A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

A starting hole for milling in a surface of a workpiece by a CNC milling machine with a milling cutter mounted to a rotating spindle is created by milling a first hole at a first diameter to a first depth into the workpiece along the axis of the starting hole; and then successively milling a second hole at a second diameter to a second depth into the workpiece along the axis of the starting hole, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. One or more additional holes may be successively milled to additional depths at successively smaller diameters.

A method and apparatus for processing workpieces to form parts. Tools associated with a multi-spindle machine may be positioned with respect to a plurality of workpieces on a fixture comprising a plurality of platforms and an adjustment system. Each platform may be individually moveable with respect to others in the plurality of platforms about a number of axes. The plurality of platforms may be configured to hold the plurality of workpieces in which each platform may be configured to hold a workpiece in the plurality of workpieces during operations performed by the multi-spindle machine. The adjustment system may be configured to move each of the plurality of platforms about the number of axes independently from the others in the plurality of platforms. The operations may be performed on the plurality of workpieces using the multi-spindle machine and the fixture to form a plurality of parts.

A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Systems and methods for mass producing customized engraved articles of manufacture based on orders from multiple different customers.

Systems and methods for mass producing customized engraved articles of manufacture based on orders from multiple different customers.

A collaborative approach, incorporating a server for data transmission, security verification, and authentication verification, is implemented between a dental office and a dental laboratory to fabricate a designed dental restoration. A scanner is used in a dental office to take a scan of a patient's mouth. The dental laboratory designs the dental restoration with specialized design software taking into account the scan of the mouth as well as a prescription from the dental office. The parameters defining the designed dental restoration are contained in a design file. The design file is used to create milling specifications defining instructions for milling the designed dental restoration. The materials for the dental restoration are loaded into a mill, where the dental restoration is fabricated in accordance with the milling specifications. Security verification ensures authorized materials are used, and authentication verification ensures authorized materials and processes are used.