The Roland MDX50 CNC milling machine has recently been installed in the SanDiMa office! Unlike 3D printing , the Roland MDX50 CNC milling machine is a type of subtractive manufacturing that uses cutting tools to gradually shape the raw material. The two methods each have their own characteristics and complement each other. This time, we will take you on a hands-on trip with the Roland MDX50 CNC milling machine to explore its features!
The machine itself looks very beautiful, but we were worried that the splattered debris would scratch the surface, so we used a layer of electrostatic adhesive film to completely cover the outer shell and the internal transparent panel. The actual appearance is as imposing and cool as the picture above.
We used a game handle that we had previously 3D printed as a sample for testing. Roland , as a major manufacturer of CNC equipment , also provided dedicated calculation software to adjust various parameter values. The light green part in the picture represents the volume range of the raw material, which must be larger than the molding range of the central object.
First, place a scrap material on the platform and roughly place a circular metal calibration tool at the center point above the scrap material. The machine will use this calibration tool to position itself. Then, place the raw material block to be cut on the platform and perform the center point positioning again.
The Roland MDX50 demonstrated here operates through an automatic tool changer system, so there is no need for manual disassembly during the process. Simply place the tools to be used in the internal tool magazines beforehand, and these tools will automatically engage with the chuck during the automatic tool change.
Because it is manufactured by cutting, a lot of debris is generated. However, the advantage of this MDX50 CNC machining center is that its enclosed structure keeps the waste inside and prevents it from flying around. It also has a drawer-type material collection box at the bottom, which can be taken out and emptied cleanly, making it very convenient. As a result, it is a favorite model among engineering schools and small and medium-sized enterprises in its class.
Before production, holes are usually drilled in the scraps and raw material blocks to fix them in place. This part should also be avoided in areas with rows of objects. After the machine has finished operating, the finished product can be taken out.
Once the finished object is complete, there will be bridging brackets to hold it in place with any excess material. Finally, you can cut or remove these brackets to obtain the finished product!
We used two colors and different surface finishes to show you the differences between different cutting tools and stages. The MDX50 CNC machining center is also divided into "roughing" and "finishing". Before finishing, the large pieces of waste material are removed with a special tool for roughing, and then the fine tool for finishing is used to trim the details.
This time we used a wood substitute material, which is a plastic block made of wood chips and resin. After CNC machining, it has a matte texture, but it feels very smooth and not rough, and it does not shed powder. It is very close to the effect of the product prototype or plastic injection molding.
Currently, the Sandima office has dozens of manufacturing devices, including 3D printing , FormBox, and laser cutting machines ; fortunately, they are all streamlined desktop models, so they can be placed in any size office space. We will be sharing more unboxing articles about different technologies in the future, so please follow our fan page to stay updated on the latest technologies!
See ten devices at once at the 3D Printing Exhibition.
Exhibition Dates: August 21 (Wed) - August 24 (Sat), 2019
Exhibition Hours: 9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM (Saturdays open until 4:00 PM)
Exhibition Venue: Booth S423, 4th Floor, Hall 2, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
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