blank archive
Illustration: blank archive window.
You can create a new blank or choose a previously created blank.

The use of this window is explained in chapter 4.1 Choice of material as well
as in chapter 4.6 under Calculation of multi-jobs.

3.1.2 Import
Illustration: Import window.
You can choose the objects to be imported with all their characteristics, add
the selected objects to the import list and import the objects from the import
list into the next window for the nesting process.
The use of this window is explained in chapter 4.2 File import.

3.1.3 Nesting
Illustration: Nesting window.
In this window you can position all the imported objects on the blank.
The use of this window is explained in chapter 4.3 Nesting.

3.1.4 Bars/drops
Illustration: Bars/drops window.
In this window you can set bars and drops.

The use of this window is explained in chapter 4.4 Setting of bars and drops.

3.1.5 Restore empty areas
Illustration: Empty areas window.
Assuming that a equipped blank was completely calculated, but the milling
process was not started or was aborted after one object, there is material
remaining at this position. To be able to use it again, the according empty
area can be filled.
The use of this window is explained in chapter 4.5 Reuse existing blanks.

3.1.6 Start calculation
Illustration: Start calculation
Having positioned all objects and set bars, you can start the calculation using
this button. A dialogue window with the details of the production job opens.
By confirming this window, the calculation will be started. See chapter 4.6
Calculate the production job.
3.1.7 Program settings

There are three different windows in the program settings – general settings
(e. g. language, automatic functions etc.), settings for milling (options for
individual settings for each material regarding tools, bars, drops etc.), as well
as settings for the data transfer (location of the folder for saving files). See
chapter 3.3 Program settings.
3.1.8 Milling parameters

This window is password-protected and only necessary for service techni-
cians.

DentalCAM software: File directory
3.2 File directory
Illustration: Browser view of file directory.
As default the browser view of the file directory is displayed. On the left,
there is the classic hierarchic structure with folders which can be expanded
and collapsed.
Alternatively you can determine a fix root directory, e. g. if you store all your
STL files in the very same folder. Click the button for the root directory and
set the root directory in the following window.
Illustration: Choose root directory.

DentalCAM software: File directory
Depending on whether the folder has subfolders or not, the root directory
view looks like this:
Illustration: Root directory without subfolders.
Illustration: Root directory with subfolders.

DentalCAM software: Program settings
3.3 Program settings
3.3.1 General settings
Illustration: Window for general settings.
Language: Choice of the program language. After a change the program has
to be restarted.
Machine type: Indicates the machine type that is operated by the software.
Save support folder simplified: If this option is enabled, only the milling
files will be archived. Is it disabled, simulation files will additionally be ar-
chived. These may be helpful for service technicians in case of problems.
However, this requires a lot of memory and can still be changed in the event
of a problem.
End automatically after calculation: This option quits the CAM software
after having started the calculation, as it isn’t needed any longer. All further
steps are processed by the CNC software.
Take over machine type from dongle: The machine type indicated in the
dongle will automatically be set in the software.
Different scaling in X, Y, Z: As default, the scaling factor for the three linear
axes is the same. If individual values for X, Y, and Z shall be entered when
creating a blank, this option must be enabled.
Show import options: In addition to the displayed functions, type of ob-
ject and quality, in the import window there are further functions which are
not displayed. These are blank height optimization, the search for divergent
insertion vectors, the search for drillings and the five axis release for process-
ing the outer surfaces. Although these functions are not displayed they are
enabled as default. If, however, you want them to be displayed or want to
be able to influence them (to disable them due to insufficient computing

power) you can activate this option by selecting “show import options”. The
functions are explained in chapter 4.2.7.
Status of calculated objects: In the bottom third of the window, you can
determine the default status for already calculated objects when they are
reloaded. With the status “Do not mill” and “Mill”, the objects will remain
when the blank is reloaded. With the status “Already milled” the objects are
replaced by empty areas and you can only use the rest of the blank.
3.3.2 Milling
Illustration: Window for milling settings.
Settings regarding bars and drops, oversize of fits, used tools as well as the
milling order can be set individually for each material.
Choose the material which settings shall be adjusted from the left side and
material
change the according settings on the right side. This way you proceed for all
other materials.
bars
Diameter: The diameter of the node can be set here. The node is the most
external point at the sideward bulge of the crown/bridge element (equator).
The node is the starting point of the bar. The diameter of this point can be
changed here.

Aperture angle: The aperture angle indicates with how many degrees the
bar opens up from the node to the material border.
Reduce remaining area: Here you can set to how many per cent the bars
will be reduced, if the finishing type “Reduce bars” is chosen.
Here you can determine the oversize of the cavity and the drillings. The
oversize of fits
according fits are enlarged or narrowed by the indicated value.
As default, a radius cutter (2 mm) is used for roughing. For some materials
tools
you can determine, if a flat grinded cutter shall be used for roughing instead.
Roughing with a flat grinded cutter (2.5 mm) saves milling time. This is only
possible for the materials PMMA (burn), wax and model plaster.
As default, a radius cutter (1 mm) is used for roughing. Here you can deter-
mine if you want to use a flat grinded cutter (1.2 mm) for finishing the drill-
ings. The flat grinded cutter allows to carve out accurately fitting 90° angles.
You can also determine to use a 0.6 mm radius cutter for finishing drillings.
Moreover you can determine if cavities shall be finished with a 0.6 mm tool
and fissures with a 0.3 mm tool or not.
You can conically thin the drops. This prevents the tool from possibly damag-
drops
ing the object. Therefore determine the diameters of the drops – D0 (directly
at the object) and D1 (diameter at the remaining material). D0 must not be
less than D1.
The milling order of the objects on the blank can be set here. There are four
milling order
different possibilities:
■■ Direct-Mill optimized: On the basis of the placed objects the program
determines the optimal calculation and milling order.
■■ From left to right on the illustrated blank.
■■ From smallest to biggest object.
■■ According to the list: in the order of the list of imported objects

3.3.3 Data transfer
Illustration: Window for data transfer settings.
You can find the archive folder to which the blanks are saved as well as the
folder CNCTransfer in which the CAM software stores the calculated milling
data under the indicated paths in your system.


Work flow: Program settings
4 Work flow
By an example file of a bridge, we guide you through the complete operating

cycle of milling – from nesting the objects to the finished bridge. Please stick
to this operating cycle as described in the following when milling your first
work.

Work flow: Choice of material
4.1 Choice of material

Please start the program DentalCAM.exe now. You will see the following in-
terface:
Illustration: Start interface DentalCAM.
At first, choose the material to be milled (in this example zirconium) and the
according blank height (here 20 mm).
In the next step, indicate the scaling factor (here 1.250). The scaling factor
compensates the degree of shrinking (e.g. 1.250 = 20 %) during the sinter-
ing process. By indicating the scaling factor the shrinking is automatically
taken into account when nesting.
The field lot number serves for entering the lot number of the used blank.
Thus the lot number will be saved, too.
You can additionally enter a remark for this blank which will be saved with
the blank data.
Clicking the button at the bottom of the column, the new blank will be cre-
ated and stored in the blank archive on the right window side. At the same
time the blank obtains its ID number.

Work flow: Choice of material
You will see the following interface:
Illustration: View after creating a blank.
This button opens the import window for the chosen blank. There you can
select the objects with which you want to equip the blank.
Clicking the garbage can symbol, you can delete the blank from the blank
archive.
The filter function is explained in chapter 4.5 Reuse existing blanks, the func-
tion Calculation of multi-jobs in chapter 4.6.

Work flow: File import
4.2 File import
4.2.1 Choose object

In this window you can select the objects to be imported. Browse through
the file browser or your root directory (details see chapter 3.2 File directory)
to find your STL files and select a file.

4.2.2 Preview of the object

In the preview section, in the bottom part of the window, you can see a top
view of the object as well as the vertical orientation of the object in the blank
in a side view. The previews can be disabled by clicking the icons situated
above.
Illustration: Preview of STL file.
4.2.3 Place a sinter bar

If required, you can set a sinter bar. To do this, click on the according icon. A
window for creating a sinter bar opens.
There are two different types of sinter bars – a sinter bar alongside the object
and a sinter plate.
Illustration: Sinter bar.

Illustration: Sinter plate.
The bar/plate is positioned with the mouse. The height and, if applicable, the
width can be set by the scroll bar. The volume of the sinter bar/plate should
equal the volume of the object. Clicking the button to confirm the sinter bar/
plate, you return to the import window.
4.2.4 Choose the type of object

Afterwards choose the type of the object, depending on which object you
want to calculate:
K = Crown/Bridge V = fully anatomical crown/bridge
I = Inlay A = Abutment T = Telescope crown
M = Model plate G = Model cast
8 = Bite splint 9 = Model plug-in tooth
4.2.5 Adjust vertical orientation in Z

The side view preview indicates if an object is too high for the chosen blank.
These areas are displayed in red. Additionally, the status display next to the Z
height becomes red.
Using the scroll bar, the vertical orientation of an object in Z can be adjusted.
Thus objects can be moved, for example, into differently coloured or trans-
lucent material layers within the blank, in order to imitate the natural colour
gradient of the teeth.

4.2.6 Determine the quality of objects

Clicking this button, you can determine the quality (milling strategy) of the
object.
■■ 1 star = fast
■■ 2 stars = standard
■■ 3 stars = optimal
Fits are always machined the same precise. Only the distance between the
milling paths on the outer surfaces change according to the setting.
4.2.7 Import options

If it is set in the general program settings (chapter 3.3.1) that the import op-
tions shall be displayed, you see further options in the import window. Here
you can determine the extent of the five axis release and disable the blank
height optimization, the search for divergent insertion vectors or drillings. As
default setting, when the import options are not displayed, all functions are
enabled.
Determine extent of 5 axis release

Depending on the selected type and object, you can determine to which
maximum angle the outer surfaces of the object shall be processed with five
axes. Click into the coloured bar to adjust the angles. Thus you determine,
up to how much degree the rotary axes will be slant in order to machine the
undercuts on the outer surfaces. 25 degrees are possible at the maximum.

Blank height optimization

The objects are always positioned in Z centred in the blank as default. If an
object is higher than the chosen blank, the blank height optimization is en-
abled automatically and the program immediately calculates whether it is
possible to use this object despite its height and displays the height by slant
axes. The height is not optimized for objects which are not too high.
Search for divergent insertion vectors

As default, the search for divergent insertion vectors is always enabled. The
software checks whether the insertion vectors of the object are aligned par-
allel to each other differently. If the vectors are divergent, the processing
is always executed with five axes. Generally, we recommend to enable this
function. In case your computer is working at the limit of its processing pow-
er, you can disable this function, as it requires quite some processing power.
Search for drillings

As default, the search for drillings within an object is always enabled. The soft-
ware checks whether it has drillings or not, in order to use respective drilling
strategies, if applicable. Generally, we recommend to enable this function. In
case your computer is working at the limit of its processing power, you can
disable this function, as it requires quite some processing power.
4.2.8 Import objects

If you click this button, you add the selected object to the import list on the
right side of the window. There, all according parameters of the object are
displayed again – type of the object, quality, blank height optimization etc.
These can be changed by clicking on the respective icon.
Using the button at the bottom right of the window, all objects which were
previously added to the import list, will be imported into the blank, where
they then can be positioned. Having imported the object, changes are not
possible any more. The according object would have to be deleted and im-
ported again with the correct parameters.
Now choose two objects with the required parameters, add them to the im-
port list and import them to the blank. All objects are placed on top of each
other in the middle of the blank.

Work flow: Nesting
Illustration: Imported objects.
4.3 Nesting
Nesting means the positioning of crowns and bridges on the blank.
In order to position imported objects, “pick” them by holding the left mouse
button pressed and move them to the designated position on the blank.
You can rotate the objects either by holding the left mouse button pressed
and turning the mouse wheel or with pressed mouse button and the follow-
ing key combinations.
Rotate objects left or right in steps of 1°:
■■ left click + arrow keys up/down
Rotate objects left or right in steps of 5°:

■■ left click + arrow keys left/right
Rotate objects left or right 90°:

■■left click + Ctrl + arrow keys
Now place the imported objects.
For an optimal utilization of the material you can overlap the workspace of
the objects (dark grey area around an object) to some degree.

Work flow: Nesting
Illustration: Objects positioned on the blank.
A critical overlapping of objects will be shown in red. In this case it is not pos-
sible to start the calculation. The same applies if objects, respectively their
workspaces, exceed the blank border. Then a start of the calculation is nei-
ther possible.
Status of the object

The only parameter which can be changed after the import of the objects, is
their status.
Mill: This object will be milled. The status symbol and the object are illustrat-
ed in light blue.
Do not mill: This object will not be milled. This is indicated by the symbol
of a dark blue crown. The object itself which is shown on the blank is also
coloured in dark blue. Objects with this status cannot be moved. For this
purpose its status has to be reset to “Mill”.
Already milled: This object has already been milled. This is shown by the
symbol of a green crown. The object itself on the blank is also coloured in
green. Objects with this status cannot be moved. For this purpose its status
has to be reset to “Mill”.
Deleted: If you want to remove an imported object because it is, for instance,
too high, you can set its status to “Deleted”. The object will then be removed
from the blank, but remains in the entire list of objects with the status “Delet-
ed”. This status is indicated by a black crown. When a saved blank is opened
again, the deleted object vanishes from the list.

Work flow: Setting of bars and drops
Having positioned all objects, the placement of bars and drops follows in the
next step. Change to the according window by clicking to the corresponding
icon at the top or by doing a right click on a free space in the blank.
4.4 Setting of bars and drops
Illustration: Window for setting bars and drops.
On the left side of the window you can see the dialogue box for setting the
bars and drops. To set bars and drops, just click on the according button
and put them on the designated position of the object with a click of the left
mouse button.
By clicking the according button, you can individually choose for each bar
the finishing type. From top to bottom in the window: they can either re-
main unmachined (white), be reduced (yellow) or be completely removed
(orange). In order to have to change as little as possible afterwards, directly
click to the according icon before setting the bar.
You can change the position of bars and drops at any time by picking them
and moving them with the mouse to the designated position. If your blank
includes overlapping objects, you can also set bars from one object to the
other. In addition to choosing the finishing type from the drop-down menu,
you can also change it by picking the bar and pressing the CTRL key.

Illustration: Objects with bars and drops.
Furthermore, the vertical position of the bars can also be changed on the left
side. As default, they are set with a minimal distance above the equator of the
crown respectively the tooth element. To correct the height of the starting
point of the bar, pick the bar and move it upwards or downwards. Due to the
vertical adjustment of bars, undercuts can be minimized.
Delete bars or drops by clicking on the according delete button and then on
the bar/drop in question.

A fully equipped blank could look like this:
Illustration: Example for fully equipped blank.

Work flow: Reuse existing blanks
4.5 Reuse existing blanks

Of course, you don’t have to use a new blank for each milling job. If, for
example, only a part of a blank has been milled, this blank can be used for
further production jobs with the same material characteristics. Just choose
the blank with already milled objects (green coloured objects in the preview
icon) from the blank archive.
You can also make use of the filter function at the bottom, if your blank ar-
chive is quite full. By means of the filter you can, e.g. determine that only
blanks of a certain material or with a certain height are displayed and thus
find a convenient blank more easily.
Illustration: Blank (ID 4) with already milled objects in the blank archive.

If you load a blank which has already been milled, you get empty areas in-
stead of the original objects (depending on the chosen setting for the status
of calculated objects, see chapter 3.3.1 General settings) and the blank looks
like this:
Illustration: Blank with empty areas.
Assuming that the saved blank was completely calculated, but the milling
process has not been started or was aborted after one object, there is materi-
al remaining at this position. To be able to use it again, the according empty
area can be filled. Therefore click on the icon for processing the empty areas.
On the left side, you see the number of empty areas in the dialogue box for
empty areas (see illustrations on page 50). By disabling a box, the respective
empty area will be filled. Thus you can place a new object at this position. As
soon as you leave the window for filling empty areas, the new state of blank
is automatically saved and the filling of the empty areas can not be undone.

Illustration: Window for filling empty areas.
Illustration: View after having filled empty area 2.

Work flow: Calculate the production job
4.6 Calculate the production job

On the previous pages we have created a new blank, imported two objects
and positioned them. Finally we have attached bars. The prepared blank now
looks like this:
Illustration: Objects ready to be milled.
All preparations are now finished and the calculation of the production job
can be started. Therefore click on the start button.
You get a message showing all de-

tails of your production job. If an Ex-
celTM protocol for this production
job should be issued, enable the box
for “Writing protocol”. If you do not
have ExcelTM, do not check the box
as it only works with ExcelTM. By
clicking on “Calculate” the window
of the DentalCNC software opens
and the milling output is calculated.
If the CNC software does not start
automatically, open the program
manually.

If you have chosen to create a protocol of your production job, it will open
in ExcelTM. It will show all details of this production job and a preview image.
Calculation of multi-jobs
Illustration: View multi-jobs.
By means of the choice box “Multi-job calculation” in the lower right cor-
ner of the blank archive, several already equipped blanks can be selected and
calculated together. Thus you can, for example, prepare several blanks dur-
ing the day and start the calculation by the multi-job function over night. You
can choose which jobs shall be displayed: all calculable jobs, only selected
jobs (blue marked circles) or all jobs.
If you want to start a multi-job calculation, mark the corresponding jobs (click
the multi-job circle, so that it turns blue) and start the multi-job calculation
with the play-symbol in the lower right. In the following dialogue you can
determine the order of the calculations.

Work flow: DentalCNC
4.7 DentalCNC
The calculation of the milling output may take some time, depending on the
used space. As the software is equipped with a “Direct-Mill” feature, you can
directly start the milling output while all other steps of the calculation pro-
ceed in the background.
Illustration: Submitted production job in the cnc program.
Please check, whether the correct tool is chucked in the spindle, respectively
if the tool changing unit is equipped correctly before starting the milling
output. The required tools are displayed in the order of their usage in the job
details at the top right. It may happen that a tool is used repeatedly in the
course of the milling job.
In this example, the 2 mm radius cutter was inserted into position 1, the 1
mm radius cutter into position 2 and the 0.6 mm radius cutter into position
3. Additionally, the tool changer has been equipped with the according sister
tools in the positions 14 – 16.
After having checked the tools, you can start the milling process by clicking
on the start button.
The spindle moves to the centre of the working chamber in order to release
a possibly left tool at each first start of a milling job after a restart of the ma-
chine. If so, take the tool and confirm this.

Work flow: DentalCNC
Illustration: Dialogues for opening the collet chuck and for the confirmation.
Please mind that the air extraction unit is attached correctly. Milling is only
possible with activated air extraction.
During the milling process you can see a progress indicator for the produc-
tion job on the left window side as well as a protocol of the different produc-
tion steps on the right side.
Illustration: View during the milling process.

DentalCNC software: DentalCNC
5 DentalCNC software
The software DentalCNC can directly be launched as individual program and

serves as machine control program. The CNC module sends the milling data,
calculated by the CAM software, to the machine. Depending on the connect-
ed machine type (e.g. machines without blank changer) buttons which are
not required are invisible.
If you use the right mouse button to click on an icon in the software, the
function of the according button will be displayed in the information bar at
the bottom of the window.
Remark: The following screenshots have been created with a CAM 5-S2 Im-
pression. Depending on the machine you use some displays are turned off
(blank changer functions) or displayed differently (different number of tool
positions).

DentalCNC software: Production job
5.1 Production job
Illustration: Window Production job.
This is the main view of the program which is displayed on every program
start. It shows the details of the production job, an overview of the tools in
the tool changing unit as well as several pieces of information and functions
which are subsequently explained.
Load a production job

A production job can be loaded by starting a calculation from the CAM mod-
ule of the DentalCAM software or by picking an NC file directly with the Icon
shown here, if an external CAM software is used.

5.1.1 Details of the production job
Illustration: detail view of the production job.
The characteristics of the blank and the complete job including a preview
image are shown here. The progress bar in form of the red lettering “CAM”
which becomes green by the time, indicates the actual calculation progress
of the job. As long as the status display doesn’t show a red light, the produc-
tion job can be started.
Mill selected job

Using this button you can start the production job. If the status display is
green, all job details are fine (inserted tools, blank height etc.) and the mill-
ing process can directly be started. The yellow signal warns, if e. g. the blank
height is quite tight regarding the chosen object, but milling is still possible.
When the signal is red, there are no suitable tools for the job assigned. Mill-
ing is not possible as long as the status display remains red.
Multi-job milling/mill blank changer job

If there is still room for further objects in a blank which has already been cal-
culated, you can equip this blank in the CAM software again and calculate it.
Then you start the milling process using this button. The machine then mills
all jobs which are assigned to the same blank ID in one single pass without
stopping after the first job, as all these jobs are milled from the same blank.
Blow off blank after milling

Using this button you determine if the coarse milling dust will be removed
from the blank via compressed air after the milling process. Having stored
the tool, the spindle moves over the blank and blows off the dust with the air
nozzles of the machine and the nozzle of the cone cleaning.
Water pump
Enables (blue) or disables the water pump for wet grinding. The water pump
is automatically controlled by the software during the milling process. If the
water pump is enabled, the air extraction is disabled.
Delete job
Using this button you can delete the current job. It will be completely re-
moved from the software and is unrecoverable, as the job has not been milled.

5.1.2 Tool changing unit
1 9
2 10
3 11
4 12
5 13
6 14
7 15
8 16
Illustration: Detail view of the equipped tool changing unit.
Here you can see the tools in the tool changing unit which have been allo-
cated in the tool administration. The shown position order corresponds to
the position order in the machine. The required tools for this job as well as
their backup tools are marked with a green status display. The progress bars
display the operation counter, the number behind it the operating hours. As
soon as the defined maximum tool endurance has been reached the status
signal turns red and the according backup tool will be used automatically if
available.
Replace tool, reset operation counter

Having replaced a tool with a new one, you can reset the operating hours to
the maximum by clicking the icon behind the progress bar of the operation
counter.
Equip tool changer

You can equip the tool changer by clicking this icon. A window showing the
positions of the tool changer opens. The positions which are already assigned
in the software are pre-selected. Only select the positions which you want to
equip – if necessary, you may have to deselect some of the pre-selected po-
sitions.

Illustration: Equip tool changer – selecting the positions.
The machine moves to the basic position and opens the collect chuck in or-
der to receive the respective tool. If several positions are selected, they will
be equipped in the order of their position numbers.
Illustration: Insertion of the tool and confirmation.
5.1.3 Functions
Illustration: Detail view of functions and inputs (machine without blank changer).
Depending on the connected machine type (e. g. machines without blank

changer), buttons which are not required are invisible. Most of the functions
only have to be enabled/disabled manually in case of maintenance tasks.

Machine status
Shows the different states of the machine – from left to right: not connected,
connected, front cover open, machine is running, machine standstill, ma-
chine is waiting for CAM data, emergency stop activated.
Basic position
Moves machine to basic position. At this position you can exchange the blank
and equip the tool changing unit.
Air extraction
Enables/disables the air extraction if the hardware requirements are met (see
operating instructions of the machine). During the milling process the air
extraction unit is automatically controlled by the software.
Clean working chamber

Moves spindle and fixing device to a position in which the working chamber
is accessible more easily for cleaning.
Release tool/spindle maintenance

The spindle moves automatically to the middle of the working chamber and
the tool has to be taken manually.
The tool falls down and may damage if you will not directly take it as soon as
NOTICE the collet chuck opens. But be very careful. Due to carelessness, removing
the tool may lead to cuts.
Depending on the degree of pollution, the collet chuck has to be cleaned in
appropriate intervals. For this purpose, the machine moves to a position in
which the spindle is easily accessible and opens the collet chuck, so that it
can be removed for cleaning. See the operating instructions of the machine
for details about the spindle maintenance.

5.1.4 Inputs
Collet chuck
Shows the status of the collet chuck (black icon = locked/blue icon = open).
The collet chuck can also be opened or closed manually by clicking the icon.
Sealing air
Switches sealing air on (blue) and off. The sealing air is automatically con-
trolled by the software and prevents chippings from intruding into the spin-
dle.
Air nozzles
Enables (blue) or disables the air nozzles. During the milling process the air
nozzles are automatically controlled by the software.
Cone cleaning
Enables (blue) or disables the cone cleaning. If enabled, air is automatically
blown through the opened collect chuck when executing a tool change.
Water pump
Enables (blue) or disables the water pump for wet grinding. The water pump
is automatically controlled by the software during the milling process.
Mass contact of the spindle

Signalises mass contact of the spindle (blue icon). This is for your information
only. This icon may light up in different situations, amongst others, when
calibrating.
Tool measuring key

Signalizes the activation of the pressure key by the tool (blue icon). This is for
your information only. The measuring key icon lights up in the process of tool
length measurement and tool breakage monitoring.
Pressure sensor
Signalises the necessary pressure level has been reached(blue icon).
Underpressure sensor
Signalises the existence of the required underpressure in the working cham-
ber. Milling is only possible with activated air extraction.

5.1.5 Blank changer control (only CAM 5-S2)

assign blank posi-
tions manually
display blank
changer front
cover
current frame at load/unload frame

the frame chang-
ing position load/unload
frame virtually
frame in blank
holder production job
assigned to posi-
tion 4
Illustration: Blank changer control
Insert blank
Click the desired spot in the revolver symbol of the blank changer. The blank
changer turns, until the desired spot has reached the frame changing posi-
tion. The revolver symbol highlights the current spot at the frame changing
position in green. Inserting the blanks is explained in detail in the operating
instructions of the machine.
Assign blank
Click the production job and assign a slot to the production job, at the posi-
tion you inserted the blank. The production job appears as a miniature pic-
ture in the revolver symbol (spot 2 and spot 4 in the screenshot).
Mill blank
There are 2 different ways to guide the blank into the working chamber:
1. Choose the desired production job from the list and start machining with
the play symbol of the blank changer.
2. Click on load/unload frame and afterwards on the desired position in the
revolver symbol.
The desired frame is brought into the working chamber. As soon as there is a
frame in the working chamber the corresponding slot is displayed blue in the
middle of the revolver symbol.

DentalCNC software: Tool administration
5.2 Tool administration
Illustration: Window tool administration.
On the left side of the window you find the tools in your stock (in the ad-
ministrated tool board, if available). The right side shows the tool changing
unit of the machine. You can move tools per drag and drop from the left side
(stock) to the tool changer position on the right side, on which you physi-
cally placed your tool in the machine. Thus you can equip the tool changing
unit in the software. You can create three tool magazines – one for zirconium
oxide, one for plastics and a mixed magazine.
Remove a tool from the tool changing unit

If a tool has reached its maximum endurance or is broken you can put it back
to the stock by clicking the arrow button and then delete it with the trash bin
button.
Replace tool, reset operation counter

Having replaced a tool with a new one, you can reset the operating hours to
the maximum by clicking the icon behind the progress bar of the operation
counter.
New tool
In the software you can equip your stock with up to thirty tools (administrat-
ed tool board, if available). Use this button to add new tools.

DentalCNC software: Tool administration
Administrated Tool Board

You ideally use this administrated tool board (ATB) for your tool storage. This
board can be used for storing tools which are not directly inserted into the
tool changer of the machine. All 30 positions are accordingly numbered and
will be administrated in this tool administration window. So all information
concerning geometry, endurance, etc. remains linked with each tool and you
can dispose in total of a much larger active pool of tools.
Illustration: tool administration with Administrated Tool Board.

DentalCNC software: Milling protocol
5.3 Milling protocol
Illustration: Window milling protocol.
The most important data of the milling jobs are logged here. These are: blank
ID, possible error codes, start and completion time, duration as well as the
kind of material etc.
Restore a job
Within the defined archiving period (see chapter 5.4.1 Program settings),
milling jobs can be restored and then milled again.

DentalCNC software: Settings
5.4 Settings
5.4.1 Program settings
Illustration: Window program settings.
Language: Choose a program language. You have to restart the program

afterwards.
User profile: The default user type is “User”. The administrator mode is only
necessary for service personnel, the production mode only for the machine
production. The trade fair mode allows show milling without compressed air.
The machine then acts as it would mill, but does not touch the blank which
has already been milled in advance. The usually necessary safety mechanisms
for the milling process, such as compressed air and underpressure sensor
are switched off in this mode. Apart from the “User” profile all profiles are
password-protected.
Cleaning reminder: If activated, the window appears at the maximum once
a day and reminds you to clean the machine.
Import button for external CAM data: Indicates whether DentalCAM or an
external CAM software is used.
Allow multi-job milling: If there is still room for further objects in a blank
which has already been calculated, you can equip this blank in the CAM soft-
ware again and calculate it. Afterwards you start the milling process using the
multi-job button in the CNC software. The machine then mills all jobs which
are assigned to the same blank ID, in one single pass without stopping after
the first job, as all these jobs are milled from the same blank.
Number of days for data storage: Determine how long your milled jobs
shall be stored. At the end of the indicated period the data will be deleted.

Folder for CAM data: Indicates the path, in which the CNC software finds
the data of the CAM software.
Mark blank position: If activated, the blank gets two drillings at its border,
so that it will be easier to re-fix the blank at the same position.
Port number: Establish the USB connection between machine and comput-
er when connecting the machine.
Tool measuring key: Indicates which tool measuring key is used (only CAM
4-02 Impression).
5.4.2 Tool assignment CAM
Illustration: Window tool availability CAM.
Here you can see all tools which are provided by vhf for the connected ma-
chine. This list appears as drop-down menu when you add a new tool in the
tool administration.

5.4.3 Machine geometry
Illustration: Window Machine geometry.
This window indicates all sorts of technical data about the connected ma-
chine like the positions of the measuring keys, tool position, positions of the
axes etc. This data is required by the machine itself (e. g. for axis compensa-
tion) and possibly by service personnel. This data can be exported in a text
file by clicking this button. The file will be saved to the installation folder of
the software.
Manual tool change

Using the hand symbol you can activate the manual tool change for the ac-
cording position. Then you can manually equip the machine with a tool for
the chosen position e. g. if the tool changer inserts made of rubber are de-
fect at this position. If the manual tool change is enabled for a position, the
according hand symbol is blue.

5.4.4 Machine control
Illustration: Window Machine control.
Mill a calibration corpus

Milling a calibration corpus serves for determining differences in the spacial
position of the axes, which may then be adjusted by the software compensa-
tion. The process is described in chapter 5.2 Milling a calibration corpus. The
software guides you through the measuring program.
Drill tool changer inserts

By clicking this button, you can drill new tool changer inserts, in case the cur-
rent ones are worn out. The process is explained in chapter 5.3 Drilling tool
changer inserts. The software guides you through the process.
Show dongle
Displays the details of the used dongle. This is only necessary when request-
ed by a service technician.

Illustration: Detail view of the machine control window.
Spindle settings
The rotational speed of the spindle can only be set manually in administrator
mode.
Terminal
Manual commands can be sent to the controller in administrator mode only.
All other icons of this window are already explained in chapter 5.1.3 Func-
tions from page 59 on.

DentalCNC software: Milling a calibration specimen
5.5 Milling a calibration specimen

Open the window “Settings/Program settings” and click on the button for
“Milling a calibration specimen”. The software will guide you through the
process.
By clicking the icon, the already calculated milling file of the calibration spec-
imen is loaded into the production job window and you see the following
interface:
Illustration: Production job window with calibration specimen file.
Make sure that a test blank (10 mm high, plastics) and the required tool (2.5
mm flat grinded milling cutter) are inserted into the machine. Then you can
start the milling process of the calibration corpus using the start button.
The progress is displayed as list of each single running process:
Illustration: Progress indicator.
At the end of the milling process, remove the calibration specimen from the
machine and measure the indicated points with a suitable measuring tool (e.
g. a vernier calliper). Enter the measured values in the according fields of the
following window and confirm to continue.

DentalCNC software: Milling a calibration specimen
Important: Make sure, that the inserted values are correct, because the ma-
chine compensates the axes according to the inserted values!
Illustration: Measuring results of the milled calibration corpus.
On the basis of the measured values of the calibration corpus, the software
executes the axis compensation.

DentalCNC software: Drilling tool changer inserts
5.6 Drilling tool changer inserts

Before starting the process, move the machine to the basic position (see
chapter 5.1.3). Remove the four hexagon socket screws and remove the cov-
er plate of the tool changer. Remove the worn out rubber inserts, replace
them with new ones without drillings and fix the cover plate.
Open the window “Settings/Program settings” and click on the button for
“Drill fixing plates for tool changer”. The software will guide you through the
process.
After clicking the button you’ll see the following window:
Illustration: Start window – drilling tool changer inserts.
As next step start the drilling process by clicking the start button. You can
cancel the drilling process with the stop button. The machine then switches
to stop mode and you will be asked, if you want to continue or abort the
process.
Having started the process, a window opens which instructs you to manually
insert the drill into the spindle.
Illustration: Instruction to insert the drill.
Still hold the tool while confirming the next window in order to continue and
to close the collet chuck.

DentalCNC software: Drilling tool changer inserts
Illustration: Continue the process.
The progress of the drilling process is displayed as list of each single running
process:
Illustration: Progress indicator.
When the drilling is finished, the drill has to be removed manually. Confirm
the following dialogue in order to open the collet chuck and to remove the
tool.
Illustration: Remove tool.

Index
A
administrated tool board 64
air extraction 60
air nozzles 61
B
bars, deleting 46
bars, finishing 45
bars, settings 31
basic position 60
blank height optimization 42
blow off blank 57
browser view 28
C
calculate the production job 51
calibration corpus, milling 69, 71
choose objects 38
choose object type 40
cleaning reminder 66
clean working chamber 60
collet chuck 61
cone cleaning 61
D
data storage 66
data transfer, settings 33
divergent insertion vectors 42
drops, deleting 46
drops, setting 45

E
export text file 68
F
file directory, look 28
file import 38
five axis release 41
folder for CAM data 67
functions 59
G
general settings 30
I
import external CAM data 66
import objects 42
import options 30
inputs 59
Inputs 61
insertion vectors 42
installation DentalCAM 7
installation, minimal requirements 7
installation, STL viewer 11
installation, USB driver 12
L
language settings, DentalCAM 30
language settings, DentalCNC 66
M
machine control 69
machine geometry 68
machine status 60
machine type 30
mark blank position 67
mass contact of the spindle 61
material, choice 36
milling order 32
milling protocol 65

mill selected job 57
multi-job, calculation 52
multi-job, enabling 66
multi-job , same blank ID 57
N
nesting 43
O
objects, preview 39
orientation in Z 40
overlapping objects 44
P
port number 67
positioning of objects 43
pressure sensor 61
production job details 57
programme settings, DentalCAM 30
program settings, DentalCNC 66
Q
quality of objects 41
R
release tool 60
remove tool 63
replace tool 58, 63
reset operation counter 58, 63
restore job 65
root directory 28
S
scaling factor 30
sealing air 61
search drillings 42
settings 66
settings for milling 31
sinter bar 39

sinter plate 39
spindle maintenance 60
spindle settings 70
status of calculated objects 31
status of objects 44
support folder, saving 30
T
terminal 70
tool administration 63
tool availability 67
tool change, manually 68
tool changer, equipping 58
tool changer inserts 69, 73
tool measuring key 61
tool, new 63
tool settings 32
U
underpressure sensor 61
user profile 66
W
water pump 57, 61
window, bars and drops 25
window, blank archive 22
window, DentalCNC
window, fill empty areas 26
window, import 23
window, milling parameters 27
window, nesting 24
window, production job 56
window, program settings 27
windows, DentalCAM 21
window, start calculation 27
work flow 35


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vhf camfacture AG n CNC-Fräsmaschinen | Werkzeuge n CNC Milling Machines | Tools n www.vhf.

■■ vhf service employees

This document is an original instruction.

Release date of this document: 02/2014

Technical modifications and mistakes excepted.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 3

1.2 About this manual

User Guide DentalCAM 5 5

1.3 Intended use of the software

2.1 Minimal requirements

2.2 Program installation

User Guide DentalCAM 5 7

The following window opens:

Illustration: DentalCAM setup window 1.

Illustration: DentalCAM setup window 2.

Illustration: DentalCAM setup window 3.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 9

Illustration: DentalCAM setup window 4.

Illustration: DentalCAM setup window 5.

2.2.1 STL viewer

Illustration: STL viewer EasyFit installation window 1.

Illustration: STL viewer EasyFit installation window 2.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 11

Illustration: STL viewer EasyFit installation window 3.

Illustration: STL viewer EasyFit installation window 4.

2.2.2 USB driver

Illustration: USB driver installation window 1.

Illustration: USB driver installation window 2.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 13

Illustration: USB driver installation window 3.

Illustration: Manual driver installation – device manager.

Illustration: Manual driver installation – choose driver source (1).

Illustration: Manual driver installation – choose driver source (2).

User Guide DentalCAM 5 15

Illustration: Manual driver installation – choose driver source (3).

Illustration: Manual driver installation – choose driver source (4).

■■ Install the drivers by confirming the following dialogue with “Install”.

Illustration: Manual driver installation – confirm Installation.

Illustration: Manual driver installation – completion.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 17

Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation – device manager.

Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation – choose driver source 1.

■■ The correct installation directory is already indicated this time. Confirm it

Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation– choose driver source 2.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 19

Illustration: 2nd run of manual driver installation – completion.

Illustration: Manual driver installation – device manager.

3.1 DentalCAM windows

User Guide DentalCAM 5 21

3.1.1 Blank archive

Illustration: blank archive window.

You can create a new blank or choose a previously created blank.

Illustration: Import window.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 23

Illustration: Nesting window.

Illustration: Bars/drops window.

In this window you can set bars and drops.

User Guide DentalCAM 5 25

3.1.5 Restore empty areas

Illustration: Empty areas window.

3.1.6 Start calculation

Illustration: Start calculation

3.1.7 Program settings