PDI MDX-40A Jewelry Package FAQ's
Here we have listed questions we have received about the MDX-40A Jewelry Package, our Advanced Jewelry Cutting Fixture and Jewelry CAD/CAM general questions. If you have a question not listed in this FAQ please use the form at the bottom to ask the question or questions, we will email you back an answer and add the question to our FAQ's here.MDX-40A Specifications
What is the weight of the MDX-40A?The MDX-40A is 65kg or 144lbs
What are the dimensions of the MDX-40A?
The MDX-40A is 670mm x 760mm x 554mm (26.4in x 30in x 21.9 in)
How quiet is the MDX-40A when cutting wax?
It is quiet enough to have in your office while working or in a showroom. When in standby 42dB, when operating 56db.
How clean is the MDX-40A when making jewelry?
It is completely enclosed so the wax stays inside the machine. To clean up the cut wax shavings simply vacuum the table after making a model.
What type of electrical requirements does the MDX-40A need?
It uses standard 110V, draws 2.1 AMP, and consumes 210 W.
What RPM does the MDX-40A spindle rotate?
The MDX-40A rotates between 4500 and 15000.
Jewelry Design Software
Will my jewelry design software work with the MDX-40A?
Yes all jewelry design programs will work with the MDX-40A. Here is a list of known jewelry design programs, MOI3D, Rhino3D, Techgems, RhinoGold, Gemvision Matrix, Solidworks, 3Design, JewelCad, Artcam, Jewelsmith, 3Design, RhinoJewel, Firestorm CAD, JewelSpace, if you have a program not listed here check to see if a jewelry model can be exported as .STL, if so then it will work. If still uncertain then contact us.
Do you sell jewelry design software to go with the machine?
We do not sell 3d jewelry design software. Our focus is on producing the wax model after the design has been completed. The MDX-40A will work with all 3D jewelry design programs using the industry standard STL file format that all programs will save too.
Do I need to have computer experience to operate the MDX-40A?
Yes you need to have experience with a computer and software. You should already have a 3d design program and have experience with the design program before purchasing a machine.
Do you offer training on 3d design software like Rhino?
Even though we are highly experienced with 3d jewelry design programs we do not offer training in 3d jewelry CAD design.
Can I use jewelry designs I buy online with the MDX-40A?
Yes you can use designs that you buy online as long as they are in a format compatible with the MDX-40A and SRP Player software. Here are formats that are compatible with SRP Player and the MDX-40A .STL, .IGS, .IGES .DXF3D, .3DM. You might need to remove stones or prep the model before cutting it out, so you still need to have experience with 3d design software.
Computer Requirements
Do I need a computer to run the MDX-40A?
Yes the MDX-40A needs a host computer that the machine will plug into via a USB cable. The software that comes with the machine will have a Windows Print Driver on it. The computer will see the machine as a printer. There is a program called Virtual Control Panel that will give you an interface to control the machine and do any kind of setup procedures.
What are computer requirements to run the MDX-40A?
Per Roland's website they recommend
Windows XP,7,8, or10. 32 or 64 bit
Pentium 4, 2.4 GHZ or faster
2GB Ram or more
Resolution of 1024 x 768, or more
16 bit color or more
72mb free hard disk space or more
CD-ROM (Software comes on CD-ROM, can be transfered via USB Drive)
How does the MDX-40A plug into my computer?
The MDX-40A plugs into your computer via USB cable. It uses all versions of USB.
Will the MDX-40A work with Windows 98, Me, NT4.0, 2000, XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10?
Yes it works with all versions of Windows.
Will the MDX-40A work with an Apple Mac?
Yes it will work through a dual boot setup or emulator like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. However we cannot support you with issues regarding connectivity to a MAC because we do not keep this operating system in house.
Tools for Cutting Wax
What is the biggest tool size I can use in the MDX-40A?
The biggest tool that the factory recommend is 6.35mm or 1/4in? The machine comes with a 1/4" and 1/8" and 3mm collet
What is smallest tool size I can use with the MDX-40A?
You can use tools that go down to a point or 0mm, zero, diameter.
What size is the tool you use for detailed wax cutting?
We recommend the profile tool, 10 degree included angle, .003in tip tool. However you can go smaller if needed. The smaller the tool the slower you must cut your model. This tool is included in the package.
Where do I buy tools after I purchase the machine?
We do not sell the tools. You can buy them direct from our supplier. We include this information in our Jewelry Tools and Materials pdf when you purchase the machine.
What RPM would you use to cut/carve wax?
Our tool manufacture recommends 12000 RPM however customers typically fine tune the cutting to meet there needs so some customers will cut at 8000 rpm and others will cut at 15000 rpm. The software is already setup for you but you can change the rpm. Then MDX-40A Virtual Control Panel will allow you to adjust the RPM while the machine is cutting so you can optimize the RPM for your needs.
Materials
Is the wax the MDX-40A use proprietary?
No the MDX-40A cuts all brands of carving wax.
Can you cast the wax the MDX-40A cuts?
Yes we use standard jewelry carving wax.
Where do I buy wax after I purchase the machine?
We do not sell the wax. You can use any type of machinable wax or jewelers carving wax with the fixture and the machine. You can buy the wax direct from your regular supplier.
But if you want to buy wax in pre-cut sizes that fit the fixture perfectly then we recommend www.machinablewax.com they have blocks cut to size. Click the link above or go to there website then look down the left side for jewelry wax, then select Roland. You need the wax for the Large JWX-30 fixture, it is the same size as our fixture.
How much is the block of wax for the milling machine?
The supplier above sells 6 blocks for $18 dollars so that is $3 a piece. You can buy the wax not cut to size much cheaper.
What size is the block for the jewelry fixture?
The block size is 56mm x 63mm x what ever thickness you need for your design, the supplier above sells the blocks in 11mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25mm thick pieces.
How do you clean the cut wax out of the small holes and details of the model?
We recommend a high pressure spraying device used in the cleaning of screen printing equipment. We have a write up here about this device and other options.
Wax Clean Up and Removal Document
What is the largest diameter rod or tube workpiece that I can use on the MDX-40A with the rotary axis installed?
You can use a workpiece up to 120mm in diameter, however the vice on the rotary will only hold a diameter of 50mm so you will have to attach a round 50mm disk to the side of the larger diameter piece.
What is the largest workpiece size I can use with the MDX-40A with rotary axis unit installed?
270mm long x 120mm wide by 120mm tall, the cuttable range is smaller than this because of the need to hold the workpiece while cutting it.
What is largest workpiece size I can use with the MDX-40A without the rotary axis unit installed?
The MDX-40A can hold a work piece 305mm x 305mm x 123mm (12in x 12in x 4.84in) , however you cannot cut the entire z depth because of the tool extended out of the spindle. We recommend that you plan to cut 76mm (3in) or less, contact us if you need further clarification.
Training
How do I learn to use the machine?
We have created online videos that walk you through the complete process. You can now view the videos right on the main page for the jewelry package.
Click to go to the main page for the MDX-40A Jewelry Package to view training videos. We also have some additonal videos that show you how to setup the machine prior to installing the fixture.
Do you offer any training besides the online training?
Yes we offer onsite training at an additional cost, contact us for a quote. Even though we are highly experienced with 3d jewelry design programs we do not offer training in 3d design.
Warranty Support
What is the warranty on the MDX-40A?
The Roland MDX-40A comes with a factory 1 year warranty. You can purchase additional years of warranty before the first year runs out or at the time of purchase. The warranty covers everything except consumable items, like tools. Here is warranty Terms and Conditions
After I purchase what if I have a question about the machine or need help?
We are available by phone or email during regular business hours to answer questions and we also utilize online meetings so you can see our screen and we can see yours to help you with questions and support. We have a 24/7 answering service so you can usually reach us after hours or on a weekend if needed.
Can you help me even though I did not purchase the machine from Product Development Inc?
Yes we can give you a quote to help you with your machine. It is important to note that customers who purchase equipment from us are our highest priority and always come first. If you would like to buy training and support for your machine we offer tech support and training in
4 hour blocks here.
