CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
19 January 2010
Events News
Roland and MecSoft Demonstrate Seamless Design-to-Model Workflow at SolidWorks World
Roland DGA Corporation and MecSoft, the developer of VisualMILL for SolidWorks® and other computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software solutions, will demonstrate a new, subtractive rapid prototyping (SRP) workflow at the upcoming SolidWorks World show in Anaheim, California.
Located in Booth # 110, MecSoft will showcase its new 64-bit version of VisualMILL for SolidWorks, which enables designers to machine larger, more complex parts which were previously cumbersome or impossible to handle due to the memory limitations of 32-bit systems. Throughout the show, MecSoft will produce prototypes and parts on Roland's MDX-40A 3D milling machine which features the company's SRP technology. Roland's MDX series provides integration with VisualMILL for SolidWorks, and unlike additive prototyping systems, produces parts from non-proprietary materials including aluminum, ABS, Acetal, Nylon, acrylic, polycarbonate and a variety of woods, plaster and styrene. Roland's MDX-540 series will be on display in the Roland DGA exhibit, Booth # 743.
"With the new 64-bit version of VisualMILL, more complex files are handled with ease and MDX series tool paths are updated automatically for a seamless workflow from design to finished part," said Pedro Gonzalez, product manager for Roland. "This new solution fully integrates SolidWorks design and manufacturing processes and produces parts in materials that meet the requirements of finished parts and products."
"MecSoft Corporation's partnerships with SolidWorks and Roland bring together state-of-the-art design and machining software with one of the best-performing desktop machines in the industry," said Anita Anand, vice president, sales and marketing at MecSoft. "VisualMILL for SolidWorks, together with SolidWorks and the MDX series, offer a complete, powerful, easy-to-use and affordable design and manufacturing solution for the prototyping industry."
VisualMILL for SolidWorks
VisualMILL for SolidWorks is based on MecSoft's VisualMILL CAM software that has over a decade of production testing and thousands of installations worldwide. VisualMILL has a powerful feature set that allows the user to generate 2-1/2, 3, 4 and 5 axis tool paths for producing SolidWorks 3D models. It comes with hundreds of free posts as well as the ability to generate new posts as needed. Compared to a stand-alone CAM system, VisualMILL for SolidWorks saves users countless hours by automatically updating tool paths as models change. The new 64-bit version of VisualMILL, when running on 64-bit Windows operating systems, can handle even larger, more complex files without the disk paging and memory thrashing typical of 32-bit systems running memory intensive applications.
Roland Subtractive Rapid Prototyping Technology
Roland MDX 3D milling machines are based on the company's SRP technology which offers several advantages over additive rapid prototyping devices, also called 3D printers. SRP devices cost significantly less to own and operate while producing prototypes from a wider variety materials including aluminum, ABS, Acetal, Nylon, acrylic, polycarbonate and a variety of woods, plaster and styrene. With SRP, professionals can design prototypes using materials that closely match the substrate of the final product so that the integrity and mechanical attributes of the design are more accurately reflected. SRP achieves high repeat accuracy, produces tight tolerances and generates smooth surface finishes to exact specifications, without the fillers, sanding and coatings that can change the accuracy of the finished part. The Roland MDX line includes the MDX-540, a fast, accurate prototyping device, and the more compact, affordable MDX-40A.
Roland DGA Corporation
Roland DGA Corporation and affiliated companies are pioneers in the development of digital technology for creative professionals. From its inception as part of Roland Music, Roland DGA Corp. has introduced a product line that continues to set new standards for precision, reliability and performance. Professionals worldwide rely on Roland solutions everyday in the sign, grand-format, sublimation, UV inkjet, digital graphics, vehicle graphics, fine art, photography, flexo, label, engraving and 3D modeling industries.
Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Roland DGA Corporation serves as the U.S.-based marketing, distribution and sales arm of Roland DG Corporation in Hamamatsu, Japan. Affiliated companies include Roland Corporation US in Los Angeles, CA and Rodgers Instruments LLC in Hillsboro, OR. Roland DG Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.