1. Roland MDX-540
Basic 3-Axis Stock Set-Up
The City University of New York
Architectural Technology Dept.

2. 2
Roland- 3 Axis
TURNING ON THE ROLAND MDX-540
CNC MILL
Before turning on the machine:
• Make sure the EMERGENCY STOP
button is in its upright position.
• Turn on the connected PC and log in.
• Turn on the power switch located on the
right side of the front panel; the machine
will begin to initialize.
• Run the “V-Panel” (Virtual Panel)
application from the connected PC.
(Note: the V-Panel shortcut is located on
the on the windows taskbar.)
• On the “Virtual Panel” prompt click
“OK”; On the “Command set Selection”
prompt select “NC-Code” and click
“Set.”
• Press the green ENTER button on the
Roland front panel; the dialogue box will
disappear and the V-Panel application
will initialize.
• The Virtual Panel is now ready to set
the Roland’s “x”, “y”, & “z” origins and
receive programming.
Fig. 1 -1 Initial Prompt Dialogue Fig. 2 -1 Second Prompt Dialogue
Fig. 3 -1 Comand-Set Dialogue Fig. 4 -1 Roland Front Panel

3. 3
Roland- 3 Axis
VIRTUAL PANEL SETUP AND
CONFIGURATION
Select coordinate systems and move spindle to a safe
position.
1. Select the coordinate system drop menu and
set it to “G54.”
2. Click on the “Move Tool” Icon; set the first
drop-down menu to “G54.”
3. Use the blue “Z” arrow that is pointing up
to move the spindle to maximum Z position
(about 3.20”).
Fig. 5 -Virtual Panel “VPanel”
Fig. 6 -1 Tool Movement Dialogue

4. 4
Roland- 3 Axis
Step Five:
Virtual Space to Real Space
Once you have your toolpaths defined it is important
that you check that your 3D model stock in Rhino has
exactly the same dimensions as your actual material
stock. If there are any inconstancies it would result in
a poor final model. Use a ruler or calipers to get the
exact dimensions of your stock.
The biggest stock piece the Roland MDX-540 3 axis
mill can accommodate is 19.0”x15.7”x6.10” anything
larger in any of the dimensions will have to be cut
down to size prior to milling. Keep in mind that using
a stock piece bigger than 16”x16”x4” has to provide
a custom anchoring mechanism. It is recommended
that students use a Standard Roland Pallet System
Roland Pallet
On a standard Roland Pallet the biggest stock piece it
can accommodate is 16”x16”x4” anything bigger will
have to be cut down to size prior to milling.
If your stock is smaller than that of you 3D model
then you would have to adjust your model so that it
fits inside your stock preferably with a .25” margin of
error.
Step Six:
Preparing Roland for 3 Axis Milling
Once you have double checked your dimension you
can now move to placing you stock piece into the
Roland pallet.
Anchoring Bolts Holes
16.00”
16.00”
Fig. 7 -Roland Standard Pallet

5. 5
Roland- 3 Axis
Step Seven:
Setting the Origins
The Y origin has also been set, since it follows the
length of the axis of rotation. It is recommended that
students do not change the Y origin.
The X origin has been also been previously set at the
left-most limit, however this origin can be changed to
accommodate different lengths of material.
The Z origin has to be changed and checked with
every tool change. It must align on the same global XY
plane on which the axis of rotation is located.
To set the Z origin, connect the sensor cable to the
Z-origin sensor.
Load the tool that you want to use.
In the VPanel, click the (Base Point) icon.
Select the coordinate system G54.
Detect (Z Origin) using Z-orign sensor.
Click (Apply).
* Before you perform this procedure, check and
make sure there are no obstructions that will create
any hazard of danger. And that the sensor cable is
connected on both sides.
Attach the sensor cable to the Z-origin sensor. Hit OK
after doing so.
The tool will move first to the top of the Z-origin sensor
and slowly make its way down until it touches off.
Sensor Cable
Z Origin Sensor
Emergency Stop
Material Stock
Anchoring Bolts
Power ON/OFF
Fig. 8 -1 V-Panel Menu- Base Point

6. 6
Roland- 3 Axis
CHANGING THE ENDMILL
Remove and replace the ENDMILL.
1. Open the SPINDLE COVER
2. Use RED WRENCH and SILVER WRENCH to
loosen the NUT while holding the ENDMILL at
its shank to prevent it from dropping.
3. Remove the ENDMILL and unscrew the NUT.
4. Remove the COLLET from the NUT; insert new
COLLET (one that is the corresponding size
with the desired ENDMILL’s shank.)
5. Lightly tighten the NUT and insert the desired
ENDMILL.
6. Support the ENDMILL at its shank with your
fingers to prevent it from dropping as you
tighten the NUT.
7. Close the SPINDLE COVER.
24 mm Wrench
Nut Wrench

7. 7
Roland- 3 Axis
CHANGING THE ENDMILL
Touching Off the ENDMILL
1. Wipe the SENSOR CABLE contact, the
Z-ORIGIN SENSOR (fig. 9), and ENDMILL with
a damp anti-static cloth (fig. 10).
2. Attach the SENSOR CABLE to the Z-ORIGIN
SENSOR. (fig. 12)
3. In V-Panel, open the BASE POINT utility.
4. Select “G54” from the first drop-down menu.
5. Select “Z Origin” from the third drop-down
menu.
6. Make sure loose objects and persons are
clear from the Roland CNC mill and click
“Apply” as indicated.
7. Click “OK” on the prompt and watch the
ENDMILL touch off on the Z-ORIGIN SENSOR.
8. Detach the SENSOR CABLE from the Z-ORIGIN
SENSOR and click “OK” on the prompt.
Fig. 9 -Wipe Z-Origin Sensor Fig. 10 -Wipe Endmill
Fig. 11 -Z-Sensor Prompt Fig. 12 -Sensor Cable
Fig. 13 -1 Set Origin Window

8. 8
Roland- 3 Axis
Fig. 14 -Cut Output Menu
Fig. 15 -Cut Output Menu- Open File
POSTING NC CODE TO MILL
Safety Checklist
1. Verify that origins and selected coordinate
system are correct (refer to pg. 5).
2. Verify that correct ENDMILL is installed
correctly.
3. Verify that USB CABLE connects the ROLAND
to the PC.
4. Verify that your desired NC code file is in the
“MILL” folder located on the PC’s desktop.
5. Put on protective GOGGLES.
BEGIN MILLING
1. Click on the “Cut” icon in the V-Panel
interface.
2. When output window appears, use the red [X]
delete button to clear any previously loaded
files in the post list.
3. Click on the browse for file button and select
your desired nc code file.
4. Click “Output;” keep your cursor near the
“Pause” button in case the machine does not
behave as anticipated.
5. During the milling process you can adjust
speeds, pause, stop movement, stop spindle,
and resume cutting if needed.
6. After milling is finished, the spindle will stop
automatically and move to its home position.
Shut off the machine and CLEAN UP.
Fig. 16 -Clear out Previous Jobs Fig. 17 -Cut dialogue should be blank
Fig. 18 -Locate Your Files