Open CAD/CAM System Zirconia: Revolutionizing the Dental Industry
2025-09-08
In recent years, dental CAD/CAM technology has developed rapidly, while the markets for milling machines and consumables have become more mature. One clear trend is that more milling machine fixtures are now adopting the 98mm (or 98.5mm) standard size. Why is this shift taking place? Let’s take a closer look from the perspectives of industry development and practical application.
1. Industry Standardization
In the past, milling machine fixture sizes varied widely among manufacturers—95mm, 92×75mm, and AG systems, for example. This lack of uniformity created challenges for dental laboratories, limiting consumable options and complicating inventory management.
Today, 98mm has become the mainstream global standard. More manufacturers are adopting this size, making it easier for laboratories to work with different brands of equipment and materials.
2. Streamlined Material Supply Chain
Previously, consumable manufacturers needed to produce several different sizes of zirconia, PMMA, wax, and glass-ceramic blocks, which increased production and inventory costs.
With the widespread adoption of 98mm discs, production has become more focused. This reduces costs, stabilizes supply, and ensures laboratories can access materials more easily.
3. Higher Efficiency and Utilization
The larger diameter of 98mm discs offers clear advantages:
More restorations per disc – allowing for the processing of long-span bridges.
Better material utilization – reducing waste and improving yield.
Lower unit cost – more economical for dental laboratories.
4. Open System Compatibility
Earlier milling machines often used “closed systems,” meaning they only supported specific consumables. Today, most milling machines are designed with open systems, allowing for universal material compatibility.
As the leading size in the industry, 98mm discs are compatible with the majority of open-system milling machines, giving laboratories greater freedom in material selection.
5. Market Demand and Competition
Dental labs increasingly prefer universal consumables to avoid dependence on a single brand. To meet this demand and remain competitive, milling machine manufacturers are moving toward the 98mm standard.
HONCHON’s 98mm Zirconia Blocks
HONCHON is a professional manufacturer of dental zirconia materials. We provide a full range of 98mm zirconia blocks that are compatible with major CAD/CAM milling machines:
Using high-quality Sinocera powder, combined with cold isostatic pressing and pre-sintering technology, HONCHON zirconia blocks ensure uniform particle size, excellent stability, and reliable performance. They are suitable for single crowns, long-span bridges, and full-mouth restorations.
If you are looking for reliable 98mm zirconia blocks, please contact HONCHON for product details, OEM, and ODM customization services.
