CAD/CAM Milling Machines Compared
Axis count, wet or dry, and what it can actually cut — the rest is detail.
Choosing a milling machine really comes down to three decisions, not ten: how many axes? Wet or dry? Which materials? The table below lines these up side by side.
4-axis machines are enough for copings, simple bridges, inlays and most routine lab work, and they cost less to get into. 5-axis becomes necessary once you're cutting undercut angles, angled abutments and implant cases. Honest advice: if implant work is on your two-year roadmap, buy 5-axis from the start — there's no upgrade path from 4 to 5, only a machine swap.
Dry milling handles zirconia and PMMA; titanium and glass-ceramic require a wet system. Wet-and-dry machines cover both but need more maintenance. One practical detail that shows up in the table too: compressed-air requirement — meaning an extra unit, floor space, noise and one more maintenance item.
Comparison table
| Spec | MEK T5 MAX | VHF E5 | RUIZHEN V | MAXX 4W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axes | — | 5-axis | — | 4-axis |
| Milling type | — | Dry | — | Wet & Dry |
| Materials | — | Zirconia, PMMA, wax, composite | — | Zirconia, PMMA, glass-ceramic, wax |
| Compressed air | — | Not required | — | — |
| B-axis rotation | — | ±35° | — | — |
| Price | On request | On request | On request | On request |
| Details | Details | Details | Details |
"—" means that figure isn't on record for that model in our data; ask us on WhatsApp for that specific spec.
Which should you choose?
If you run daily production
The MEK T5 MAX is an industrial 5-axis machine with a one-piece body built for daily volume — accuracy that holds after hours of continuous cutting is what sets a production machine apart.
If space and noise are a concern
The vhf E5 runs without a compressed-air compressor — one less peripheral unit, one less air line, one less maintenance item.
If your case mix is varied
The Ruizhen V is a wet-and-dry 5-axis machine that covers everything from titanium to zirconia in one unit — instead of buying two machines.
If you want a low-cost start
The MAXX-4W is the lowest-cost entry point: 4-axis, wet and dry. Fine for routine work, not for complex implant cases.
Related
All milling machines · What is Dental CAD/CAM? · Premills & custom abutments
Other comparisons
Intraoral scanners compared · Sintering furnaces compared · Zirconia blanks compared · Premill blanks compared
FAQ
Should I buy 4-axis or 5-axis?
If your work is copings, simple bridges and crowns, 4-axis is enough and more economical. Angled abutments and implant work require 5-axis. There's no upgrade from 4 to 5, so factor your multi-year plans into the decision.
What's the difference between wet and dry milling?
Zirconia and PMMA are cut dry; titanium and glass-ceramic need liquid cooling (wet). Wet-and-dry machines handle both but require more maintenance.
Do all these machines need a compressor?
No. The vhf E5 works without one. For the rest, compressed-air status is listed in the table.
Which one mills titanium premills?
Cutting premills requires a wet 5-axis machine with a dedicated holder. Check your machine's compatibility with the premill you have in mind before buying.