ROLAND DEBUTS MDX-20 3D SCANNER/MILLING MACHINE.

Roland DGA Corporation has debuted the MDX-20 -- a combination 3D scanning and milling desktop machine with a larger workspace. Like its smaller sibling, the MDX-15, Roland's new machine is ideal for a variety of product design tasks, including reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, jewelry and model making, and small lot production.

The user simply selects the scanning or milling attachment. The Roland Active Piezo Sensor (RAPS) transforms the machine into a 3D scanner for scanning 3D objects and creating 3D data. Used in all of Roland's scan devices, RAPS yields a scanning resolution of 0.2 inches to 0.002 inches.

The spindle unit turns the machine into a full-featured CNC (computer numerical control) mill capable of cutting jeweler's wax, resins, chemical wood, acrylic, and even light metals such as brass and aluminum. The MDX-20 fits nicely on the desktop, yet it offers a maximum work area of 8 inches (X) x 6 inches (Y) x 2 3/8 inches (Z).

"The MDX-20 is a fast and powerful device with twice the work area," said Gerald Hiller, sales manager for rotary products at Roland DGA. "This all-in-one, affordable desktop design tool is perfect for anyone who needs both 3D scanning and milling functions."

The combination 3D scanner/milling machine generates data files (wire frame models) for export in STL, DXF, IGES, and VRML or as Point Cloud data (ASCII) format. As a result, it can work with a variety of popular 3D CAD and computer graphics software programs, including Solidworks, Rhinoceros, Vector Works, Light Wave, Visual Mill and 3D Studio Max.

The MDX-20 ships with a full suite of powerful, easy-to-use Windows95/98/NT Software, including Dr. PICZA, MODELA Player, Virtual MODELA and 3D Engrave. Dr. PICZA allows for complete control of the scan area including X-Y scan resolution and rescans. MODELA Player is CAM software that can import STL and DXF files and generate tool paths. It comes with a standard materials library to make programming effortless. Virtual MODELA enables simulation of finished shapes and estimates protection time. 3D ENGRAVE is a 3D surface design package. It allows sign makers, jewelers and die makers to design from scratch using the included tools and/or incorporate design elements from various sources -- scanned files, TrueType fonts etc. The MDX-20 is now available at $4495.

Roland manufactures and distributes a wide range of innovative computer peripherals for the graphic arts, sign making, and 3D modeling industries. Major products include the CAMM-1 line of vinyl cutters, Hi-Fi JET wide format inkjet printers, CAMMJET wide format inkjet printer/cutters, ColorCAMM PRO thermal transfer printer/cutters, PICZA 3D digital scanners, and CAMM-3 CNC milling machines.

Roland can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.rolanddga.com.

For more information, call 888/776-6555 or 201/369-3467.