What is an MDX-540E?
Over recent years, rapid prototyping has become increasingly important to industry. Exciting new technologies seem to be emerging all the time, such as those used by the Dimension 3D printer which TechSoft supply. However, it has also become clear that for rapid prototyping of many objects, the best process available is good old fashioned milling. Reasons for this could be specific material requirements, cost, or versatility where one machine could be used for several purposes. Of course to justify the “rapid” in rapid prototyping, machines have had to change and so the technology of Subtractive Rapid Prototyping (SRP) has emerged.

The MODELA Pro II MDX-540E is Roland’s groundbreaking new machine to fulfil this role. Brimming with technological advances the MDX-540E is ultrafast and exceptionally smooth in operation.

Commercially, the MDX-540E offers engineers and designers the opportunity to turn concepts quickly and efficiently into three dimensional prototypes in a wide range of materials, eliminating costly outsourcing. Additionally, it offers a fast, high precision but low cost CNC production capability for use with plastics and light alloys, where the high cost of a “heavy” conventional CNC machine cannot be justified.

Of course these relatively low cost commercial machines designed for ultra high speed prototyping, yet with a production capability, are ideal for many schools. In fact the increased use of 3D CAD such as SolidWorks, or Pro/DESKTOP, means that there has never been a better time to purchase a machine with the SRP capabilities of the MDX-540E.

How is it constructed?
The MDX-540E is a really heavy duty machine with the precision to perform the most delicate of operations. This high tech machine is equipped with AC servo motors on all three axes. The motors provide an amazing feedrate of up to a genuine 125mm/sec (7500mm/min). The servo motor drive system provides high torque at all feedrates and cannot “miss steps” even under heavy load (if accidentally overloaded the machine will simply stop and report an error before any damage can occur!). The smooth nature of the drive also ensures exceptionally smooth machining. This will be a revelation to those used to the more jerky movements of stepper based systems.

The powerful 400W spindle motor is purpose built as an integral part of the machine, not just a bolted on hand router. It is whisper quiet in operation (in fact when not cutting, it is hard to tell if the motor is even running!), yet, being extremely efficient, it provides considerable cutting power. The machine is constructed of substantial castings to provide excellent rigidity. All moving parts run on precision linear bearings.

N.B. Please note there is an optional stand available for the MDX-540E if required.

What is it like to use?
The MDX-540E is simply a delight to use. It has it’s own intuitive on-screen Virtual Panel (see right), which allows the user full control over the machine. There is also an ergonomically designed hand controller (see right) which provides the easy offline control so useful for setting up, etc.

What about software?
MDX-540E comes with a windows driver and a range of useful free utilities, but for serious work, extra software is needed. As a minimum we would strongly recommend 2D Design V2. This drives the MDX-540E directly and will easily manage most users requirements for milling and engraving.

Why should I buy an MDX-540E?
The MDX-540E is a large powerful ultra high speed machine with outstanding versatility at an exceptionally good price. It is the ideal machine for any department wishing to develop its 3D rapid prototyping capability, and also to have a large milling and routing capability. As with all Roland products, this is a machine of true quality. If you are looking for a machine in this class, checkout the “competition” first!