USING THE ROLAND MDX-40A w/the Rotary Axis Unit

USING THE ROLAND MDX-40A w/the Rotary Axis Unit
1)
Open SRP Player from the Start-up menu
2) Open File>Preferences
3) Double check the cutting machine and Rotary Axis tool settings. Apply changes, then ok.
4) Drag .stl file into the workspace to import it.
5) File imported!
6) Go to options>My tools
7) Double check you have the correct tool bits checked which are available to you.
8) Rotate file on Z axis using setting in “Model Size and Orientation”
9) Resize model appropriate to thickness (dimensions) of material.
10) Select Options under “Type of Milling”
11) Click “Add support to model” if necessary.
12) Click “edit” to change support settings and placement.
13) Select type of material under “Create Tool Path”
14) Prepare the work piece in the Roland:
For the Rotary Axis Tool, the maximum size is:
Length (X Axis): 10.7 inches
Depth (Y Axis): 4.33 inches
Height: (Z Axis): 1.57 inches
Press “View” on the machine (with the cover closed) to move the jig into view.
15) Put the drill bit into the end piece. Make sure that the notch in the metal “sleeve” of the
“collet” faces upwards so that the little black know on top can be screwed down to prevent
turning. Turn the large knob on the right to retract the drill bit as much as possible.
16) Slide the endpiece to the end of your material so that the drill bit sits at the center axis of your
material. Tighten the black lever to secure everything in place.
17) Open VPanel in the Windows start-up menu
-You can use the arrows at the top to control the orientation of the tool and bed, as well as
rotate the workpiece. Be careful you are aware of how fast the machine is moving in response
by bearing in mind the
“1 step/10 steps/100steps/low speed/high speed” settings.
18) Select “Drill workpiece”. With the cover of the Roland open, press rotate.
As the workpiece rotates, tighten the end silver knob to press the drill bit into the wood.
Continue until a small 1/8-1/4 knotch is drilled into the end of the material.
19) Press “Stop” when done, and then “Close”.
20) Replace Drill bit with live center attachment. Tighten against workpiece firmly, but not too
tightly so that the material bows or bends.
21) GO back to SRP Player and enter dimensions of workpiece in “Create Tool Path”.
22) Select “Create Tool Path”.
23) Under “Preview Results” click “Preview Cutting” to see a rendering of the tool paths. A list of
potential errors are listed in blue below. You can click on them for more information.
Adjustments can be made under the “edit” settings of “Create Tool Paths”.
24) Under “Edit settings, you will see the tool paths created for your model. This model has 4 tool
paths, 1 rough and 1 fine respectively for each side. Double click the tool paths for options.
25) To decrease cutting time, you can increase the feed rate of each tool path under “Cutting
parameters”. Make sure you change the spindle speed to match the feed rate if this is
something you change.
26) Press “Close”, then create tool paths again with changes.
27) Preview Cutting, and inspect model. Observe the cutting time.
28) Under “Perform Cutting” Select “start cutting”. A window will appear showing you which bit to
use. Install this bit following the guidelines in the manual, or else wait for a shop technician to
change bits.
29) Select “Next”. Use the VPanel to move the drill bit to the center of rotation on the Y Axis, and
over to the right of the workpiece (on the X Axis). Line up the drill bit as best you can to the
center or rotation where the live center is, and make sure the drill bit is within the edge of the
material block. When the bit is lined up, open up your VPanel.
30) Set your X-Origin and “Apply”
31) Set your YZ origin at the center of rotation and press “Apply”
32) Remove shavings and close Roland cover. Then press continue.
The bit will lower onto the Z Axis sensor to calibrate.
33) Go back to SRP Player and press “Next”. Then “Next” again to start cutting.