Zur Hauptnavigation springenZum Inhalt springen

Digital Milling Technology in Dental Technology: The CORiTEC 250i PRO+ in Focus

|Workflow, Digital dentistry

Digital manufacturing shapes modern dental technology across the entire process chain – from data acquisition to design and final fabrication. Milling technology is a central driver of precision, reproducibility, and cost efficiency. With the CORiTEC 250i PRO+, dental laboratories have a system that combines a compact design with versatility and is consistently geared toward process reliability.

1. Technology and Features of the CORiTEC 250i PRO+

The CORiTEC 250i PRO+ is designed as a simultaneous 5-axis milling machine and suitable for both wet and dry processing. It operates at spindle speeds of up to 60,000 rpm and achieves manufacturing tolerances of around two micrometers. This enables reliable, high-precision production of even complex geometries.

An integrated tool changer that accommodates up to ten tools significantly reduces manual intervention and shortens production cycles. Additional features include temperature management to ensure consistent processing conditions and tool-breakage detection for increased process stability.

2. Advantages in Daily Laboratory Work

For dental laboratories, this equipment results in noticeable efficiency gains. Shorter throughput times, reduced post-processing, and optimal material utilization lead to significant time and cost savings. The machine also increases capacity by enabling a higher case volume without compromising quality. Its versatility helps reduce reliance on external partners and allows labs to adapt flexibly to varying demands.

3. Digital Integration and Workflows

The CORiTEC 250i PRO+ integrates seamlessly into established CAD/CAM environments, supporting a fully digital workflow. It is compatible with CAD systems such as exocad and 3Shape and can be combined with powerful CAM software such as iCAM HD.

Functions like automatic calibration, tool-breakage detection, and an integrated camera allow for largely unattended operation. Digital archiving of milling data ensures full traceability, simplifying quality assurance and documentation.

4. Trends and Future Perspectives

Hybrid workflows that combine additive manufacturing with traditional milling are becoming increasingly relevant. With the CORiTEC 250i PRO+, laboratories can already implement these forward-looking processes.

Precise milling for definitive restorations and additive production for models and temporaries create high flexibility. Sustainability also plays a growing role: precise machining reduces material waste, and the use of biocompatible polymers and metal-free alternatives supports resource-efficient workflows.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to influence dental production as well. Early applications assist in choosing parameters and planning processes; in the future, real-time adaptive strategies are expected to optimize machining continuously.

5. Materials and Indications

The CORiTEC 250i PRO+ supports a wide range of materials:

  • Zirconia for strong monolithic crowns and bridges
  • Titanium for abutments and implant-supported suprastructures
  • Cobalt-chromium for framework structures
  • PMMA and wax for temporaries, splints, and models
  • Glass and hybrid ceramics for highly aesthetic anterior restorations

This spectrum allows laboratories to cover nearly all modern dental applications in-house.

6. Error Prevention Through Intelligent Milling Strategies

Process reliability is critical in dental laboratories. The CORiTEC 250i PRO+ uses software-supported strategies to detect critical areas during fabrication and automatically adjust parameters. This helps prevent stress fractures, fitting inaccuracies, and other defects before they occur.

Tool wear is continuously monitored, ensuring timely replacement. Temperature management and spindle-load monitoring stabilize the process, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring consistent repeatability.

7. Conclusion

What does “digital milling technology” include?
It refers to CAD/CAM-based design and manufacturing that enables precise, repeatable results within continuous digital workflows.

Which materials can the CORiTEC 250i PRO+ process?
Zirconia, titanium, cobalt-chromium, PMMA, wax, glass ceramics, and hybrid ceramics.

Is the machine suitable for small laboratories?
Yes. Its compact design and automation make it ideal even for labs with limited space or personnel.

How does integration into existing workflows work?
The system is compatible with exocad, 3Shape, and CAM solutions like iCAM HD.

Which errors are avoided through intelligent process control?
Fitting inaccuracies, tool breakage, stress fractures, and unnecessary material loss.