Roland MDX-40A MDX-40A Step-by-step guide Vol.
"#$%&'()$*&# !This guide is designed to demonstrate and help you understand the workflow of one side cutting with MDX-40A. If you read through these notes with your own model, you will understand the principles of operation. !The SRP Player supplied with your machine, used with this guide is ver. 1.17. If your SRP Player is a different version, the specification and functions described may not appear the same. You can download the latest software updaters and Windows drivers from our corporate website www.
Contents ++++++Think how best to cut the object !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ++++++++Making a prototype with single side cutting only. ++++++++The method for two sided cutting a solid object using supports and frame. ++++++++The method for two sided cutting a solid object without supports and frame. ++++++++The method using rotary axis (4 axes). ++++++++Combined cutting 4 One side cutting ,-Before you start ++++++++++Think about material and tools ++++++++++The workflow of this guide .
Think how to cut the object Think of the most appropriate method of cutting, taking into account model shape, material characteristics, machine cutting dimensions and capability of the software. Making a prototype using one side cutting only One side cutting, which creates a solid model by cutting two separate components is the simplest method for creating a model.
One side cutting With MDX-40A and SRP Player 5
Step 1. Before you start Choose your material and tools and think about the process required to complete the model.
Step 1. Start up CE*#F1G?&($1$E=1HG$=%*GI1G#'1$&&IA In this guide, a 6mm diameter ball endmill is used for roughing and finishing cutting and Sanmodur 7K has been chosen as the material. However, cutter sizes will be influenced by your part.
Step 1. Start up CE*#F1G?&($1$E=1HG$=%*GI1G#'1$&&IA 2 Choose the tool The main characteristics when choosing a tool is the tip shape, blade diameter, flute length and shaft diameter. For Rough cutting +++++For fast and efficient rough cutting, you should use the widest tool which will take away the majority of the unwanted material as quickly as possible. The largest diameter tool you can use with the MDX-40A is 6mm.
Step1. Setting up The workflow of this guide Surface levelling the base Surface level the modelling material Rough cutting and Finishing Completion Use a 6 mm diameter straight endmill. This will give a level base for the material, ensuring cutting depths across the model are even. Like the process of surface levelling the base, this cuts the model surface so that the thickness of the workpiece is even and appropriate for the size of model.
Step 2. Before you start cutting This step highlights preparation required, materials needed and the necessary equipment configuration required to commence the tutorial.
2-1 What to have ready Step 2+Before you start cutting Model data file +Z0SENSOR_HOLDER.igs +/IGS format0 This guide ++MDX-40A ++Step up guide+Step, ++One side cutting version Double sided tape Scraper (Long stainless steel kitchen spatulas are particularly good for this) [>$*&#GI MDX-40A Starter kit PGll the necessary equipment is included in the starter kit, comprising of modelling material, tool, parallel pins, guide and cutting data. Material size Workpiece for modelling (Sanmodur) 1 piece ,.
2-2 Equipment Configuration/machine, driver, software0 Step 2+Before you start cutting MDX-40A retaining clamps for transportation 1 Ensure the retaining clamps for shipment are removed from the MDX-40A +See User’s manual ++Chapter 2+Installation ++++.\.+Removing and Storing the Retainers Preparation of PC and software 1 Prepare the PC which is installed Windows XP/Vista (32bit) 2 Install Windows driver and software +See User’s manual ++Chapter 2, Installation and Set up ++++Refer to .
<$=>1]+^=_&%=1@&(1A$G%$1)($$*#B <=$$*#B1(>1<`c1cIG@=% 1 2 3 Start SRP Player From menu, select [File][Preferences], followed by [Modeling Machine] tab to display the choice of machines.
Step 3.+Setup Tasks. Cutting the Base and workpiece Preparation of the base 1 Prepare the base workpiece to attach to the table. This is a sacrificial base. Base Ensure the base workpiece is bigger than the model workpiece. Clean the MDX40A table to remove any dust or swarf. Table .3UTT 2RTT .3UTT 2 3 Apply just enough double sided tape to the base Too much and you wont get it off. Ensure the tape is flat, free of swarf and does not wrinkle or overlap other pieces.
2-3 Start the MDX-40A and VPanel 1 2 # ! Step 2+Before you start cutting Close the front cover Turn on the main power switch on the MDX-40A Turn on the sub power on the operation panel If you use Windows XP Select [Start] menu +d+[All program]+d+eRoland VPanel+for MDX-40Af1 d+eVPanelf+ XYZ Coordinate Spindle rotation button XYZ Move Set Origin Point 15
Step 3. Setup Tasks. Cutting the Base and workpiece Levelling the the base on the table, and preparing the model workpiece on the base.
3-1+Preparation of the surface - levelling the base Step 3.+Setup Tasks. Cutting the Base and workpiece What is the base? If the model workpiece is fixed directly to the table, the tool may damage the table when it makes the deepest cuts. Applying a base to the table avoids cutting the table and also enables you to create positioning frames or holes. It also means stronger adhesives such as glue can be used without damaging the table.
<$=>1hi+<=$(>1CGAFAi1J($$*#B1$E=1^GA= G#'1D&%F>*=)= Installing the surface levelling tool 1 2 Install the collet and tool appropriate for cutting. This tutorial requires the 6mm collet and 6mm straight end mill. Insert the tool from below. The tool extension length needs to exceed the cutting depth of the workpiece. In this tutorial, the cutting depth of the model is 28mm, so set the tool extension from the collet to roughly 35mm (±5mm).
h8]+<=$$*#B1$E=1&%*B*#1>&*#$1&_156789:; Step 3. Setup Tasks. Cutting the Base and workpiece Setting the X- and Y- axis Origin Point 1 2 Draw diagonal lines from the corners of the base material. This will give you the centre of the material. Start jklmnl Change coordinate select (option [Ko in the diagram) to [User Coordinate System] pqser Coordinater This allows the user to set the origin in any position.
<$=>1hi+<=$(>1CGAFAi1J($$*#B1$E= ^GA=1G#'1D&%F>*=)= Setting the Z-axis Origin Point 1 Place Z0 sensor on the base 2 Use cursor keys to move the tool to the position above the sensor. 3 Set Z0 sensor from VPanel Refer to User’s manual Chapter 5 Appendix , 5-1 ‘Using the Z0 Sensor’ for details of how to use the Z0 sensor. KJheck [Set Z origin using sensor] LJlick [Detect] MChe tool slowly descends until it makes contact with the sensor.
<$=>1hi+<=$(>1CGAFAi1J($$*#B1$E=1^GA= G#'1D&%F>*=)= Surface levelling the base 1 2 3 4 From Windows [Start], choose [All programs] (or [Programs] then choose [SRP Player] SRP Player starts Select from menu [Option] [Surfacing] to show surface levelling display. Set the material to [Chemical wood (hard)].
<$=>1hi+<=$(>1CGAFAi1J($$*#B1$E=1^GA= G#'1D&%F>*=)= 5 6 7 Set the tool to 6 mm Square. For this guide, set the surface levelling area in both X and Y to [248] to correspond with the dimensions of the base material. K
<$=>1hi+<=$(>1CGAFAi1J($$*#B1$E=1^GA= G#'1D&%F>*=)= Preparation of the workpiece for model and surface levelling 1 Prepare the model workpiece using the size 120mm x 100mm x 30mm. Draw the diagonal lines as with the base to locate the centre origin. Apply double-sided tape to the entire area on the back of the workpiece. Double sided tape ,. RT T ,R RT T 2RTT Top of model workpiece 2 Underside of model workpiece Remove the backing from the double sided tape and fix the model workpiece to the base.
Step 4. Creating the tool path This step is about setting the method of each process that is common to each step of SRP Player.
Step 4.+uvwxyz{ Setting each process 1 KImport model data. L Click[ File ][ Open ] from the top menu bar and open the file [Z0SENSOR_HOLDER.igs] from where it is saved on your computer. L1The dialog box is shown. Click [OK] and the model will be shown in the display. 2 Check the model size and direction is correct. K L K L 3 +++1Choose the most appropriate for the 3 settings below. K M K L L 4 M Choose the correct material from In this guide, choose chemical wood (hard).
Step 4.+Create tool path 5 Input the size of workpiece for model. The values in brackets ( ) represent the maximum model size in each axis. Your workpiece needs to exceed these measurements. 6 Create cutting data (tool path) ++++++++ Click [Edit] button. 7 Set up the rough cutting values. Click on the ‘+’ position shown below. The pallet menu will expand. 8 Select the tool K1Select tool pallet.
Step 4.+Create tool path 9 Set the margin KClick the ‘-’ position as below to expand the frame pallet. L+++++++Click [Automatic ], the automatic value is relative to the tool diameter. M Click [Apply] N Click [Close] L K K L M N What is the margin? The margin is an additional area around the model which is cut in order to allow the model circumference to be completed. If no margin is set, cutting is limited to the inner model area. If too large a margin is set, cutting time will be excessive.
Step 4.+Create tool path 12 Set the margin K Click the ‘-’ position as below to expand the Modelling Form. L Click [Automatic], the automatic value is relative to the tool diameter, plus a margin. M Click [Apply] K N Click [Close] L K L M 13 N L Generating cutting data KClicking [ ] generates the toolpaths sequentially. LThe toolpath generation progress is shown as a percentage.
Step 5. +Cutting the model This step is explains the cutting process.
Step 5.+Cutting the model Start cutting 1 +++++++++++++++++++++ Click [Start cutting] from [Perform Cutting tab] 2 3 As we have already surfaced the model work piece, and we have already set the XYZ origin, so no changes are required. Click [Next] to continue. Click [ Next] to start cutting KWhile cutting, the cutting progress is displayed. The MDX-40A now starts cutting. L1When all the data has been machined, the MDX-40A will stop cutting and ‘Finished’ will be displayed.
Step 5.+Cutting the model 4 Remove the workpiece from the base using a scraper PCake care when removing the model. The scraper may damage the modelling board if excessive force is used. Gently slide the scraper between the base and model to loosen the double sided tape. Scraper Once complete, you can stick the sensor holder with double sided tape to the side of the MDX40A.
