Benchtop Milling Machine Incorporates ATC, CAM Software

Roland DGA offers the Modela MDX-50 benchtop CNC milling machine. Offered as a complete system, the MDX-50 comes with easy-to-use CAM software and features a number of enhancements over the company’s MDX-40A, including a larger workspace, an automatic toolchanger (ATC) and faster milling speed. The MDX series of milling machines are suitable for applications such as one-off prototypes and engineering samples as well as short-run manufacturing. The MDX-50 also enables work with a range of resins and woods, such as ABS, POM, nylon, plastic foam, modeling wax, chemical wood, hardwood and more.

The MDX-50 adds to the features of the MDX-40A that improve productivity and the user experience. The machining area has been enlarged 60 percent to accommodate larger models and enable milling of multiple parts simultaneously. The ATC further enhances productivity by reducing the time and effort required to replace tools. An optional rotary axis unit can rotate work materials 360 degrees for milling cylindrical objects and automating the fabrication of two-sided, four-sided and custom-angled items. Together, these advanced features ensure trouble-free, uninterrupted production, the company says.

Roland has equipped the MDX-50 with features that ensure both simple operation and optimum safety. An integrated control panel has been added to the front panel of the MDX-50, allowing spindle rotation and milling speed to be controlled while monitoring machining conditions. The on-screen, computer-operated VPanel provides machine monitoring capability, sends emails when machining work is complete or if intervention is required, and records tool usage time and replacement intervals, all of which helps manage workflow. The MDX-50 also comes bundled with the powerful yet user-friendly SRP Player CAM software. Machining conditions can be configured in five intuitive steps, making production easy, even for first-time users, the company says. A full cover prevents waste from scattering, while an integrated chip collection tray collects dust and debris.

The company says that this milling machine makes an ideal complement to a 3D printer in a design department, since the 3D milling machine enables prototyping on materials that are similar to the final product.