Applies to: DentalCAM & DentalCNC 7.08

Updating DentalCAM and DentalCNC

How do I update the applications? Is there an automatic update function?

We all like it when good things continue to improve. That's why we regularly add new functions to the applications and improve existing ones. Sometimes even an update is required: New machines, new materials and new extra equipmentClosed Physical component which must be obtained separately and which adds new functionality to your machine. require an update to work with the manufacturing softwareClosed Term for the software package consisting of DentalCAM and DentalCNC..

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.

Only perform any updates when the machine is not processing.

NOTICE

Incorrect job execution and damaging of the CNC machine if the program version is outdated and/or incompatible

If you use DentalCAM and/or DentalCNC versions that are outdated or incompatible with your CNC machine, jobs may be calculated or machined incorrectly or the machine may get damaged.

  • Only install the latest DentalCAM and DentalCNC version that is available for your CNC machine.
  • Always update DentalCAM and DentalCNC to the latest version that is available for your CNC machine.

Standard update

Depending on whether you want to use the automatic update function or not, prepare the update accordingly.

The DentalCAM and DentalCNC installation package contains multiple components. The following table lists these components and tells you whether they are optional or required:

Component Description When will it be installed? Required when updating?

DentalCAM/DentalCNC core applications

The main applications that you will work with.

Automatically

Yes

C++ Runtime Environment

Technical basis for the applications. It does not have any function visible to the user

Automatically

Rarely (will be updated automatically if required)

Engine driver

Establishes a connection to the machine.

Only if selected in the setup programClosed A separate program called "Setup.exe" which installs the applications on your hard drive.

No

STL viewer

A third party tool for viewing STL files. Used directly on your CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC. to check things such as wall thickness, drilling diameters, fittings, etc.

Only if selected in the setup programClosed A separate program called "Setup.exe" which installs the applications on your hard drive.

No

While DentalCNC is downloading an update, it is not possible to work with the application. If you need the application for machining, you may want to postpone the update.

New firmware versions will be automatically installed after a new DentalCAM & DentalCNC version has been downloaded via the automatic update function.

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.

You can start the automatic download of new DentalCAM & DentalCNC versions as follows:

  1. Switch on the machine at the main power switch.
  2. Start DentalCNC and make sure that the application can access the internet. If necessary, adjust your firewallClosed Security software which monitors the network data to block harmful data. settings.
    • DentalCNC automatically searches for an update over the internet. If it finds an update, the following icon displays in the right corner of the application window:
  3. Select the following icon:
  4. Confirm the current message.
    • The following happens:
      1. DentalCNC downloads the update. This may take some time, depending on the speed of your internet connection (download size: approx. 700 MB).
      2. If a firmware update is available, it will be installed automatically. If no connected machine is found, you will need to manually install the firmware update after the DentalCAM & DentalCNC update has finished.
      3. When the download has finished, DentalCNC displays a corresponding message.
  5. Confirm the current message.
    • The following happens:
      1. DentalCNC closes.
      2. The download folder opens.
  6. Start Setup.exe. If Windows® asks you whether Setup.exe may make changes to your computer, select Yes.
    • The settings window opens.
  7. Continue with configuring the update.
  1. Obtain the installation package which is provided as a ZIP fileClosed A compressed file which contains multiple other files. Has the .ZIP file extension. ZIP files must be unzipped before use..
  2. Quit DentalCAM & DentalCNC.
  3. Unpack the installation package onto the local hard drive of the CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC..
    1. Right-click onto the ZIP fileClosed A compressed file which contains multiple other files. Has the .ZIP file extension. ZIP files must be unzipped before use. and select Extract all from the context menu.
    2. Enter a destination folder into the input field or select Browse… and navigate to the desired folder.
    3. Select Extract.
    • Windows® unpacks the installation data into the selected folder.
  4. Start Setup.exe in the folder with the installation data.
  5. If Windows® asks you whether Setup.exe may make changes to your computer, select Yes.
  6. If Windows® Defender SmartScreen notifies you that it prevented the start of an unknown app to protect the PC, do the following:
    1. Select Further information.
    2. Select Run anyway.
    • The settings window opens.
  7. Continue with configuring the update.

If you have started the update, the setup window displays.

The setup window: Configure an update

  1. Deactivate all anti-malware applications and firewallsClosed Security software which monitors the network data to block harmful data. for the duration of the installation to avoid interference with the update.
  2. Activate the Update option.
  3. Activate the Create Desktop Icon option (optional).
  4. Activate the Install engine driver option (optional).
  5. Leave the text in the Destination folder input field as it is. Otherwise, the setup programClosed A separate program called "Setup.exe" which installs the applications on your hard drive. will install a second copy of the applications instead of updating the existing installation.
  6. To start the update, select the following icon:
  7. To check for installation wizardsClosed Application which installs software on your hard drive and leads you through every single step. that display behind the setup window, drag the setup window to the side.
  8. Install all components with the help of the installation wizardsClosed Application which installs software on your hard drive and leads you through every single step..
  9. Activate all your anti malware applications.

    10. Does not apply to the Z4. Never install anti malware applications on the internal CAM computerClosed The computer that is connected to your machine and which runs DentalCAM and DentalCNC. of the Z4.

  10. With an automatic update:Switch off the machine at the main power switch. Wait for 10 seconds. Switch on the machine at the main power switch.
  11. Start DentalCNC.
  12. If DentalCNC can’t establish a connection to the machine, set the port number.
  13. In case of a manual update or if no machine was connected during the automatic download of DentalCAM & DentalCNC, check if a firmware update is available. Updating the firmware of the machine

Updating from DentalCAM 6 to DentalCAM 7

The update from DentalCAM 6 to DentalCAM 7 is different than a normal update because a good amount of the base technology has changed:

  • DentalCAM & DentalCNC no longer use dongles.
  • DentalCAM & DentalCNC require a license key to function properly. The license is bound to the machine (control unit) in which the applications were licensed. Therefore, you need a license key for every machine.
  • A free license is also required if you only use DentalCNC.
  • The old dongle might still be required:
    • If you want to continue working DentalCAM 6 or fewer.
    • If you bought your machine after 2017-01-01, you are entitled to a free update: DentalCAM uses the dongle during installation to determine whether you are entitled to a free update.
    • If you only use DentalCNC, the application uses the dongle during installation to verify that you are entitled to a free upgrade.
  • DentalCAM 7 requires a new installation. There is no direct update option. You can use Version 6 and 7 on the same computer and import the blank archive from Version 6 into Version 7 (<MadCap:xref href="../../Global_CAM/GLB_CAM_Setting-up-apps-connection-to-machine.htm#CopyArchive6to7"><span style="font-family: 'FontAwesome';" class="mcFormatFamily"><span style="font-size: 5pt;" class="mcFormatSize"></span></span> chapter , page 1</MadCap:xref>).

For more licensing information, see here.

If you bought your machine before 2017-01-01, proceed as follows:

  1. Retrieve the machine serial number and the number of control unit.
  2. Contact customer service and obtain the installation package. Also obtain the license key.
  3. Install the applications.
  4. Enter the license key.