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4

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

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.

No need to split the original design, no alignment
issues and no gluing required.

Careful removal of the model from the supports
and hand finishing required.

The method using rotary axis (4 axis).

This method uses the ZCL-40A rotary axis to automatically
rotate the model in order for you to cut from multiple angles.

Combined cutting

This method requires you to create a support base for the pre-cut side
of the model to allow you to cut the second side.

This method adds supports and a surrounding frame to
the 3D data and manually flips the frame to cut both sides.

Finished models will be smooth and without the need to
remove any supports. Alignment should be accurate.

Preparing an accurate and stable support base for the pre-cut
side may be time-consuming. Additional fixing such as glue or
putty may be required.

One side cutting, which creates a solid model by cutting
two separate components is the simplest method for
creating a model.

Single side cutting can make full use of the cutting machine’s
table to create larger models and eliminates the need to
remove support material.

Gluing the two components is necessary after cutting. 
Accurate alignment of the two components is critical.

Some objects may require you to create separate components using a combination of the
above cutting methods.

A simple method for cutting multiple sides. This makes it easier to
create accurate complex models.

Cutting area is limited to the rotary axis’ acceptable material size.

MDX-40A

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Step-by-step guide

Step1

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One side cutting

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ZCL-40A

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Step-by-step guide

Step

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Basics

ZCL-40A

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Step-by-step guide

Step

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Cutting utilizing the area

Summary of Contents for MDX-40A

Page 1: ...1 Patrick Thorn MDX 40A Step by step guide Vol 1 Roland MDX 40A...

Page 2: ...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...

Page 3: ...hine Software Driver0 1MDX 40A transportation clamps 1Preparation of PC and software 1SRP Player settings 2 3 Starting the MDX 40A and VPanel 2 Setup Tasks Cutting the Base and workpiece 3 1 Preparati...

Page 4: ...ually flips the frame to cut both sides Finished models will be smooth and without the need to remove any supports Alignment should be accurate Preparing an accurate and stable support base for the pr...

Page 5: ...5 One side cutting With MDX 40A and SRP Player...

Page 6: ...6 Step 1 Before you start Choose your material and tools and think about the process required to complete the model...

Page 7: ...and acetal resin Used heavily in thermalplastic applications for precision mechanical parts It is durable dimensionally stable and resists oil and solvents Commonly used to make small mechanical compo...

Page 8: ...uld leave too much material behind for a fine finishing tool to remove in holes cavities etc Using a wider tool for roughing also means a finer finishing tool will be required during the cutting proce...

Page 9: ...end mill to complete the surfacing roughing and finishing Remove the completed model from the base Like the process of surface levelling the base this cuts the model surface so that the thickness of t...

Page 10: ...10 Step 2 Before you start cutting This step highlights preparation required materials needed and the necessary equipment configuration required to commence the tutorial...

Page 11: ...gonal Wrench 2 sizes Roland Software Package CD ROM SRP Player CD ROM Collet Q0 USB Cable Workpiece for modelling Sanmodur 1 piece R S RR S 2RTT Workpiece for base 1 piece wider than the workpiece for...

Page 12: ...based Driver 1 Installing the V Panel and Other Software Install SRP Player Refer SRP Player install guide Ensure the retaining clamps for shipment are removed from the MDX 40A See User s manual Chap...

Page 13: ...isplay the My Tool selection window 1 _ 1 1A G 1 B From menu select File Preferences followed by Modeling Machine tab to display the choice of machines K elect MDX 40A L emove the check next to Rotary...

Page 14: ...piece is bigger than the model workpiece Clean the MDX40A table to remove any dust or swarf Base Table Preparation of the base Apply just enough double sided tape to the base Too much and you wont get...

Page 15: ...3 Start the MDX 40A and VPanel Step 2 Before you start cutting 1 2 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 e...

Page 16: ...16 Levelling the the base on the table and preparing the model workpiece on the base Step 3 Setup Tasks Cutting the Base and workpiece...

Page 17: ...without damaging the table The MDX 40A machine table may not be completely level in relation to the spindle travel Surfacelevelling the base material will resolve any variation 3 1 Preparation of the...

Page 18: ...orkpiece and making the model Tighten the tool using the two spanners large and small included in the accessory box Ensure the tool is held securely but do not over tighten Excessive force may damage...

Page 19: ...in any position p5achine Coordinater These are the coordinates of the machine and the origin is set at the initialisation point after machine registers limit switches You cannot change this origin Set...

Page 20: ...nsor from VPanel KJheck Set Z origin using sensor LJlick Detect MChe tool slowly descends until it makes contact with the sensor When the tool rises and stops the setting operation is complete NRemove...

Page 21: ...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 ha...

Page 22: ...e material K et the depth of surfacing relative to the unevenness of your material For this guide input 0 5mm LJlicking OK button to start cutting If you open the front cover of the MDX 40A while cutt...

Page 23: ...ove the backing from the double sided tape and fix the model workpiece to the base Ptnsure both surfaces are clean and free from dust and swarf 3 Perform surface levelling repeating the process from P...

Page 24: ...24 This step is about setting the method of each process that is common to each step of SRP Player Step 4 Creating the tool path...

Page 25: ...om where it is saved on your computer L1The dialog box is shown Click OK and the model will be shown in the display 1Choose the most appropriate for the 3 settings below Check the model size and direc...

Page 26: ...rough cutting values Click on the position shown below The pallet menu will expand Select the tool K1Select tool pallet L Select 6mm square M1Click Apply Step 4 Create tool path The values in bracket...

Page 27: ...up finishing Click the mark as below The expanded pallet menu is shown 11 K L M K L Select the tool K1Select tool pallet L Select 6mm square M1Click Apply The margin is an additional area around the m...

Page 28: ...L K L M N Generating cutting data KClicking generates the toolpaths sequentially LThe toolpath generation progress is shown as a percentage MWhen tool path generation is complete the display changes...

Page 29: ...29 Step 5 Cutting the model This step is explains the cutting process...

Page 30: ...ext 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...

Page 31: ...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 Complete Once complete you can stick the senso...

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