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These two MDX machines share the characteristics Compact, Lightweight, Good looking and Lowcost. The combination in one machine of both milling and 3D scanning makes these machines ideal for applications like concept design (foam models) and jewelry design (wax models), where handmade models have to be digitized and new models have to be created.
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The stylish good looks of the MDX 15/20 make it an attractive addition to your desktop, while its low weight and compact size do make true desktop prototyping possible. All control electronics are integrated.
As a milling machine it can handle light materials like modelling foam and wax, so its main applications are Concept Modelling and Jewelry (wax models for investment casting).
Its operation is by far the easiest of all available machines: it can be driven from the PC by just sending a file to the printer port, no extra software is needed. As the home position is fixed no controls on the machine are needed too. The NC file needs to be in Roland format, which can be chosen in most CAM packages. To directly drive the machine from any graphics application (2D engraving only) a Windows driver is included.
As a scanner the machine is driven from a PC by the included Picza software. This software enables you to set the area to be scanned and the resolution (pitch) to be used. The rest is done automatically, including the conversion of point cloud data to a valid CAD geometry (polygon file). Output of the CAD geometry is possible in STL, DXF and VRML format.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
The flat working table of the machine can easily be taken off, in order to attach the model or the material block, simply using doubly sided adhesive tape. You do choose between milling and scanning by fitting the correct head on the machine. The head unit then is connected to the machine simply by plugging in its cable.
The three axes move over steel bearings and are driven by stepper motors via metal traction wires. The light spindle motor (10 W, 6500 rpm) is only intended for foam and other light materials. A transparent enclosure is added for both safety and clean operation.
Where Concept Modelers are promoted to be 3D printers, seeing price, dimensions and ease-of-use this cute machine is the first real concept modeler ever.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Model: |
MDX-15 |
MDX-20 |
| Max working area (X,Y,Z in mm) |
150 x 100 x 60 |
200 x 150 x 60 |
| Table size (X,Y in mm) |
170 x 110 |
220 x 160 |
| Max weight on table |
0.5 kg |
1 kg |
| External dimensions (X,Y,Z mm) |
426 x 280 x 305 |
477 x 382 x 305 |
| Weight, kg |
9.6 |
13.7 |
| Prices |
 2,400 |
3,400 |
Prices in Euro currency, excl VAT and outside the Netherlands excl shipment cost.
On site installation and service are optional, available only in the Netherlands and in Belgium.
The machines are delivered with installation instructions.
| Tool shaft diameter |
6 mm. Optional extra spindle units for 3, 4, 5 mm, 1/8", 1/4". |
| Max Feedrate |
15 mm /sec |
| Accuracy |
0.05 mm (resolution 0.025 mm) |
| Spindle motor: |
10 W. DC motor |
| Rotation speed |
6500 rpm |
| Control software |
Modela Player (MS Windows 2000/XP/Vista) |
| Sensor |
Piezo controlled |
| Scanning method |
Contact height sensing over a mesh |
| Scanning speed |
15 mm /sec |
| Resolution |
0.05 to 5.00 mm for X and Y 0.025 mm for Z |
| Control software |
Dr Picza (MS Windows 2000/XP/Vista) |
| Output formats |
STL (ASCII), DXF (Acad V 12), VRML (Version 1) |
| Interface with computer |
RS 232 (serial) |
| Type of axis-motors |
Stepper |
| Computer requirements |
Pentium PC running Windows (2000/XP/Vista or newer). |
| Power requirements |
220 V, 50/60 Hz (120 V is available on request) |
OPTIONS
Since the release of the MDX-15 and MDX-20, jewelry clients have been asking for a rotation axis addition, as most of their business is rings.
We are very happy that such optional 4th axis is now available, even two different models by different suppliers. We do not offer these add-ons, please refer to the links below for any commercial information.
Note that the Modela Player software that comes with the machine does not support a rotation axis. You will need to use third party CAM software, like the
DeskProto 3D CAM software for RP.
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The first rotation axis, by Roland Australia (no longer available).
As the A-axis motor block is outside the machine's working area, the unit can remain in place during standard XYZ machining.
The steel bar as shown can easily be replaced by any other fixturing tool.
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As the MDX controller can drive only three axes at a time, during machining the rotation axis (also called A-axis) replaces the Y-axis. Selection of either Y-axis mode or A-axis mode is done using a push-button.
This axis was available both for the MDX-15 and for the MDX-20.
On the photo you can see that the rotation axis motor unit is completely outside the working area of the machine. So the unit can remain mounted without hindering standard XYZ milling operations.
This device was made by Roland Australia, see
www.rolanddg.com.au, however it is no longer available.
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The second rotation axis, by Fourth Axis. Here again, the A-axis motor block is outside the machine's working area. This unit comes with a 4 jaw chuck as shown.
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The Fourth axis product follows the same general setup as the above product. However, differences are present as well, like a higher resolution, a solution for zero backlash, and using the space below the working table. A nice detail is the LED-lit rotation readout and software for accurate repeat positioning (the blue scale in the illustration above). Optional is a 5th axis attachment for engraving inside wax rings
This product is also available both for the MDX-15 and for the MDX-20. Here as well the product is delivered as a kit with installation instructions.
For more information please visit
www.fourth-axis.com.
