Applies to: N4+

Installing the machine

In which order do I have to install the components of the N4+?

Checking the scope of delivery

  • Unpack the machine and ensure that you have received the following items:

See the images

  1. 1 x Machine N4+
  2. 1 x Spindle service set
  3. 1 x Power cable
  4. 1 x Ethernet network cable (type: straight)
  5. 1 x Compressed air regulator
  6. 1 x Pneumatic hose
  7. 1 x Torque wrench (1.8 Nm), with hexagon nut (2.5 mm) and torx nut (TX 10)
  8. 1 x Container with pH test strips
  9. 1 x Cleaning brush
  10. 1 x Interdental brush (for cleaning the nozzle plate)
  11. 1 x Tank with activated carbon
  12. 1 x Fine filter
  13. 2 x Tool magazine insert
  14. 1 x Drill bit (2.8 mm) for tool positions
  15. 1 x Measuring pin
  16. 1 x Calibration set, 1 micrometer, 4 blanks for manufacturing test and calibration specimens, 2 fixing pins with screws, 1 radius cutter with 2 teeth (P200-R2-35)
  17. 2 x Key for the emergency release of the working chamber door

Not shown:

  • 1 x Brief machine information
  • 1 x Transport lock in the working chamber
  • 1 x Supplement about removing the transport lock
  • 2 x Accessory kit in the working chamber
  • 1 x Bottle of cooling lubricant Tec Liquid Pro (1 l)
  • 1 x Measuring cup (250 ml)
  • 3 x Spare screw for the blank holder
  • 3 x Bag with Tec Powder for cleaning the cooling liquid system (50 g per bag)

  • Transport lock

    • 1 x Transport box

    • 1 x Transport protection cover

    • 1 x Housing protection cover

  • Keep the packaging of the machine, the carrying aid and the transport lock for future transports.

The installation site must meet the following criteria:

  • Firm and even surface, must be able to carry the weight of the machine.
  • Alternating current source.
  • An operational Residual Current Device / Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter on the electric circuit of the machine.
  • Machine requires an external compressed air supply.
  • Access to the internet and local computer network via cable.

You can find specific values and additional requirements in the chapter on technical data. Technical data

NOTICE

Damaging of the machine if safety distances are not maintained

If you do not maintain the safety distances, the movable parts of the housing can collide with obstacles when being opened and get damaged. If the ventilation openings are covered, the machine may overheat and get severely damaged.

  • Ensure that the following safety intervals are always maintained.

Distances to maintain

Machine installation (schema)

  1. Power connection
  2. Ethernet network cable
  3. Pneumatic hose
  4. External compressed air supply
NOTICE

Damaging of the machine through heavy voltage fluctuations and power surges

Large mains voltage fluctuations and power surges disrupt the control unit and can cause system failures.

  • Connect the machine to a separately protected circuit or ensure that no devices are connected that cause severe mains voltage fluctuations when powered on.
  • If strong voltage fluctuations cannot be avoided, install a surge protector to safeguard the machine against strong voltage fluctuations.
NOTICE

Short-circuit hazard when the machine is too cold

If the machine is transported from a cold environment into a warmer environment, a short circuit may occur caused by condensate.

  • Before switching on the machine after transportation, ensure the following:
  • The ambient air has the allowed temperature.
  • The machine has the same temperature as the ambient air. This will take at least 48 hours.
  • The machine is completely dry.

The machine requires an uninterruptible power supply for proper operation.

  1. Plug the provided power cable into the mains connection on the connection panel of the machine.

  2. NOTICE! To avoid job interruptions, install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), type online / VFI (IEC 62040-3, Class 1) if there are regular power failures or frequent mains voltage fluctuations.

  3. Insert the plug of the cable into a socket that is protected by a Residual Current Device / Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Before operating the machine for the first time, you must remove the transport lock in the machine working chamber. The transport lock prevents the spindle from getting damaged during transport.

  1. Ensure the following:
  2. Switch on the machine at the main power switch.
  3. Open the working chamber door.
  4. Switch off the machine at the main power switch.
  5. Remove the transport lock as shown in the supplement.
WARNING

Risk of injuries through leaking compressed air and lashing pneumatic hoses

Open or loose pneumatic connections can cause severe injuries.

  • Ensure that during installation and maintenance of the pneumatic hoses and of the compressed air regulator compressed air is not conducted through the hoses and connections.
  • Before conducting compressed air through the hoses and connectors, verify that the hoses are securely inserted into the correct connectors and that they are not damaged. This also applies to the compressed air regulator.
  • Do not conduct compressed air through damaged hoses and connectors.
NOTICE

Bearing failure and electrical damage to the spindle in case of contaminated compressed air

The incoming compressed air must be dry and oil-free according to ISO 8573-1:2010 because the compressed air regulator only serves as an indicator for contaminated air.

Air purity according to ISO 8573-1:2010

Solid particles

class 3

Filtration degree better than 5 µm for solid particles

Water

class 4

Maximum pressure dew point: +3 °C

Total oil content

class 3

Maximum oil content: 1 mg/ml3
  • Ensure that the compressed air meets the above requirements.
  • Only connect the machine to the compressed air supply if the compressed air regulator is properly installed.

You can find specific values and additional requirements in the chapter on technical data. Technical data

The machine requires the compressed air for the following tasks:

  • For the opening and closing of the collet chuck during tool changes.
  • For the spindle sealing air which prevents foreign bodies from entering the spindle.
  • For the sealing air in the working chamber that keeps machining debris away from sensitive machine parts.

The machine is connected to the external air supply via a compressed air regulator. You can use this regulator to monitor and regulate the pressure of the incoming air.

The compressed air regulator is supplied with the machine and needs to be mounted on the side of the machine housing when installing the machine. The regulator has the following connections:

  • 1/8” internal thread, fitted with male compressed air connector to connect the external compressed air supply
  • 6 mm push-in fitting to connect the machine.
NOTICE

Failure of the water separator caused by a wrong alignment of the compressed air regulator

The compressed air regulator must always be mounted in an upright position because otherwise the water separator will not work.

  • Mount the compressed air regulator in an upright position.

On the left side of the machine are two bores which you can use to mount the compressed air regulator on the machine.

  • Mount the compressed air regulator in an upright position, using the oval-head screws provided in the bores.

Mounting the compressed air regulator

Installing the pneumatic hose

  1. Close the main external compressed air supply valve.
  2. Use the provided pneumatic hose to connect the right pneumatic connection of the compressed air regulator to the pneumatic connection of the machine.
  3. Connect the external compressed air supply to the left pneumatic connection of the compressed air regulator.
  4. Thoroughly verify that all external pneumatic hoses are properly seated in their corresponding connections and that the hoses and connectors are undamaged.
  5. If all hoses and connectors are properly installed and undamaged, open the external compressed air supply valve.

Setting the air pressure is only necessary if the air pressure shown by the pressure gauge does not lie between the minimum and maximum air pressure. You can find specific values and additional requirements in the chapter on technical data.

 

  1. Rotary knob for pressure regulation
  2. Pressure gauge for monitoring the outgoing air pressure
  3. Bowl of the water separator
  4. Discharge screw

  1. Pull the rotary knob on top of the compressed air regulator slightly upwards.

  2. Turn the rotary knob in the desired direction:
    • Turn it in the “+” direction to increase the pressure
    • Turn it in the “-” direction to decrease the pressure
  3. Push the rotary knob down again.
    • The knob is locked and cannot be changed inadvertently.

 

The following diagram visualizes how commands are sent to the machine with our network technology:

 

SX Virtual Link is similar to a device driver that transfers data between DentalCNC and the machine.

The network integration workflow is as follows:

  1. Preparing the installation
  2. Configure SX Virtual Link and DentalCNC.

For integrating the machine into your network, you will require the assistance of your IT specialist.

  1. Plug the Ethernet cable into the network port at the connection panel of the machine.
  2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the network port of the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC.. Do not use a router, hub or switch to connect the 2 units at this point.
  3. Make sure that you have administrator rights on the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC..

  4. Install DentalCAM & DentalCNC. Installing DentalCAM & DentalCNC

  5. If the SX Virtual Link setup programClosed A separate program called "Setup.exe" which installs the applications on your hard drive. opened, continue with the next step.

    If the SX Virtual Link setup programClosed A separate program called "Setup.exe" which installs the applications on your hard drive. did not open, open the installation program in the DentalCAM & DentalCNC installation folderClosed The folder on your hard drive that you installed DentalCAM and DentalCNC in..

    USB\Silex\Cosetup.exe

  6. Follow the SX Virtual Link setup programClosed A separate program called "Setup.exe" which installs the applications on your hard drive. until the installation is finished.

  7. Continue with the DentalCAM & DentalCNC installation.

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  1. Ensure that the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC. is directly connected to the machine via an Ethernet cable. Otherwise, the machine may obtain incorrect network settings and may become unreachable.

    If this happens, an on-site visit by customer service may be necessary: What to do if the machine is unreachable

  2. Switch on the machine at the main power switch.

    • The working chamber is illuminated in white.

      The machine does not reference.

  3. Open the SX Virtual Link application window:

    • The software should already be running – select the arrow on the right side of your task bar to open the system tray.

      In the system tray, select the SX Virtual Link icon.

      •  

    • If the SX Virtual Link icon is not in the system tray, start the application via the start menu. You should find it in the Silex Device Server group.

      •  

    • The SX Virtual Link application window displays.

    • If SX Virtual Link cannot find your machine, the following image displays in the window:

       

    • If SX Virtual Link has found your machine, the internal network devices of the machine display in the window.

  4. If the machine was found, continue with the next step.

    If the machine was not found, do the following:

    1. Check if the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC. is properly connected to the machine.

    2. Restart the machine.

  5. In the SX Virtual Link application window, select the depicted icon.

    • A more detailed list of the network devices displays.

     

    1. The internal devices of the machine
    2. The superior list entry for the machine
  6. In the SX Virtual Link window, right-click on SMI USB 2.0 Camera.
  7. From the context menu, select Properties….
  8. Switch to the Disconnect tab.
  9. Activate the Allow auto-disconnect when a Request Use is received check box.
  10. From the Auto-disconnect timeout drop-down list, select 10.
  11. To save your settings, select OK.
  12. Right-click on SMI PC Cam.
  13. From the context menu, select Connect.
  14. In the SX Virtual Link window, locate the device whose name starts with FTDI. Repeat steps 7 – 13 for this device.
    • Green check marks (marked orange) indicate that the connections have been established.

      •  

  15. In the SX Virtual Link application window, select the depicted icon.
    • The Options window opens.
  16. In the Options window, activate the following options:
    • Launch SX Virtual Link at Windows startup
    • Don't show SX Virtual Link main window on program launch
    • Hide the main window if the close button is clicked

  17. Deactivate the Automatically connect newly discovered USB devices option.

  18. To save your settings, select OK.

  19. Start DentalCNC.

  20. Open the DentalCNC Application settings with the following icon in the main icon bar: 

  21. Open the General settings with the following icon in the local icon bar: 

  22. Select the following icon next to the Port number input field:

    23.  

    • If DentalCNC is able to determine the port number, the number displays in the Port number input field. The machine references.

  23. Read out the Ethernet address (marked orange) in the application window of SX Virtual Link. It displays behind the device name.

     

  24. Enter the Ethernet address into the Machine Ethernet address input field in DentalCNC.

    Example:84:25:3F:23:4A:F4

  25. Press Enter.
    • From now on, DentalCNC will connect and disconnect the machine.
  26. Activate the option Launch application at Windows startup in DentalCNC.
    • From now on, DentalCNC will launch with Windows®. This is required to automate the connection process.

  27. Quit DentalCNC.

    If you do not close DentalCNC now, your changes may not be saved.

  28. In the SX Virtual Link application window, right-click on SMI USB 2.0 Camera.
  29. From the context menu, select Disconnect.
  30. Right click on the entry starting with FTDI.
  31. From the context menu, select Disconnect.
    • In the SX Virtual Link application window, the 2 check marks no longer display.
  32. Start DentalCNC.
    • DentalCNC establishes the connection to the machine. The 2 check marks display again.

  33. (Optional) Install hub, router or switch to connect the computer and the machine. This may require additional configuration.

While the network connection to your machine should work automatically, there are some useful things that you or your IT specialist should know.

What to do when devices are in use in SX Virtual Link

If SX Virtual Link displays that 1 or more devices are in use, another computer running SX Virtual Link has taken control of them.

Devices that are in use by other computers

  1. “In use” icon
  2. Name of the computer that is using the device

You can send a use request to the computer that is currently connected to the device. If the request is accepted, your computer can connect to the device.

  1. In the SX Virtual Link application window, right-click on the corresponding device.
  2. From the context menu, select Use request.
    • The request displays in a pop up window on the receiving computer. If the request is accepted, your computer will connect to the device after a short amount of time.

What to do if the machine is unreachable

If the network settings that are saved in the machine are incorrect, your IT specialist may try the following to connect to the machine:

  1. Access the router to which the machine is connected.
  2. Determine the IP address of the machine via the router’s configuration menu.
  3. Configure the machine’s network settings via the web server (see below).
  4. If this is not possible, ask customer service to reset the machine’s network settings through hardware access.

Network configuration via the machine's web server

The machine features a web server which allows for network configuration and network diagnostics.

You can access the web server as follows:

  1. Make sure that SX Virtual Link is connected to your machine.
  2. In the SX Virtual Link application window, right-click on the entry for the desired machine. If necessary, use the Ethernet address (marked orange) to identify the machine.

    3.  

  3. From the context menu, select Display the Web Page.
    • The default web browser launches and automatically connects to the machine's web server. You are prompted to enter a password.
  4. Enter the password and press Enter. If you have never set your own password, just press Enter.
    • The start page of the web server displays.

Resetting the network configuration to factory defaults

In case of network problems, you can try resetting the machine's network configuration to default settings.

After the reset, you will have to reconfigure the machine's network settings.

  1. If you still have access to the machine's web server, do as follows:
    1. Log in to the web server.
    2. In the left column, select Settings Initialization from the Maintenance section.
    3. Select Yes twice.
    4. Wait 30 seconds.
    5. Restart the machine.
  2. If you do not have access to the web server, contact customer service.

In the following cases, you need to configure the webcam of the machine:

  1. Open the DentalCNC Application settings with the following icon in the main icon bar: 

  2. Open the General settings with the following icon in the local icon bar: 

  3. Select the following icon next to the Webcam selection label:

  4. Select the webcam SMI from the drop-down list at the top of the window.

    5.  

    • The current still image of the webcam displays.

       

  5. Select the depicted icon: 

If you use exocad ChairsideCAD as your CAD application, you can activate the CAD/CAM integration with DentalCAM & DentalCNC 8.

If you use CAD/CAM integration, you will design and nest objects completely in the CAD application. When exporting, DentalCAM automatically calculates the machining strategy in the background and sends it to DentalCNC.

On Z4 machines, the touchscreen immediately displays the job for further processing.

Minimum required exocad ChairsideCAD version:

Activating the CAD/CAM integration

There are 2 ways to set up CAD/CAM integration with exocad ChairsideCAD:

Basic configuration

    1. Open the DentalCNC Application settings with the following icon in the main icon bar: 

    2. Open the General settings with the following icon in the local icon bar: 

    3. Activate the CAD/CAM integration and 3Shape Produce enabled option.

       

  1. If exocad ChairsideCAD is installed on a separate CAD computer, continue with the exocad network configuration.

exocad network configuration

Only perform the following procedure if exocad ChairsideCAD is installed on a different computer than DentalCAM & DentalCNC.

Configuring the CAM computer

  1. Access the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC..

  2. Create the following folder:

    C:\CADshare\DentalNestingObjToMDW

  3. Share this folder in your network. The CAD computer requires read and write access to it.

Checking the data transfer folder setting

  1. Open the DentalCNC Application settings with the following icon in the main icon bar: 

  2. Open the General settings with the following icon in the local icon bar: 

  3. Check if the following folder path displays under the CAD/CAM integration: Data transfer folder label:

    4. C:\CADshare\DentalNestingObjToMDW

     

    If it doesn’t, do the following:

    1. To store the data transfer folder in DentalCNC, select the depicted icon to the right of the CAD/CAM integration: Data transfer folder label.

      • A window for selecting the folder opens.

    2. From the drop-down list, select the drive letter c:.
    3. Select the following folder:

      CADshare\DentalNestingObjToMDW

    4. Select the depicted icon.
    • The selected folder displays below the CAD/CAM integration: Data transfer folder label.

Configuring the CAD computer

  1. Access the CAD computer.

  2. Install exocad ChairsideCAD.

  3. Map a network drive to the C:\CADshare\DentalNestingObjToMDW folder that you created on the CAM computer.

    • Record the drive letter.

    • Enter the exact folder path including the leading backslashes \\.

    • Enter the login credentials for your CAM computer.

      Store these login credentials on the CAD computer.

    • Activate the Reconnect at sign-in option.

Setting up exocad ChairsideCAD

  1. In Windows® Explorer, open the exocad ChairsideCAD folder.

  2. Change into the config folder.

  3. Open the following file with a text editor:

    4. settings-chairside.xml

  4. Inside the file, find the following expression (“tag”):

    5. <NestingInterop2TemporaryFolder>

    Directly behind the expression, you will find the exocad output path.

  5. Replace the output path with the letter of the network drive that you recorded followed by a colon (:).

    6. Example: You recorded the drive letter Z. The expression in the XML file must be:

    <NestingInterop2TemporaryFolder>Z:</NestingInterop2TemporaryFolder>

  6. Save and close the XML file.