Studio 57F1 is a specialist product design and modelmaking company. Handmaking highly detailed models from sketches is one of Studio 57F1’s specialties, and its work includes chocolates for major food manufacturers as well as the Boonie beer figurine.
Studio 57F1 has previously been using a Roland CAMM-3 and PIX-3 to support its modelmaking activities by scanning hand sculptured objects or existing products and resizing them to the required production size. All the work was done without having to use CAD programmes.
Studio 57F1 saw the potential of the recent 3D CAD programmes and 3D laser scanners to improve its productivity. From Studio 57F1’s previous experiences with Roland equipment, Studio 57F1 knew its productivity could be greatly improved and the training required would be minimal.
After reviewing the Roland product range, Studio 57F1 invested in a Roland MDX650 CNC mill and LPX600 3D laser scanner. Studio 57F1 chose Roland products because Studio 57F1’s existing CNC mill and scanner had provided it with years of reliable service. Complementing the new Roland products are Solidworks and Rhinoceros 3D CAD programmes.
The Roland MDX650 with rotary axis attachments and automatic tool changer allows Studio 57F1 to cut complex objects unattended from multiple sides. The LPX600 laser scanner allows more complex objects to be scanned in a shorter amount of time compared to the PIX3 touch probe scanner.
Roland reseller Qubic provided the installation and training. Within a day, Studio 57F1 was scanning and cutting. Qubic’s installation and support has been an integral part of the success of the investment.
The new tools are providing rapid turnaround times for Studio 57F1, while maintaining accuracy. Chocolate designs are hand sculpted, 3D laser scanned, then analysed in 3D CAD packages to determine their volume. Within seconds, adjustments are made to achieve the exact volume required and the re-sized design is then ready for client approval. Studio 57F1 can now machine multicavity tools particularly for casting resin parts and vac forming with greater accuracy and shorter turnaround times.