School of Architecture Embraces Roland MDX-540 Milling Machines

LONDON, U.K. – Students at the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in Central London are using two Roland DG MDX-540 milling machines to produce scale models of design concepts at the school’s state-of-the-art digital prototyping lab. The AA is Britain’s oldest and most prestigious school of architecture and is internationally renowned for its progressive thinking and support for new technology. Models produced using the MDX-540s include urban design proposals, landscapes and building components.

The AA offers undergraduate, graduate and master degrees, and the models produced by students using the MDX-540s are critical elements of their studies. According to Jeroen van Ameijde, head of digital prototyping at the AA, the MDX-540’s robust construction makes it ideal for withstanding the rigors of daily use by enthusiastic students. “They are the most reliable machines in the lab and, with some students depending on them to produce models in time for graduation, they have to be. Each machine is used to produce between two and four models a day – sometimes being left to operate overnight - and the machines have never let us down. The build quality is obvious when handling and operating the MDX-540. Features such as a pressure switch, which pauses the machine if it senses that the milling speed is too high for the density of the material, provide extra protection from accidental damage.”

Students using the MDX-540 at the AA are typically milling models out of high-density foam or polyurethane modelling board, which is durable enough to ensure the models aren’t easily damaged but can be milled at high speed by the MDX-540. The school uses its MDX-540s in conjunction with Rhino3D design software, and uses ArtCam Pro and Mayka software to create tool paths.

One of two Roland MDX-540 milling machines used by students at the Architectural Association School in London

The AA first opened its digital prototyping lab in summer 2007, investing in its first MDX-540 along with two laser-cutting machines and a 3D printer, and incorporating the existing larger 1200x1200 CNC machine. Before opening the lab, the students were forced to outsource their modelling requirements. According to Mr. Van Ameijde, the investment in a second MDX-540 has significantly improved prototyping efficiency at the school: “Having the second MDX-540 means we have been able to move production of the relatively smaller, highly intricate models off of the larger CNC machine completely, which is cumbersome and slow in comparison to the Roland DG milling machines. We were so impressed with the first MDX-540 that it was an easy decision to invest in the second a year later.”

The experimental and creative nature of the prototyping work produced by students means that there is huge variation in the work carried out by the machines. Mr. Van Ameijde says that the MDX-540’s versatility and ease of use has made it popular with the students and the staff. “Every model we develop is unique and the precision of the MDX-540s unlocks many new possibilities for us. Custom settings are often required and these are easily input, making the MDX-540 suitable for experienced professionals and novices alike.

“The reliability of the machines and the fact that they require practically zero maintenance has meant they have integrated well into an educational environment and they’re a valuable resource for the school. The technology present in the MDX-540 and the techniques in its operation are similar to those used in the construction industry and we are currently experimenting with casting and vacuumforming technologies using molds milled on the MDX-540,” concludes Mr. Van Ameijde.