Roland 3D Hobby Milling Machine Review, AnAffordable Production Tool for Craft and Hobby Enthusiasts

With a 3D printer, you can create anything you want by adding multiple layers of material one on top of another and with a 3D mill, you can create anything you want by removing multiple layers of material, one after another. A milling machine is essentially just a fancy, computer-controlled power drill and the drill points down from the ceiling, and it can move in three axes: up and down, side to side, and front to back. The iModela comes with all the cutting tools, software and materials you need to get started, but if you've already been tinkering with ideas, there's also compatibility with other popular CAD software and the Roland iModela iM-01 pictured above is one of the new mini 3D Mill machines which have started to appear, and is priced at around $1000.

Roland DGA Corp. has introduced the iModela hobby milling machine, providing hobbyists with easy and affordable access to 3D milling technology. "iModela is a completely new concept – a digital hobby mill designed to support a range of unique creative pursuits, from miniatures and model railroading to jewelry design and craft projects," said Brian Brooks, product manager for Roland DGA Corp. "The applications for this innovative technology are endless, and we can't wait to see what our customers will produce with it." With iModela, 3D modelers and hobby enthusiasts can easily and accurately create and embellish a wide range of projects by producing 3D shapes, reliefs, textures and patterns from modeling wax, foam, balsa wood and plastic materials. With a milling area of 3.39 inches wide by 2.17 inches in length and 1.02 inches in height, iModela is the perfect tool for small-scale creative projects. Based on 25 years of proven Roland milling technology, iModela is a complete solution with a cutting tool, sample materials and software. To build on this starter kit, Roland offers a variety of optional tools and materials that can be purchased conveniently online. Designed for ease of use, iModela comes equipped with a virtual panel that allows users to operate the machine right from a personal computer. Included with the hobby milling machine is iModela Creator design software, which includes free hand drawing tools for sketching out designs and ideas. Intuitive menus and icons guide the user through the design process. Once designs are completed, they are easy to output on iModela using the included Windows driver. More advanced CAM software is available for download as well at http://icreate.rolanddg.com, allowing users to mill 3D files from other popular CAD applications. To help iModela artists further their creative goals, Roland has established an online iModela community at http://icreate.rolanddg.com. The site serves as a collaborative forum for sharing design ideas, production workflows and technical tips. In addition, users can download free software and sample projects for production on iModela. Priced at $899, iModela can be purchased online at www.rolanddgastore.com, and is available for delivery anywhere throughout North and South America (except Brazil).

Summary:

• Affordable, compact, and easy-to-use platform for exploring creativity
• Precisely mills 3D shapes, patterns and designs out of foam, wax, balsa wood and plastic
• iModela Creator, Roland’s 3D design software, is included, allowing users to mill shapes, holes, textures and patterns right out of the box
• Specially designed spindle motor unit supports a variety of milling tools commonly available at model shops and do-it-yourself (DIY) retailers
• iModela comes fully assembled
• Easy to setup and operate, and is controlled with just a power switch, simple LED display and iModela controller software
• Stores in its own portable carrying case
• iModela online community allows users to share ideas and projects

Features:

The Perfect Addition to Your Hobby or Craft Workshop With iModela, the creative possibilities are endless. iModela features a rotating cutter that precisely mills 3D shapes, patterns and designs in resin materials. With just a power switch, simple LED display and iModela controller software, iModela is easy to setup and operate. A specially designed spindle motor unit supports a variety of milling tools commonly available at model shops and do-it-yourself (DIY) retailers.Its compact design allows iModela to fit right on your desktop and a dedicated carrying case provides for easy storage in between projects.

Boost Your Creativity with iModela Creator Design Software iModela comes complete with its own design software, iModela Creator, allowing you to create and mill shapes, holes, textures and patterns with precision right out of the box. Intuitive menus and icons make design and production easy. With iModela Creator, you can also access drawing tools to sketch out ideas. Then simply load your cutting material into the mill, and iModela does the rest, recreating your design in precise detail. A complete system, iModela and iModela Creator software produce a wide range of items, from charms, pendants and key chains to small figurines and accessories for doll houses and model train sets.

Proven Performance iModela incorporates 25 years of proven Roland milling technology into an easy-to-use device with powerful performance features. MODELA Player 4 CAM software is included, allowing you to produce 3D objects that are downloaded from the Internet, or created in 3D design software.

Join the iModela Community To help iModela artists learn, share and further their creative goals, iModela has its own dedicated website,icreate.rolanddg.com. In addition to complete information on the product, the site discusses design ideas, production workflows and maintenance tips, and also offers free project samples you can download for production on your iModela. Direct links to Facebook and YouTube allow you to share your projects and techniques with other iModela users. The site also features a wide range of optional materials and supplies, which can be purchased conveniently online.

One-Year Warranty Roland milling machines combine unbeatable performance with legendary Roland reliability. As proof, the iModela includes a limited warranty for a period of one year.

Quality Assurance Roland’s international ISO certifications are your assurance of quality products and service. We build reliable, high-performance products and back them up with first-rate customer service and a wide variety of supplies and accessories.

Specifications:

Material that can be cut	Soft material such as resins (conductive materials such as metals and carbons are not supported).
Maximum Milling Area	X, Y, and Z: 3.39 x 2.17 x 1.02 inches (8 x 55 x 26 mm)
Distance from Collet tip to table	Maximum 2.17 inches (55 mm)
Table size	Width x depth: 3.39 x 2.17 inches (86 x 55 mm)
Mountable cutting material weight	0.4 lb (200 g)
X-, Y-, and Z-axis drive system	Stepping motor
Operating speed	X and Y axes: 0.24 to 9.45 inches/min (6 to 240 mm/min)
Software resolution	0.00039 inches/step (0.01 mm/step; RML-1),0.000039 inches/step (0.001 mm/step: NC code)
Mechanical resolution	0.00000732 inches/step (0.000186 mm/step: micro steps)
Spindle motor	iM-01 spindle motor
Interface	USB (compliant with Universal Serial Bus Specification Revision 2.0 Full Speed)
Control command set	RML-1, NC code
Power supply conditions	Dedicated AC adpater	AC 100 to 240 V +/-10%, 50/60 Hz
	Machine	DC 24 V, 0.7 A
Power consumption	Approximately 14 W
Operating noise	During operation: 57dB (A) or less (when not cutting), during standby: 39 dB (A) or less
External dimensions	Width x depth x height: 8.43 x 7.87 x 8.07 inches ( 214 x 200 x 205 mm)
Weight	3.7 lb (1.7 kg)
Installation environment	Operating environment: Temperature of 41 to 95 deg F (5 to 35 deg C), 35 to 80% relative humidity (no condensation) Ambient pollution degree: 2 (as specified by IEC 60664-1)
Included items	Power cord, AC adapter, USB cable, cutting tool (axis diameter: 2.35 mm, Tip of the blade diameter: 1.6 mm), mounting screws (for fixing the cutting tool in place), hexagonal wrench (for fixing the cutting tool in place), spare hooks, replacement spindle motor, blower fan, maintenace grease, cleaning brush, double-sided tape, trial cutting materials, trial scrap plate, flathead screwdriver, Roland Software Package, setting board, and user's manuals
System Requirements
PC	A model preinstalled with the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows® XP, Vista, or 7, or a PC preinstalled with Windows XP