We recently installed our new Roland DGA MDA 540 4-axis prototype milling machine. This incredible machine can take a chunk of just about anything that's solid and convert it into a part. It loves lexan, plastic, wood, and aluminum.
I happen to be working on many new avionics designs (to be introduced at Sun N Fun) and, as part of that project, I needed to turn a new bezel concept from idea to reality in less than 24 hours.
The new machine performed wonderfully, turning a solid block of Lexan into a bezel. Here's a photo of the machined Lexan block:
After cutting the part out and painting it, the new bezel design looks like this:
The conversation with the SolidWorks designer started at 9:00am, the new part was out of the machine by 7:00pm. (The joys of being in a small, nimble company with good design tools and equipment available!)
We've also purchased a ShopBot CNC router for large flat pieces. New computer equipment and software (EG SolidWorks) complete the company upgrades. The ShopBot isn't running yet, but will be in the near future.
