Applies to: S1 & S2

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

How do I maintain the machine? Is there a maintenance overview? What are the wear parts? Where is the maintenance table?

Some day-to-day basic maintenance and preventive maintenance is essential to keep the machine mechanics and electric components in good condition for proper machining results.

It is your responsibility to make sure that preventive maintenance and basic maintenance are performed.

You are the only one who can ensure that your machine receives the proper maintenance care.

A maintenance kit is available for your machine. It contains the required items for the maintenance tasks that you need to perform after 500 and 1,000 operating hours and for calibrating the machine. The maintenance kit is available from customer service.

Maintenance section

For your convenience, dentalcnc lists all basic maintenance tasks in the Maintenance section. In the Maintenance section, you can see when the individual tasks are due.

  • When you have performed a maintenance task, mark it as complete in the Maintenance section. This will keep the list up-to-date.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance for this machine has to be scheduled every 2 years, or after 2,000 operating hours at the latest.

  • To schedule preventive maintenance, contact customer service.

Servicing

Customer service is your main contact for all service related questions. They will provide you with spare parts, maintenance tips and they will perform preventive maintenance for you on request.

  • When your machine is delivered or installed, ask the service technician for contact details for the customer service team. We also recommend scheduling the first preventive maintenance appointment at this point to ensure your machine gets proper maintenance.

Definition of wear parts

The machine and the extra equipmentClosed Physical component which must be obtained separately and which adds new functionality to your machine. are warranted for a period of 24 months or 2,000 operating hours, whatever comes first. The warranty covers defects in materials or fabrication as long as the regulations for using the machine in all documents are followed.

Of course, the warranty also covers wear parts as long as their failure cannot be attributed to the function-related abrasion.

The wear parts that are mentioned below can already become worn out within the warranty period due to their normal function. The average useful life of the wear parts can be seen in the maintenance table.

Use these values to determine operating costs, to plan your spare part stock as well as to create individual maintenance and service plans.

If your machine is used for wet machining, additional maintenance is required that is not listed in this table. The maintenance tasks are described in the operating instructions for the vhf wet grinding module.

The operating instructions are delivered with the vhf wet grinding module. They are also available for download here.

Several times per day

Action Recommended interval / Terms Procedure / Tools

Check the external pneumatic hoses for damage

Before switching on the machine

Visual check

Check the suction hose for damage

Before switching on the machine

Visual check

Once per day

Action Recommended interval Procedure / Parts Tool illustration

Checking the compressed air regulator

Before work
Clean or exchange cartridge in case of visible contamination or every 2 years

If necessary, new filter cartridge

Daily cleaning of the working chamber

After work
If soiled

Vacuum cleaner, Brush, Dry cloth

  

Once per week

Action Recommended interval Procedure / Parts Tool illustration

Cleaning the collet chuck

Once per week
In the event of out-of-true running

Spindle service set

S2: Cleaning the blank magazine

Once per week
If soiled

Wet cloth, Dry cloth

 

S2: Cleaning the release plate of the blank changer

Once per week
If soiled

Wet cloth, Dry cloth, Vacuum cleaner

 

When necessary

Action Recommended interval Procedure / Parts Spare part illustration

Updating the software and firmware

When an update is available

 

 

Cleaning the housing

 

Microfiber cloth, Water, Mild cleaning agent (optional)

  

Exchanging the main fuse

 

Spare fuse T6,3A L250V

Wear parts that you can exchange yourself

Wear part Recommended interval Procedure / Parts Spare part illustration

Collet chuck

1,000 operating hours*
Every year*

Removing & inserting the collet chucks (old/new) as during cleaning

Tool magazine inserts

500 operating hours*
Every year*

 

Wear parts that customer service exchanges for you

Wear part Recommended interval Procedure / Parts Spare part illustration

Spindle bearings (requires spindle exchange by customer service)

2,000 operating hours*

 

*These are recommendation guidelines. Depending on the processing material and how well the machine is cleaned, these values may differ.

Cleaning the working chamber includes the following components:

  • Measuring key
  • Blank holder
  • View window
  • Nozzle plate
  • Protective strip
NOTICE

Damaging of the linear guides or the spindle when cleaning with compressed air

If you clean the working chamber with compressed air, material chips can reach the linear guides or the spindle bearings.

  • Never clean the working chamber with compressed air.
CAUTION

Breathing difficulties caused by machining dust

If machining dust gets into your lungs, this can cause breathing difficulties.

  • After dry machining, only clean the machine if the air extraction system is properly installed and activated.
  • Wear a face mask of class FFP2 during the entire cleaning.
  • Never clean the machine with compressed air.
CAUTION

Risk of injury due to splinters

When cleaning with compressed air, splinters can be thrown around and injure you.

  • Never clean the machine with compressed air.

We recommend cleaning the working chamber after all other required maintenance tasks.

  1. Have ready:
    • A wet cloth
    • A mild cleaning agent (optional)
    • A dry cloth (if the machine was used for dry machining only)
    • A suction unit
  2. Close the working chamber door.
  3. Move the axes into the cleaning position by selecting the depicted icon in the Machining view in dentalcnc.
  4. Open the working chamber door.
  5. If the machine was used for dry machining only:
    1. Suck up the coarse dirt in the working chamber with the suction unit.
    2. Clean all surfaces and cracks in the working chamber thoroughly with the dry cloth. Use a mild cleaning agent if necessary.
  6. If the machine was used for wet machining: Thoroughly clean all surfaces and gaps in the working chamber with the damp cloth. Use a mild cleaning agent if necessary.
  7. Suction any machining residue off of the measuring sensor from a distance of 3 cm.

    8. Measuring sensor (marked orange)

  8. Clean all sides of the blank holder with a brush. Especially clean all openings and movable parts of the blank holder.
  9. If necessary, clean the view window with a dry cloth. Use a wet cloth if the machine was used for wet machining. Use a mild cleaning agent if necessary.
  10. Allow the working chamber to dry.
  11. Close the working chamber door.
  12. Move the axes into the default position by selecting the depicted icon in the Machining view in dentalcnc.
  1. Open the blank magazineClosed Part of the blank changer in which you store the blanks for automatic loading. door.
  2. Remove all blank frames and block holders from the blank magazineClosed Part of the blank changer in which you store the blanks for automatic loading..
  3. Remove all blanks.
  4. Clean the blank magazineClosed Part of the blank changer in which you store the blanks for automatic loading. and the interior of the blank changerClosed Machine component which stores multiple blanks in a magazine and which can automatically load them into the working chamber.. When using the search, use a blank changer or a blank magazine instead with a suction unit and a wet cloth. Use a mild cleaning agent if necessary. Lift the blank changerClosed Machine component which stores multiple blanks in a magazine and which can automatically load them into the working chamber.. When using the search, use a blank changer or a blank magazine instead flap in the working chamber to reach the loading unit of the blank changerClosed Machine component which stores multiple blanks in a magazine and which can automatically load them into the working chamber.. When using the search, use a blank changer or a blank magazine instead.
  5. Thoroughly clean all blank magazineClosed Part of the blank changer in which you store the blanks for automatic loading. slots, blank frames and block holders with a brush.
  6. Equip the blank frames and block holders and insert them into the blank magazineClosed Part of the blank changer in which you store the blanks for automatic loading.. Make sure that the blank magazineClosed Part of the blank changer in which you store the blanks for automatic loading. slots correspond to the slots in dentalcnc.
  1. Move the axes into the cleaning position by selecting the depicted icon in the Machining view in dentalcnc.

    2. If the suction unit is switched on manually, switch it on.

  2. To remove the cover plate, unscrew the 2 screws (marked orange). Make sure you don't lose the 4 washers.

    Removing the cover plate (screws and washers marked orange)

  3. Clean the release plate (marked orange) with a separate vacuum cleaner. Make sure to clean the joints on the sides and the bottom as well.

    4. Cleaning the release plate (release plate and joints marked orange)

  4. Put 1 washer on the screw.
  5. Push the prepared screw through the rear hole of the cover plate. Make sure the chamfered part (marked orange) is on the top as shown in the figure above.

    Correct placement of the cover plate (chamfered part marked orange)

  6. Place 1 washer on the other side of the cover plate.

    7. Correct order of the screw and the washers

    1. Washer
    2. Cover plate
    3. Washer
    4. Oval-head screw
  7. To fixate the cover plate, loosely screw in the screw (approx. 2 turns, the cover plate should be movable).
  8. Put 1 washer on the other screw.
  9. Push the second screw through the front hole of the cover plate.
  10. Place 1 washer on the other side of the cover plate.

    11. Correct order of the screw and the washers

    1. Washer
    2. Cover plate
    3. Washer
    4. Oval-head screw
  11. Tighten the screws so tightly that the plate can just be moved.
  12. Push the cover plate to the front of the machine (marked by a green arrow in the figure below).
  13. The top of the cover plate (marked blue) should be flush with the plate of the release carriage.

    14. Correct alignment of the cover plate and the plate of the release carriage

  14. To fixate the cover plate, screw down the 2 screws.
  15. Move the axes into the default position by selecting the depicted icon in the Machining view in dentalcnc.

    16. If the suction unit is switched off manually, switch it off.

You need to clean the collet chuck with the spindle service set which was provided with your machine.

Alongside the current improved version of the spindle service set, there is a previous version.

Depending on which spindle service set you use, follow the corresponding instructions.

Current spindle service set

  1. Cleaning brush
  2. Knurled nut
  3. Tube of collet chuck grease
  4. Cleaning cone

Previous spindle service set

  1. Cleaning brush
  2. Knurled nut
  3. Tube of collet chuck grease
  4. Cleaning cone
NOTICE

Damaging of the spindle when cleaning with compressed air

If you clean the collet chuck with compressed air, the spindle bearings can be damaged.

  • Clean the collet chuck only with the appropriate service set.

Spindle service set

  1. Cleaning brush
  2. Knurled nut
  3. Tube of collet chuck grease
  4. Cleaning cone

To clean the collet chuck do the following:

  1. Have the spindle service set ready.
  2. Close the working chamber door.
  3. Move the axes into the tool change position by selecting the depicted icon in the Machining view in dentalcnc.
    • The spindle moves into the position for collet chuck cleaning.
  4. Open the working chamber door.
  5. Untighten the collet chuck with the knurled nut:
    1. Insert the pin of the knurled nut into the collet chuck.
    2. Make sure that the collet chuck is properly seated in the recess of the knurled nut (marked orange).

       

    3. Twist the knurled nut counterclockwise.

    6.  

  6. Unscrew the collet chuck by hand and remove it.

    7.  

  7. Put the knurled nut and the collet chuck aside within reach.
  8. Clean the inner cone of the spindle with the cleaning cone of the service set.

    9.  

  9. Clean the collet chuck with the brush of the service set.

    1. Insert the brush into the collet chuck until the end of the brush aligns (marked orange) with the end of the collet chuck.

      NOTICE! Do not push any further because otherwise dirt my get into the thread of the collet chuck.

      2.  

    2. Rapidly pull the brush out of the collet chuck and twist it at the same time.

       

    3. Repeat the last 2 steps multiple times.

    10. NOTICE

    Damaging of the spindle when using the wrong grease or applying the grease incorrectly

    If you use unsuitable grease or if grease gets into the longitudinal slots of the collet chuck, the machine may get damaged.

    • Before applying the grease, ensure that the collet chuck is perfectly clean.
    • Ensure that no grease gets into the longitudinal slots of the collet chuck.
    • Only use a very small amount of grease, less than the size of a pinhead.
    • Only use the provided grease of the service set.

  10. Thoroughly clean the complete outer surface of the collet chuck with a clean and dry cloth.

     

  11. Put a small amount of the collet grease on the index finger and smear it with the thumb.
  12. Apply the smeared collet chuck grease to the flanks of the collet chuck (marked blue). Make sure that no collet chuck grease gets into the slots (marked red).

    13.  

  13. Insert the collet chuck (marked orange) into the spindle. Screw in the collet chuck by twisting it clockwise by hand.

     

  14. Insert the pin of the knurled nut into the collet chuck. Make sure that the collet chuck is properly seated in the recess of the knurled nut.

    15. NOTICE! Rotational imperfections when the collet chuck is not tightened properly.

  15. Tighten the collet chuck with the knurled nut:
    1. Insert the pin of the knurled nut into the collet chuck.
    2. Make sure that the collet chuck is properly seated in the recess of the knurled nut (marked orange).

       

    3. Turn the knurled nut clockwise until the collet chuck fits tightly in the spindle.

    16.  

  16. Store the spindle service set in a safe place.
  17. Close the working chamber door.
  18. Clean the nozzle plate.
NOTICE

Damaging of the spindle when cleaning with compressed air

If you clean the collet chuck with compressed air, the spindle bearings can be damaged.

  • Clean the collet chuck only with the appropriate service set.

Spindle service set

  1. Cleaning brush
  2. Knurled nut
  3. Tube of collet chuck grease
  4. Cleaning cone

To clean the collet chuck do the following:

  1. Have the spindle service set ready.
  2. Close the working chamber door.
  3. Move the axes into the tool change position by selecting the depicted icon in the Machining view in dentalcnc.
  4. Put the knurled nut to the spindle with one hand. With the other hand insert the measuring pin into the collet chuck and keep holding it.

    5.  

  5. Loosen the collet chuck with the knurled nut. Unscrew the collet chuck by hand or with the knurled nut.
  6. Remove the measuring pin from the collet chuck. Then put it aside within reach together with the knurled nut.
  7. Clean the inner cone of the spindle with the cleaning cone of the service set.

    8.  

  8. Clean the collet chuck with the brush of the service set.

    9.  

    1. Longitudinal slot
    2. Cleaning brush
    NOTICE

    Damaging of the spindle when using the wrong grease or applying the grease incorrectly

    If you use unsuitable grease or if grease gets into the longitudinal slots of the collet chuck, the machine may get damaged.

    • Before applying the grease, ensure that the collet chuck is perfectly clean.
    • Ensure that no grease gets into the longitudinal slots of the collet chuck.
    • Only use a very small amount of grease, less than the size of a pinhead.
    • Only use the provided grease of the service set.
  9. Put a small amount of the collet grease on the index finger and smear it with the thumb.
  10. Apply the smeared collet chuck grease to the flanks of the collet chuck (marked blue). Make sure that no collet chuck grease gets into the slots (marked red).

    11.  

    NOTICE! Rotational imperfections when the collet chuck is not tightened properly.

  11. Insert the measuring pin into the collet chuck with one hand and keep holding it. Screw the collet chuck with the knurled nut in your other hand tightly into the spindle.
  12. Remove the measuring pin from the collet chuck and store it together with the other components of the spindle service set.
  13. Clean the nozzle plate.

Checking the compressed air regulator

NOTICE

Damaging of the machine when compressed air is contaminated

Compressed air that does not fulfill the guidelines for purity according to ISO 8573-1 can damage the machine.

  • Check the water separator of the compressed air regulator daily for contamination.
  • Never use the machine if there is water, oil or solid particles in the water separator.

Checking the water separator for condensate

Condensate in the separator usually points to compressed air not being dry enough.

  1. Check if water, oil or solid particles piled up in the water separator.
  2. If this is the case, switch the machine off immediately and proceed as follows.
  3. Disconnect the machine from the compressed air supply.
  4. Check the compressed air supply and make sure that the compressed air fulfills the requirements for air purity according to ISO 8573-1. Do not use the machine until the compressed air fulfills this requirement.
  5. Drain the water separator by turning the discharge screw counterclockwise.
    • The condensate is blown out downwards under pressure.
  6. Close the discharge screw again by turning it clockwise.

 

Exchanging / cleaning the contaminated filter cartridge

You have to clean or exchange the filter cartridge in the water separator in case of strong contamination.

A strongly contaminated cartridge can lead to a pressure loss.

If the compressed air fulfills the requirements for air purity according to ISO 8573-1, the filter cartridge usually does not have to be changed.

  • If the filter cartridge is contaminated, check the purity of your compressed air.

You exchange or clean the filter cartridge as follows:

  1. Disconnect the machine from the compressed air supply.

  2. If the bowl of the water separator has a release:

    To remove the bowl of the water separator, do the following:

    1. Press the release and turn the bowl counterclockwise as far as you can.

    2. Remove the bowl from the housing.

    3. Pull out the filter cartridge and clean it if necessary.

  3. If the bowl of the water separator does not have a release: Rotate the bowl counterclockwise out of the housing.
  4. Unscrew the filter screw below the filter cartridge.
  5. Pull out the filter cartridge and clean it if necessary.

    6. A new filter cartridge is available as spare part from customer service.

  6. Insert the new or cleaned filter cartridge and reassemble the water separator. If applicable: When doing this, insert the release into the recess on the housing and turn the bowl until it snaps into place.

NOTICE

Damage to the housing if an unsuitable cleaning agent is selected

If you use an unsuitable cleaning agent for cleaning the machine housing, the surface or the adhesive foil may be damaged.

  • To avoid scratches, only use a microfiber cloth to clean the housing.
  • Take care of the adhesive symbols so that they do not peel off. The adhesive foil is especially sensitive to friction and harsh cleaning agents.
  • If the usage of a special cleaning agent is necessary to eliminate certain dirt, we recommend checking the suitability of the cleaning agent at a hidden place of the part first.

  1. Have ready:

    Microfiber cloth

  2. Clean the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.

  3. If some dirt cannot be removed this way, moisten the cloth. Use a pH neutral cleaning agent if necessary.

The internal power supply of the machine has a main fuse that is accessible from the outside and can be exchanged if necessary.

  • As a replacement fuse, only use a fuse of the following type: T6,3A L250V

A new main fuse is available as spare part from customer service.

  1. DANGER!Switch off the machine at the main power switch.

  2. Remove the power cord from the connection panel.
  3. Remove the cover (marked orange) of the fuse.

    4.  

  4. Remove the defective fuse and replace it with a new fuse.
  5. If you do not have a replacement fuse ready, take the replacement fuse from the right side of the fuse cover and put it into the left side of the fuse cover.
  6. Remount the fuse cover.
NOTICE

Deterioration of machining results caused by an incorrect calibration

At delivery, your machine is already calibrated. As long as your machining results are accurate, a new calibration is not necessary. A calibration takes much time and will deteriorate the machining results if it is improperly executed.

  • If the machining results are inaccurate, first try to adjust the machining conditions: Check the fixation and quality of the blank and the condition of the tool.
  • Before calibrating the machine, contact customer service.
  • Be very careful when measuring and entering data during calibration. When in doubt, abort the calibration.

By calibrating the machine with test and calibration specimens, it may be possible to improve the machining results.

The documentation for the manufacturing softwareClosed Term for the software package consisting of dentalcam and dentalcnc. contains all information for the calibration of the machine. In this document, you will only find machine-specific information.

Your machine is delivered with a calibration set. It contains the following parts:

  • Calibration blanks which are used to mill calibration and test specimens
  • A tool for milling the calibration or test specimens
  • A micrometer for measuring the machining precision

You can calibrate the machine as follows:

  1. Have the calibration set readily available

  2. Mount the calibration blank into the blank holder.

  3. Follow the instructions on calibrating the machine in the documentation for dentalcnc.

  4. Keep all parts of the calibration set except used calibration blanks for further use.

If tool magazine inserts are worn, exchange them. New inserts are delivered without holes for the tools. The holes must be drilled into the inserts with the machine.

  • Your machine comes with spare tool magazine inserts and the drilling tool.
  • Additional inserts and drill tools are available via customer service.

The documentation for the manufacturing softwareClosed Term for the software package consisting of dentalcam and dentalcnc. contains step-by-step instructions for drilling the holes into the inserts. Below you find a description of how to exchange the tool magazine inserts in the machine.

You can exchange tool magazine inserts as follows:

  1. Have ready:

    • Drill tool (provided)

  2. Open the working chamber door.

  3. CAUTION!Wear gloves.

  4. NOTICE! Remove all tools from the tool magazine.

  5. Remove the cover on the upper side of the tool magazine:
    1. Pull the cap of the measuring sensor over the top of the measuring sensor and remove the cap.
    2. Unscrew the 4 screws that fixate the cover of the tool magazine.
    3. Lift the cover of the tool magazine and the insert for the measuring sensor.

     

  6. Remove the 2 existing tool magazine inserts and replace them with 2 new ones.

    7.  

  7. Install the cover of the tool magazine:
    1. Put the cover and the insert for the measuring sensor back onto the tool magazine and screw in the 4 screws by hand.
    2. Keep the insert for the measuring sensor pushed down and alternately tighten the screws.
    3. Put the cap of the measuring sensor onto the measuring sensor so that the edge of the small opening lies in the groove of the measuring sensor. Make sure the cap covers the measuring sensor and the insert for the measuring sensor.
  8. Follow the instructions in the documentation for dentalcnc and drill the tool positions using the provided drill bit.

Updating the firmware of the machine

Updating the manufacturing softwareClosed Term for the software package consisting of dentalcam and dentalcnc. and the firmware is an interdependent procedure.

  • Be sure to read all information in this chapter.
NOTICE

Damaging of the control unit when a firmware update is interrupted

If the firmware update is interrupted, the control unit of the machine may become permanently damaged.

  • Only update the firmware if a permanent electrical supply of the machine and the computer is guaranteed.
  • Only update the firmware if the computer's operating system is stable and is free of malware.
  • Only update the firmware if the connection between the computer and the machine is stable. Always use a wired connection during the update.
  • Do not disconnect the machine or the computer from the electrical source nor switch off the machine or computer during a firmware update.
  • Do not close dentalcnc during a firmware update.

Updating the manufacturing software

dentalcam and dentalcnc are updated regularly.

There are 2 ways to update your existing installation:

  • Automatically via the update function in dentalcnc (recommended)
  • Manually via an installation package. Ask customer service for the latest installation package.

Updating the firmware of the machine

The firmware is the internal control software of your machine. New versions may introduce new functions and improve existing ones. New firmware versions come as part of new versions of dentalcnc.

The time of the firmware update depends on whether you start the update download in dentalcam or dentalcnc:dentalcam: The firmware is downloaded but not updated with the software update. You update the firmware the next time you start dentalcnc.dentalcnc; If there is a connection to the machine, the firmware is updated with the software update. In the following cases, you need to update the firmware manually:

  • You do not use the automatic update function.
  • No connected machine was found during the automatic download of the new dentalcam & dentalcnc version.

You can manually update the firmware of your machine as follows:

If new firmware is available, dentalcnc offers an update when establishing a connection or starting an job. The firmware update should take 5 – 15 minutes to complete.

  1. To update the firmware, confirm the message. You can cancel the message to postpone the update, but we recommend updating the firmware immediately.
    • A window opens.
  2. In the current window, select the following icon:  
    • The following happens:
      1. dentalcnc updates the firmware of the connected machine.
      2. dentalcnc prompts you to restart the machine.
  3. Switch off the machine at the main power switch.
  4. Wait 10 seconds.
  5. Switch on the machine at the main power switch.
    • The machine references. The machine is ready for operation.

The firmware is the internal control software of your machine. New versions may introduce new functions and improve existing ones. New firmware versions come as part of new versions of dentalcnc.

NOTICE

Damaging of the control unit when a firmware update is interrupted

If the firmware update is interrupted, the control unit of the machine may become permanently damaged.

  • Only update the firmware if a permanent electrical supply of the machine and the computer is guaranteed.
  • Only update the firmware if the computer's operating system is stable and is free of malware.
  • Only update the firmware if the connection between the computer and the machine is stable. Always use a wired connection during the update.
  • Do not disconnect the machine or the computer from the electrical source nor switch off the machine or computer during a firmware update.
  • Do not close dentalcnc during a firmware update.

If dentalcnc contains a new firmware, you will be prompted to update the firmware after dentalcnc connected to the machine or when you start machining. The firmware update should take 5 – 15 minutes to complete.

  1. To update the firmware, confirm the message. You can cancel the message to postpone the update, but we recommend updating the firmware immediately.
  2. Wait until the update is complete.
  3. Switch off the machine at the main power switch.
  4. Restart the machine.

Updating the manufacturing software

dentalcam and dentalcnc are updated regularly. If the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs dentalcam and dentalcnc. is connected to the internet, the machine will inform you when an update is available.