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Do you really need the inLab MC XL?


"Do I need the inLab MC XL?"

This is a question that is constantly asked on the message boards of www.cerecdoctors.com. Many doctors want to get into the inLab system so that they can fabricate their own abutments, create bridge frameworks and really take advantage of the different features of the inLab software.

So if you have the inLab software, this means you need the inLab MC XL, right? Wrong! In reality, there is really no reason for any CEREC owner – inLab software or not – to use anything other than the regular MC XL.

With the regular MC XL, the doctor can take advantage of all of the inLab features except one: model milling. In reality, this is a laboratory need and not really indicated for the chairside doctor. Abutments, bridge frameworks, everything can be done with your regular chairside MC XL, except milling models.

If you get the inLab MC XL, you are tied into the inLab software product cycle and miss out on a lot because now you have dongle incompatibility and other issues.

Stick with the regular chairside milling unit. There is no reason for the average CEREC doctor to go with the inLab unit.


I disagree, I bought an inlab unit and find it invaluable for milling Zirconia and patterns in Multi Layer mode. Abutment milling is a waste of time however but looks much more promising in 4.0.

Yes I had to buy a sintering oven and a Pressing Furnace from Ivoclar in addition to the inlab but we turn around Emax Zirpress Bridges in a day in our office. And CAD on will shorten that once Ivoclar opens up the sale of 40 blocks.

You can also run Inlab with a Dongle and CEREC 4.0 with a license key on the AC unit simultaneously whithout issue as long as you keep the software download rules in place and dont download 4.0 to your Inlab unit. Milling models not necessary because you can upload your connect files to yourself and have Infinident make them for you in 2 days. That is if you own and use an inlab. That alone is worth having an inlab.....


Chris- you can mill Zirconia and abutments in the chairside MCXL. The only thing the chairside MCXL cannot do is mill models. You need the inlab for that.


Im not saying dont get inlab software, Im saying dont get the inlab milling unit.


I've had MCXL Practice Lab does it allow for unlimited millings and is that the same for the MCXL? With the MCXL you have to change burs when milling zirconia then emax? Having multiple milling units allows for greater management with patients and procedures. If the need is greater than the cost, it may rival SARMEN for those challenged in keeping files sorted.


Hi! what license do you have to mill on chairside mcxl ? Ak Inlab unlimited?


"You can also run Inlab with a Dongle and CEREC 4.0 with a license key on the AC unit simultaneously whithout issue as long as you keep the software download rules in place and dont download 4.0 to your Inlab unit."


How is this possible?


I am happy I have the MCXL Inlab. You have two spindle motors on each side for starters, it is always good to have a backup of everything. The local Patterson branch does not seem to stock splindle motors, I had one fail on a Thursday and it was not replaced until Monday, in the meantime I needed to mill 9 units and would have been out of business without the Inlab. I believe the spindle motors are undersized for milling emax, and the part most prone to failure. I run both the doctors and the inlab 4.2 on a blue cam, and the inlab software gives the option of using the emax 40 blocks and gives control of the connector design that is lacking in the doctor's software