The ZCL-540 Rotary Axis will cut one side of an object then rotate and cut the other side. The SRP Player software has settings for you to choose Top, Bottom, Front, and Back which tells the MDX-540A and ZCL-540 to rotate to those respective positions and cut the model out on all 4 sides. In addition to cutting those 4 sides the SRP Player software has a setting that allows you to add any angle you would like for the rotary axis unit to turn too. The machine will then perform a cut at that angle as well. This allows you to create models that otherwise would not be able to be created. Once you have performed a cut if you decided you need to rotate and cut again to reach an uncut area, you can go back into SRP Player and add additional points to have the ZCL-540 rotate for more cutting. This allows you to achieve undercuts as well as cutting of other hidden features that otherwise could not be cut.
Live 4 Axis Cutting
The ZCL-540 rotary axis allows for live 4 axis cutting, this type of cutting is also supported in the SRP Player software. The bottle you see in picture would be an example of an item that has been cut live 4 axis, where the rotary is spinning while the item is being cut. This method works best for cylindrical items like bottles. Jewelry users will use this method when cutting out rings.
Automatic Calibration
The MDX-540 and ZCL-540 has a huge advantage over all other 4 axis milling systems on the market, because the Roland engineers have added an automatic calibration routine that once the ZCL-540 is installed, you will simply select a button on the Virtual Control Panel and the machine will run a calibration routine that takes about 3 minutes. The rotary axis unit will then be calibrated to match the machine. On a normal 4axis milling machine this single calibration could take about 1 hour to perform and based on the systems hardware might be required daily. With the Roland MDX-540 and ZCL-540 you perform it once and the rotary axis calibration is saved to memory so you would not need to perform it again.
Easy to Use
The MDX-540 and ZCL-540 has another advantage over the other systems, automatic prompts. When using the SRP Player software, you are prompted to do any setup items needed before cutting by a picture and message that tells you what to do. So you don't have to understand how the MDX-540 works you just have to follow the prompts the software gives you and perform the functions required and you will be able to cut out your model.
Installation
When installing the ZCL-540 onto the Roland MDX-540 table the machine already had pre-drilled locating holes and the mounting bars has locating pins mounted to them. So you simply match the pins to the holes and the rotary is mounted into the correct location. then just slide the 4th axis unit on the mounting rails and tighten a single hex head screw. The rotary axis unit also has a locating stop so it is put into the correct place every-time. Plug in the rotary axis unit and tell the machine to perform the automatic calibration and the 4th axis is ready to use. This all takes less then 10 minutes. So you will be able to remove the rotary when you need to cut larger items and replace it in a few minutes when you need to cut complex multi-sided items or round 4 axis lathe type items. It is really simple.
Automatic Tool Measurement
Since the MDX-540 and ZCL-540 has an included automatic tool measurement you will never be required to manually setup the tool length, you simply load the tool into the machine and press a button on the control panel and the machine measures the tool and puts it in memory. If you have to use another tool on a cutting the software will stop the machine and prompt you to change tools and to remeasure, then it will go back to work.
User Interface
There is no other system on the market that has this kind of advanced functionality built into the user interface. This allows students, engineers, inventors, hobbyists, jewelers the ability to run a 4 axis milling system without the long education requirements normally required. Since the machine has built in safety zones, and automatic prompts this eliminates the worry of crashing your machine and damaging it beyond repair.
The size of a cylindrical workpiece that can be mounted on the ZCL-540 is about 8" diameter by 14.6" long. The actual cut size will be less in the 14.6" length due to the holding of the piece while cutting.
The MDX-540 and ZCL-540 comes with SRP Player software for performing cutting, but sometimes users have a need to use other CAM software or develop there own for there specific applications. The MDX-540 and ZCL-540 will accept commands from all CAM software on the market. The machine reads Rolands standard machine language as well as industry standard G-Code. So you will be able use additional cam software you might already use or software that you might have a need to use for a specific application, like dental, orthopedics or what ever you desire. We also include a Users Manual for those who want to write there own programs to drive the MDX-540 and ZCL-540.
The MDX-540 and ZCL-540 allows you to add your own custom fixtures to the machine. The Users Manual includes a diagram that shows the interface / hole layout for the ZCL-540. We have experience designing custom fixturing for the ZCL-540 so if you have any questions contact us and we will try to answer your questions.
