Skip to main content

MillBox Connection Tools: Faster, Cleaner Implant Interfaces

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Interface geometry can affect both calculation time and the quality of screw channels on anatomic abutment bridges, full arches, and All-on-X cases. MillBox gives you connection tools that identify, correct, export, and replace interfaces so you get consistent, reliable results.

Color coding on import

MillBox color-codes implant interfaces when you import the STL.

  • Orange means Internal

  • Cyan means External

Figure 1. Interface recognition on import. Cyan shows External. Orange shows Internal.

Connection menu overview

Open Tools then Connections to manage implant interfaces. From here you can:

  • Identify Interface

  • Export Interface and Extract geometry

  • Replace Interface using library parts or saved presets

Identify Interface

Sometimes the interface area is detected incorrectly. This can slow calculations or create poor screw-channel results. Use Identify to redraw the interface with cylinders so only the true seating area is marked.

Figure 2. Identify Interface view. Left shows the interface area correctly designated in cyan using the cylinder tool. The right shows the raw STL rim and irregular edges that can cause slow calculations or poor screw-channel results.

How to use Identify

  1. Go to Tools > Connections > Identify

  2. Place the cylinder over the interface seat

  3. Adjust diameter and height to match the connection

  4. Confirm and re-calculate

Tip: Keep the cylinder just large enough to cover the interface seat. Oversizing can remove needed wall thickness.

Export Interface and Extract

Use Export Interface to capture the connection geometry from an imported object. This is helpful when you do not yet have a MillBox library item for that part.

  • Export Interface saves the current interface geometry

  • Extract lets you clean or tweak the geometry, then save it as a preset for the Replace workflow

Replace Interface

Replace swaps the detected interface with a known, validated library item. You can run it manually or let MillBox match automatically.

Why use Replace

  • Consistent, known geometry across cases

  • Less variation from mixed CAD libraries

  • Better fit and fewer toolpath problems

Quick checklist

  • Correct color on import: cyan for External, orange for Internal

  • If recognition looks wrong, run Identify and redraw the seat

  • Save good geometry with Export or Extract

  • Standardize production with Replace using library parts

  • Recalculate and run Simulation before milling

For deeper details, see the MillBox online manual: https://help.cimsystem.com/millbox-online-manual-23

Need Further Help?

Need help validating your CAD export settings or confirming your MillBox build supports this option? Email [email protected].

Did this answer your question?