Roland MODELA MDX-15 User manual

Thank you very much for purchasing the MDX-20/15.
To ensure correct and safe usage with a full under-
standing of this product's performance, please be sure
to read through this manual completely and store it in
a safe location.
Unauthorized copying or transferral, in whole or in
part, of this manual is prohibited.
The contents of this operation manual and the speci-
cations of this product are subject to change without
notice.
The operation manual and the product have been
prepared and tested as much as possible. If you nd
any misprint or error, please inform us.
Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any
direct or indirect loss or damage which may occur
through use of this product, regardless of any failure
to perform on the part of this product.
Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any
direct or indirect loss or damage which may occur with
respect to any article made using this product.
MDX-20
MDX-15
USER'S MANUAL
This User's Manual is intended for MDX-20 and MDX-15.

For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMIS-
SION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
STATEMENT
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction man-
ual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Unauthorized changes or modication to this system can void
the users authority to operate this equipment.
Use only I/O cables that have been designed and manufac-
tured specically for this device.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Ca-
nada.
WARNING
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
For EU Countries
For EU Countries
Manufacturer:
ROLAND DG CORPORATION
1-6-4 Shinmiyakoda, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-ken, 431-2103 JAPAN
The authorized representative in the EU:
Roland DG Corporation, German Ofce Halskestrasse 7, 47877 Willich, Germany
For California
WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive harm.
RolandDG Corp. has licensed the MMP technology from the TPL Group.

Table of Contents
To Ensure Safe Use...............................................................................................................3
About the Labels Axed to the AC Adapter and Unit .................................................................................................... 5
1 What You Can Do with MODELA .............................................................................................6
2 Check the Included Items.........................................................................................................7
3 Part Names ..............................................................................................................................8
4 Setting Up and Connection ......................................................................................................9
Connecting the AC Adapter and Power Cord ..................................................................................................................... 9
Connecting with Computer.....................................................................................................................................................10
5 Installing the Software............................................................................................................ 11
Software That Can Be Used with the MODELA.................................................................................................................11
System requirements .................................................................................................................................................................11
Setting Up the Program ............................................................................................................................................................12
Changing the Port.......................................................................................................................................................................13
Application Settings...................................................................................................................................................................15
How to Use Help..........................................................................................................................................................................18
6 Operation Guide [Cutting Section] .........................................................................................19
Create the Cutting Data ............................................................................................................................................................19
Attach the Spindle Unit.............................................................................................................................................................22
The Mounting Locations for the Spindle Unit...................................................................................................................23
Install the Cutting Tool ..............................................................................................................................................................24
Maximum cutting area of the MODELA ..............................................................................................................................26
Load the Workpiece....................................................................................................................................................................26
Attach the Front Cover ..............................................................................................................................................................27
Powering ON.................................................................................................................................................................................28
Perform Surfacing .......................................................................................................................................................................28
Perform Cutting ...........................................................................................................................................................................33
Pausing or stopping operation...............................................................................................................................................33
When Cutting is Finished..........................................................................................................................................................34
7 Operation Guide [Scanning Section]...................................................................................... 36
Step 1: Attach the Sensor Unit................................................................................................................................................36
Step 2: Load the Object to Be Scanned on the MODELA..............................................................................................38
Step 3: Attach the Front Cover................................................................................................................................................40
Step 4: Powering ON ..................................................................................................................................................................40
Step 5: Setting Scanning Conditions and Starting Scanning ......................................................................................41
Step 6: Setting the scanning area..........................................................................................................................................42
Step 7: Saving Scanned Data...................................................................................................................................................44
Step 8: Edit the Scanned Data.................................................................................................................................................44
When Scanning Is Finished......................................................................................................................................................44
When not in use...........................................................................................................................................................................44
8 Overview of the Usage Guides ..............................................................................................45
Overview of the Usage Guides ...............................................................................................................................................45
Location of the Usage Guides.................................................................................................................................................45
Installing the Acrobat Reader .................................................................................................................................................45
9 Software Guide ......................................................................................................................46
Driver for Windows 95/98/Me.................................................................................................................................................46
Driver for Windows NT4.0/2000/XP ......................................................................................................................................48
MODELA 3D DESIGN ..................................................................................................................................................................50
MODELA 3D TEXT........................................................................................................................................................................53
MODELA Player ............................................................................................................................................................................54
Virtual MODELA ...........................................................................................................................................................................54
Dr.PICZA..........................................................................................................................................................................................56
Dr. Engrave.....................................................................................................................................................................................57
3D Engrave.....................................................................................................................................................................................60
10 What to Do If... .....................................................................................................................65
11 Items That May Not Be Copied ............................................................................................ 67
1
Table of Contents

http://www.rolanddg.com/Copyright © 2000-2012 Roland DG Corporation
Windows® and Windows NT® are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
i486 and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States.
AutoCAD® is registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
IBM is trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Other company names and product name are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders..
12 Specications .......................................................................................................................68
Main Unit Specications ...........................................................................................................................................................68
Modeling Functions....................................................................................................................................................................68
Scanning Functions ....................................................................................................................................................................68
Interface Specication................................................................................................................................................................ III
Please read this Agreement before unpacking the media............................................................................................IV
2
Table of Contents

To Ensure Safe Use
About WARNING and CAUTION Notices
WARNING Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should
the unit be used improperly.
CAUTION
Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage
should the unit be used improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or other adverse eects caused with respect to the
home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.
About the Symbols
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings. The specic meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the triangle. The symbol at left means "danger of electrocution."
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specic thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. The symbol at left means the unit
must never be disassembled.
The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specic thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. The symbol at left means the power-cord plug must be
unplugged from the outlet.
WARNING
Do not disassemble, repair, or modify.
Doing so may lead to re or abnormal opera-
tion resulting in injury.
Do not use with any power supply other
than the dedicated AC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to
re or electrocution.
Use only with the power cord included with
this product.
Use with other than the included power cord
may lead to re or electrocution.
Ground the unit with the ground wire.
Failure to do so may result in risk of electrocu-
tion in the event of a mechanical problem.
Do not use with any electrical power supply
that does not meet the ratings displayed on
the AC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to
re or electrocution.
Do not use while in an abnormal state (i.e.,
emitting smoke, burning odor, unusual
noise, or the like).
Doing so may result in re or electrical shock.
Immediately unplug the power-cord plug
from the electrical outlet, and contact your
authorized Roland DG Corp. dealer or service
center.
CAUTION
Do not use with a dam-
aged AC adapter, pow-
er cord, or power-cord
plug or with a loose
electrical outlet.
Use with any other power supply may lead to
re or electrocution.
When not in use for
several hours, unplug
the power-cord plug
from the electrical out-
let.
Failure to do so may result in danger of shock,
electrocution, or re due to deterioration of the
electrical insulation.
Do not attempt to un-
plug the power-cord
plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in
electrical shock.
Install on a stable sur-
face.
Failure to do so may re-
sult in falling of the unit,
leading to injury.
3
To Ensure Safe Use

CAUTION
Wear dust goggles
and mask during use.
Cutting dust may scat-
ter, causing bodily in-
jury.
Do not injure or modi-
fy the electrical power
cord, nor subject it
to excessive bends,
twists, pulls, binding,
or pinching, nor place
any object of weight on it.
Doing so may damage the electrical power
cord, leading to electrocution or re.
When unplugging the
electrical power cord
from the power outlet,
grasp the plug, not
the cord.
Unplugging by pulling
the cord may damage
it, leading to re or electrocution.
Do not allow liquids,
metal objects or am-
mables inside the ma-
chine.
Such materials can
cause re.
Do not touch the tip of
the cutting tool with
your ngers.
Doing so may result in
injury.
Do not allow children
to operate without
adult supervision or
operate within reach
of young children.
Doing so may result in
injury.
CAUTION
During cutting or
scanning, do not place
hands near the cutting
tool or the probe.
Doing so may result in
injury.
While the power is
on, do not remove the
spindle unit from the
carriage.
Doing so may result in
injury.
Store clay out of the
reach of children.
When you’re nished,
wash your hands to
rinse away all cut-
tings.
In case of emergency,
immediately unplug
the AC adapter.
Do not operate if a
transparent cover is
cracked or broken.
If the transparent cover
at the front or the side
of the unit is cracked,
contact a service agent immediately for re-
pairs.
Use a commercially
available brush to re-
move metal cuttings.
Attempting to use a
vacuum cleaner to take
up metal cuttings may
cause re in the vacuum cleaner.
4
To Ensure Safe Use

About the Labels Afxed to the AC Adapter and Unit
These labels are axed to the body of this product and the AC adapter. The following gure describes the location.
Rated power supply
Do not use with any electrical power supply
that does not meet the ratings displayed on
the AC adapter.
In addition to the WARNING and CAUTION symbols, the symbols shown below are also used.
NOTICE Indicates information to prevent machine breakdown or malfunction and ensure
correct use.
Indicates a handy tip or advice regarding use.
During cutting or scanning,
keep hands away from the
cutting tool and the probe.
Model name
5 To Ensure Safe Use

6
1 What You Can Do with MODELA
1 What You Can Do with MODELA
Cut material to make a shape
MODELA cuts materials for three-dimensional objects made with software.
You can also engrave plates using at line-drawing data.
Create three-dimensional data from a shape
MODELA can scan the shape of a solid object and create three-dimensional data.
You can use this data to do things like changing the size or make use of a natural shape as part of another design.
Cutting a
shape
Engraving
Creating
data from
a shape
Use software to
create a three-dimen-
sional object.
Enter the parameters
for cutting the three-
dimensional object
(cutting parameters).
Perform cutting. Finished result.
Use software design
a line drawing.
Enter the parameters
for engraving (en-
graving parameters).
Perform engraving. Finished result.
Prepare the three-
dimensional object.
Enter the parameters
for scanning.
Perform scanning. Finished result.
3D Design etc. MODELA Player
Dr.Engrave etc. 2.5D Driver
Dr.PICZA Dr.PICZA

7
2 Check the Included Items
2 Check the Included Items
AC adapter: 1 Power cord: 1 Roland software package: 1
Spindle unit: 1 (*1) Sensor unit: 1 (*1) Cap screw M4 x 15: 4 (Two spares)
Tool: 1 (High speed steel) The shape of
the tool may dier from that below.
Set screw M3 x 3: 2 (One spare) Front cover: 1
Hexagonal wrench (size : 3 mm) :1
Hexagonal wrench (size : 1.5 mm): 1
Positioning pins: 3 (*2) (diameter 3
mm (0.118 in.), length 20 mm (0.787
in.)) (One spare)
Double sided tape: 1
Clay: 1 MDX-20/15 User's Manual: 1
The conguration
of the MDX-15
diers, but the at-
tachment method
is the same.
(*1) Do not discard the included-item box containing the spindle unit and sensor unit. It is needed to hold the unused unit while Modela
is in operation.
(*2)The positioning pin is used when performing double-sided cutting with MODELA. For detailed information about double-sided cutting,
see “Cutting Tips” in the included CD-ROM (refer to "8 Overview of the Usage Guides").

8
3 Part Names
3 Part Names
In this manual, sections that explain commons points for the MDX-20/15, use only illustrations of the MDX-20. Some details
of the MDX-15 dier from the gure.
Front
Rear
NOTICE
• Do not touch the wire with the hands.
• Except when repacking the unit, do not attempt to move the table or carriage by hand.
Carriage Jack
Work plate
Table
Switch Panel
MODELING
MODE LED
SCANNING
MODE LED
STANDBY key
VIEW LED
VIEW key
TOOL-UP key
TOOL-DOWN key
AC adapter jack
Serial connector
Wire

9
4 Setting Up and Connection
4 Setting Up and Connection
WARNING Do not use with any power supply other than the dedicated AC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to re or electrocution.
WARNING Do not use with any electrical power supply that does not meet the ratings dis-
played on the AC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to re or electrocution.
WARNING Use only with the power cord included with this product.
Use with other than the included power cord may lead to re or electrocution.
WARNING Ground the unit with the ground wire.
Failure to do so may result in risk of electrocution in the event of a mechanical
problem.
CAUTION Install on a stable surface.
Failure to do so may result in falling of the unit, leading to
injury.
Connecting the AC Adapter and Power Cord
Connect in the order of the numbers shown in the gure.
NOTICE
Never install this unit in any of the following situations, as it could result in damage:
• Places where the installation surface is unstable or not level.
• Places with excessive electrical noise..
• Places with excessive humidity or dust.
• Places with poor ventilation, because the MODELA generates considerable heat during operation.
• Places with excessive vibration.
Use within a temperature range of 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F) and within a humidity range of 35 to 80%.
Securely connect the power cord, computer I/O cable and so on so that they will not be unplugged and cause
failure during operation. Doing so may lead to faulty operation or breakdown.
10 cm (4 in.)
30 cm (12 in.)
10 cm (4 in.)
30 cm (12 in.)
* Do not place any object within the area
AC adapter
Power cord
AC adapter jack

10
4 Setting Up and Connection
Connecting with Computer
If your computer is an IBM PC compatible personal computer, then use an optionally available XY-RS-14/34 cable (or
equivalent). A straight cable such as modem cable will not work.
Make sure the power to the computer and the MODELA is switched o before attempting to connect the cables.
IBM PC or PC compatible
Serial cable
(XY-RS-34 or equivalent)
Serial connector

11
5 Installing the Software
5 Installing the Software
Software That Can Be Used with the MODELA
The Roland Software Package CD-ROM contains many dierent kinds of software.
You can view the software that can be used with MODELA by displaying the setup menu on the CD-ROM and choosing the
model of MODELA.
See below for overviews and brief description of usage for the software displayed on the setup menu.
Software Overview
Windows
driver
This is necessary when sending data to MODELA from a Windows-based program. If you’re using
Windows, be sure to install this driver.
MODELA
programs
The Windows versions of MODELA Player, MODELA 3D DESIGN, and MODELA 3D TEXT cannot be set
up separately.
MODELA
Player
This sets the required parameters for cutting solid objects and sends the cutting data to MODELA.
This can import not only solid objects created with three-dimensional programs from Roland DG
Corp., but also solid objects created using other commercially available three-dimensional programs
(via DXF or STL).
MODELA
3D DE-
SIGN
This lets you choose a basic shape such as a cylinder or sphere, and modify it to create a three-
dimensional object.
You can intuitively create solid objects with smooth curves.
You can use MODELA to cut solid objects and save data in three-dimensional DXF les.
MODELA
3D TEXT
This adds thickness to text to create three-dimensional characters.
It’s also possible to edit text to make it bold, italic, or the like. You can put a box around text with just
a single click — a handy feature when making nameplates.
You can use MODELA to cut three-dimensional text and save data in three-dimensional DXF les.
Virtual
MODELA
This simulates tool movement before performing cutting with MODELA.
You can use it to check the nished shape as well as things like whether the cutting depth is suitable
and how much time cutting will take. This can reduce loss for cutting materials and time.
Dr.Engrave
This is used to design plates and send the engraving data to MODELA.
You can make large numbers of plates with the same design with high eciency. You can use the
TrueType fonts registered in Windows as the font style for text. You can even make stroke fonts from
TrueType fonts.
Because you can the outline of an image and convert it to line segments, it’s also possible to include
logos for companies or organizations in the plates you make.
3D En-
grave
This adds thickness to a at (two-dimensional) graphic to create a relief (raised engraving). You can
also add thickness to images such as illustrations.
Dr.PICZA
This scans the shape of a solid object with MODELA and creates three-dimensional data. You can use
it to rescan a particular portion, delete unneeded portions, cut a scanned three-dimensional object
with MODELA, or save data in any of four le formats, including DXF and STL.
System requirements
MODELA Ap-
plications
Dr.Engrave 3D Engrave Virtual MOD-
ELA
Dr.PICZA
Operating system Windows 95/98/Me/NT4.0/2000/XP
Computer Computer running Windows (Pentium processor or better recommended)
Memory (RAM) 32 MB or more recommended
Free hard-disk
space required for
installation
7 MB 10 MB 10 MB 5 MB 3 MB

12
5 Installing the Software
Setting Up the Program
If you are installing under Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP, log on to Windows as "Administrators" account.

Switch on the computer and start Windows.

Place the CD from the Roland Software Package in the CD-ROM drive.
The Setup menu appears automatically.

Click the drop-down arrow next to [Click here], choose the
model you're using, then click [Install].
If you're using the MDX-20, choose [MDX-20]. If you're using the
MDX-15, choose [MDX-15].
To view the description of a program, click the button. To view
the manual, click the button.
(There are manuals in PDF format for the programs that the button
references. Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF les.)
If there are programs you don't want to install, then clear their check
boxes before you click [Install].

The Setup program starts. Follow the messages to carry
out setup and nish setting up the program.
* When the setup for one program nishes, the setup for the next
program starts.
In the interval until the next setup starts, a dialog box showing the
progress of processing is displayed.

The driver settings appear.
Check the values, click [Close], and nish installing the
driver.

When all installation nishes, the screen shown below appears.
Click [Close].

13
5 Installing the Software

After returning to the menu screen for installation, click
.

Remove the CD-ROM from the CD-ROM drive.
Changing the Port
When the driver is installed, the port for output from the computer is automatically set to [COM1]. If MODELA is connected
to a port other than [COM1], follow the steps below to change the port setting.
* The explanations in this section describe operation of the MDX-20. If you're using the MDX-15, then where "MDX-20" ap-
pears in the text, read "MDX- 15" instead.
Driver for Windows 95/98/Me

Click [Start]-[Settings]-[Printer] to open the [Printer] folder.
Right-click on the Roland MODELA MDX- 20 icon, then
click [Properties].
The [Roland MODELA MDX-20 Properties] dialog box appears.

Click the [Details] tab. At [Print to the following port(s)],
choose an unused port other than [COM1].

Set [Transmission retry] to 3,600 seconds. Click the [Port
Settings] .
The [Port Settings] tab appears.

Make the settings for the following communication param-
eters. Click [OK].

14
5 Installing the Software
Driver for Windows NT4.0/2000/XP

Open the [Printers] folder.
Windows NT4.0/2000:
Click [Start]-[Settings]-[Printers].
Windows XP:
Click [Start]-[Control Panel]. Click [Printers and Other Hardware], then click [Printers and
Faxes].

Right-click on the Roland MODELA MDX-20 icon, then
click [Properties].
The [Roland MODELA MDX-20 Properties] dialog box appears.

Click the [Ports] tab. For [Port], choose an unused port
other than [COM1]. Click [Conguration Port].
> Windows NT 4.0: go to step 4
> Windows 2000/XP: go to step 5

Click the port you chose in step 3, then click [Settings].

Make the settings for the following communication param-
eters. Click [OK].

15
5 Installing the Software
Application Settings
When you nish installing the applications, continue by making the following settings. Be sure to make the settings before
use.
* The explanations in this section describe operation of the MDX-20. If you're using the MDX-15, then where "MDX-20" ap-
pears in the text, read "MDX- 15" instead.
MODELA Player

Click [Start] and point to [Programs].
Point to [Roland MODELA] and click [MODELA Player].

From the [Options] menu, click [Machines...].
The [Model Selection] dialog box appears.

Click [MDX-20], then click [OK].

From the [File] menu, click [Print Setup...].
The [Print Setup] dialog box appears.

Click the drop-down arrow for the name and click [Roland MODELA
MDX-20].
Then click [OK].
Dr.PICZA

Click [Start]. Point to [Roland Dr.PICZA] and click [Dr.
PICZA].

16
5 Installing the Software

From the [File] menu, click [Preferences...].
The [Preferences] dialog box appears.

Select the port where the cable is connected, then click
[OK].
Dr.Engrave

Click [Start]. Point to [Roland Dr.Engrave] and click [Dr.
Engrave].

From the [File] menu, click [Print Setup...].
The [Print Setup] dialog box appears.
If You’re Using Windows NT4.0/2000/XP
If the printer port for the Windows driver and the communication port for Dr. PICZA are set to the same port, you
cannot use Dr. PICZA.
To perform scanning, you need to temporarily set the Windows driver printer port to a dierent port. After you
nish scanning, return the setting for the Windows driver to its original value.

17
5 Installing the Software

Click the drop-down arrow for the name and click [Roland
MODELA MDX-20]. Then click [OK].
3D Engrave

Click [Start].
Point to [Roland 3D Engrave] and click [3D Engrave].

From the [Cut] menu, click [Machines...].
The [Model Selection] dialog box appears.

Click [MDX-20], then click [OK].

From the [File] menu, click [Output Device Setup].
The [Print Setup] dialog box appears.

Click the drop-down arrow for the name and click [Roland
MODELA MDX-20].
Then click [OK].

18
5 Installing the Software
How to Use Help
If you have trouble using the program or driver, see the help screens. Help contains information such as descriptions of
software operation, explanations of commands, and tips for using the software more eectively.

From the [Help] menu, click [Contents].

Clicking on text that is green and underlined (by a solid or
dotted line) displays an explanation.

Clicking on an image area that contains an explanation
displays the explanation.
Tip:
- When the pointer moves over green underlined text, it changes to a
pointing hand ( ).
- When the pointer moves over a location where an explanation is in-
cluded, it changes to a pointing hand ( ).
When there's a [?] button on screen
Clicking [?] in the upper-right corner of the window makes the mouse
pointer change to a question mark ( ). You can then move the pointer
over any item you wish to learn more about, then click on the item to display
an explanation of it.
When there's a [Help] button on screen
Clicking [Help] lets you view help for the window or software..