【3D New Product Alert】CNC Milling Machine: Unboxing and Operation Guide!
The desktop CNC milling machine has recently arrived at the 3DMart office! Unlike 3D printing, the Roland MDX50 CNC milling machine is a subtractive manufacturing method, where a raw material block is gradually shaped by cutting tools. Both methods have their unique features and complement each other. This time, we'll be demonstrating the Roland MDX50 CNC milling machine to give you an in-depth look!
The machine itself has a beautiful exterior. However, we were concerned that splashing debris might scratch the surface, so we completely covered the casing and the internal transparent panel with a layer of electrostatic film. The actual appearance is as cool and imposing as shown in the picture above.
We used a game controller previously 3D printed as a test sample. Roland, as a leading manufacturer of CNC equipment, also provides dedicated software for adjusting various parameters. The light green area in the image represents the volume range of the raw material, which must be larger than the molding range of the central object.
First, a base block needs to be placed on the platform, and the circular metal calibration tool should be roughly positioned at the center of the base block. The machine will use this calibration tool for positioning. Then, the raw material block to be cut is placed, and its center is located again.
The Roland MDX50 demonstrated here operates with an automatic tool changer, eliminating the need for manual tool changes during the process. Simply place the tools you intend to use in the internal tool magazine beforehand, and these tools will automatically connect to the chuck during automatic tool changes.
Since it's a cutting process, a lot of debris will be generated. However, the advantage of this MDX50 CNC milling machine is its enclosed structure, which keeps waste material contained and prevents it from scattering. It has a drawer-type collection box at the bottom, which can be easily pulled out and emptied, making it very convenient. This makes it a popular choice among engineering schools and small to medium-sized businesses for similar models.
Before production, holes are usually drilled in the base material and raw material block for fixation. Care should be taken to avoid the area of the formed object. Once the machine operation is complete, the processed product can be removed.
The finished object will have connecting bridges to the excess material for fixation. Finally, these bridges can be cut or removed to obtain the finished product!
We used two colors and different machining levels to show the differences between various tools and stages. The MDX50 CNC milling machine also offers "rough machining" and "fine machining". Before fine machining, a dedicated tool for rough machining is used to remove large amounts of waste material. Then, a fine-machining tool is used for detailed trimming.
(The stepped surface in the picture is the initial state after rough machining.)
(The image shows the surface effect after secondary fine-tuning with a fine machining tool.)
We used modeling board material, which is a plastic block mixed with wood chips and resin. After CNC machining, it has a matte texture, but it feels very smooth, not rough, and doesn't shed powder, closely resembling a product prototype or injection-molded plastic.
Currently, including 3D printers, FormBox, and laser cutting machines, the 3DMart office has dozens of manufacturing equipment. Fortunately, they are all compact desktop models, so the office environment can accommodate them. In the future, we will continue to share more unboxing articles about different technologies. Feel free to follow our Facebook page to stay updated on the latest technologies!
．See ten devices at once at the 3D Printing Exhibition
．Exhibition Date: 2019/8/21 (Wed) - 8/24 (Sat)
．Exhibition Hours: 9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM (Saturday until 4:00 PM)
．Exhibition Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2, 4F, Booth S423
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