CAD & CAM Workstation Engineering Reference Guide

This article provides a technical overview of the hardware configuration used in Level Up CAD and CAM Workstations. Each component is selected based on operational performance in 3Shape, ExoCAD, and MillBox environments. The information below outlines how each hardware element functions within a dental production workflow and why these configurations are required for stable, predictable performance.

System Overview

CAD and CAM applications perform high-intensity calculations, large-file processing, and continuous read/write operations. Workstation components must maintain consistent performance under sustained load without thermal throttling or instability. All configurations are tested using real dental cases, including full-arch restorations, undercut geometries, and multi-layered design data.

Processor (CPU) Configuration

Level Up workstations use a high-core-count processor to support multi-threaded calculation tasks. CAM applications rely heavily on CPU parallelism during toolpath generation, while CAD applications require stable CPU performance when processing large scan datasets and complex mesh edits.

All workstations utilize an all-in-one liquid cooling system. This prevents the CPU from reducing frequency during extended workloads and gets you the benefits of a water-cooled system, without ever having to top off the reservoir.

IMPORTANT: Toolpath calculations can often run up to 100% CPU utilizaton for long periods - especially when dealing with parts that have a lot of undercuts. Maintaining thermal stability is necessary to prevent CPU speed from throttling down.

Graphics Processing (GPU)

The role of the GPU varies between CAD and CAM applications:

CAM

MillBox uses the GPU primarily for rendering the 3D preview and interface elements. The GPU does not influence toolpath calculation times. The GPU must be stable and compatible, but ultra-high performance is unnecessary.

CAD

3Shape and ExoCAD rely on GPU acceleration for manipulating large STL datasets, rendering complex anatomy, and maintaining smooth viewport interaction. These programs benefit from the higher end RTX Graphics.

NOTE: Upgrades to the GPU affect CAD performance significantly more than CAM performance.

Storage: NVMe Solid-State Drive

All workstations include a 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD. This drive is selected for sustained read/write stability during real CAM workloads. We’ve tested multiple brands and choose the best performing combinations of storage to pair with your workstations.

MillBox performs continuous temporary file generation during nesting and especially during calculation. CAD applications read and write large scan files and revision data. Both of these types of operations require high endurance and consistent throughput.

TIP: Always maintaining at least 15–20% free disk space to ensure optimal SSD performance.

Memory (RAM) Requirements

RAM provides temporary storage for active CAD and CAM operations and makes them available to your CPU for processing. Insufficient RAM causes immediate performance degradation, including slowdowns, delays, or forced reliance on your hard drive’s storage which is much slower at reading / writing data. When it comes to RAM, think short term storage delivered extremely fast in comparison to your solid state storage drive which is for long term storage and while it is fast as well - It does not come close to the speed of RAM.

CAM Workstation

Base configuration begins at 64GB.
This is suitable for one or two machine workflows performing standard nesting and toolpath processing. Including Crown & Bridge, and most full arch cases.

Higher volumes, more CNC machines (3 or more), or multi-instancing MillBox operations benefit from more RAM - We offer 96GB or 128GB as an upgradable option to meet these demands.

CAD Workstation

Base configuration begins at 64GB.
CAD design requires significant memory when loading high-resolution scan files, editing detailed meshes, and operating multiple software modules simultaneously.

Upgrades to 96GB or 128GB are recommended for large-volume or highly complex design operations using implants and / or attachments.

IMPORTANT: If RAM is fully utilized, the system will offload data to the SSD, resulting in severe calculation slowdowns regardless of CPU performance. For scanning - this can have big impacts on processing / loading times. If you have a higher resolution or flagship scanner that features higher resolutions - We recommend opting for 96 or 128GB of RAM.

Motherboard and Chipset Selection

Motherboards are chosen for compatibility with:

• High-frequency RAM modules
  
  

• Multi-core CPU architecture
  
  

• PCIe lanes for GPU and NVMe devices
  
  

• Stable power delivery under sustained load
  
  

Chipsets are standardized across workstation builds to maintain consistent performance profiles. Variations in component availability do not affect performance due to strict chipset requirements.

Chassis and Cooling Design

Workstations are housed in a chassis with a removable front grate to support regular dust removal. Continuous airflow is required to maintain stable internal temperature during long-duration CAD and CAM operations.

Neutral-pressure airflow and filtered intakes are implemented to minimize dust accumulation.

TIP: Clean the front grate and intake area periodically to maintain airflow efficiency.

Operational Impact on Workflow

A workstation that is underspecified or thermally unstable may cause:

• Delayed MillBox toolpath calculations
  
  

• Idle milling machines waiting for CNC files to be calculated
  
  

• Lag during scan import or design editing
  
  

• Slow loading / creation of STL files
  
  

• Overall reduced daily production capacity
  
  

A properly deployed and configured workstation can help to reduce calculation time, improve design responsiveness, and ensure that milling operations begin without delay to increase your milling machine throughput and profitably.

Performance Benchmarking

Level Up conducts internal benchmarking using real dental restorations. These tests determine:

• Average and worst-case calculation duration
  
  

• Multi-instance stability
  
  

• SSD write endurance under CAM load
  
  

• RAM utilization thresholds
  
  

• GPU rendering behavior in CAD viewports
  
  

Benchmarking ensures that every workstation configuration aligns our hardware with the real world results that you’ll benefit from in the lab or clinic.

Performance comparison testing is available for existing systems. A customized version of MillBox may be installed to evaluate calculation speed and system responsiveness relative to our baseline benchmarked times.

Summary

All components used in Level Up CAD and CAM Workstations are selected based on practical and operational performance in dental workflows. Each system is designed to maintain consistent computational output, stable temperatures, and reliable multitasking performance during continuous production.

For assistance selecting the correct workstation configuration or evaluating your current system, contact the Level Up Support Team.