Subtractive Rapid Prototyping (SRP) has several advantages over additive rapid prototyping, also called “3D printing.” SRP devices cost significantly less to own and operate due to lower material costs and no annual maintenance contracts while producing prototypes out of a wider variety of non-proprietary materials with greater precision and better surface finish.

SRP Systems

Todd Grimm, the man who wrote the book on rapid prototyping for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, found that Roland SRP devices produce prototypes faster, better and cheaper than most additive RP systems.
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Functional Prototypes

Like all Roland SRP devices, the MDX-40A can mill a wide range of low cost, non-proprietary materials including ABS, delrin, nylon, acrylic and tooling board. This lets designers and engineers create functional prototypes to test how well products will actually work. Handled by market focus groups, these prototypes must perform like the final manufactured product and survive a barrage of physical tests, including thermal and structural trials. For example, toothbrush prototypes undergo in-vivo testing for hand fit, brush reach and handle deflection.

High Precision

The MDX-40A’s high-precision spindle decreases vibration within the unit and produces extremely accurate models. It achieves resolutions up to 0.000039 inches per step and creates the most accurate prototypes for complex snap-fits. With ISO15448 standard collets, the MDX-40A also generates a smooth surface finish that requires little to no post finishing work.

Speedy Production

Roland SRP devices typically create parts faster than a 3D printer. According to Todd Grimm’s independent study of RP systems, the SRP process saves time by producing parts that are smooth and precise right off the machine. Additive systems, on the other hand, typically require time-consuming post finishing processes.

SRP Player CAM Software

The MDX-40A is packaged with Roland SRP Player CAM software, ideal for rapid prototyping and custom rapid manufacturing applications. SRP Player was created specifically for designers and engineers to make SRP prototype parts quickly and easily in five easy steps using an easy to follow, intuitive workflow. SRP Player accepts a wide range of file formats including industry standard .stl. As a result, it produces superior parts with smooth surfaces and accurate, tight-fit precision.

ClickMill Software

Bundled ClickMill software enables direct control of the MDX-40A for surfacing, drilling holes, cutting pockets and other finishing processes, all without accessing CAD or CAM software.

G-Code Support

The MDX-40 is a compact desktop mill that fits nicely in any office. It comes with an emergency stop switch that shuts down the machine at the push of a button. An optional safety cover makes the cutting mechanism inaccessible during operation and keeps dust out of the surrounding environment.

Rotary Axis (Optional)

With the ZCL-40A optional rotary axis, the MDX-40A performs unattended four-sided milling at increments of one degree. When one side is completed, the part is automatically rotated until all sides have been milled. This saves time and lets you continue on with your design work while your prototypes are being created.

The ZCL-40A optional rotary axis unit supports materials up to 10.6” long by 4.7” in diameter (270mm long by 120mm in diameter), twice the capacity of Roland’s previous model and large enough to mill a 16.9oz. (500ml) PET bottle.

Optional Contact Scanning Unit

The optional ZSC-1 adds the power of reverse engineering to the MDX-40A. Using Roland Active Piezo Sensor technology, the MDX-40A transforms into a powerful and accurate tool for digitizing an existing part or mold for your CAD software. This technology gives the MDX-40A the ability to scan a wide variety of objects including soft objects like modeling clay. It can even scan glass or acrylic objects without making a scratch. The ZSC-1 includes scanning software – or for more advanced reverse engineering projects you can add a copy of PixForm Pro 2 reverse engineering software.

Perfect Office Fit

The MDX-40A is a compact desktop mill that fits nicely in any office. It comes with an emergency stop switch that shuts down the machine at the push of a button. An integrated safety cover makes the cutting mechanism inaccessible during operation and keeps dust out of the surrounding environment.

Reliable Performer

Roland's international ISO certification is your assurance of Roland's commitment to continuous improvement of our products and services, as well as our quality system. We build reliable, high-performance products and back them up with first-rate customer service and a wide variety of supplies and accessories.