About iModela

It’s neat, it’s tiny and it’s very cool but iModela is far more than a great gadget for techno-heads to add to their collection. iModela is a fully featured 3-axis milling machine with all the capability you need to carry out 2D CNC profiling and 3D modelling (Subtractive Rapid Prototyping) from .stl files.

For sure, the iModela is not going to machine steel, but for jewellery work and model makers, its ability to machine plastics and mould materials is every bit as good as its bigger brothers – and it uses the same software. iModela will teach you everything you need to know about machining strategies, toolpaths and post-processsing without the need to be in the machine shop. iModela will happily sit on the desktop next to your PC and make parts without disturbing the whole house, office or classroom.

The massive breakthrough with iModela is, of course, the price. If you occasionally need small-scale prototypes, patterns or moulds then iModela may well provide a cost-effective in-house alternative to outsourcing. There have been attempts to produce a small-scale desk-top milling machine before, but iModela represents a first in terms of commercial availability, design and build quality together with back-up from an internationally renowned company, Roland DG. With a working area of 86mm x 55mm x 26mm and easy to use USB connectivity, the Roland iModela incorporates 25 years of Roland’s proven professional milling technology into an easy to use device.

iModela is guaranteed to fire the imagination with infinite opportunities for creativity. iModela precisely mills 3D shapes, patterns and designs out of wax, foam, wood and plastic commonly used in the craft, jewellery and hobby markets. Model enthusiasts and craft makers will quickly see the potential this opens up for creating accurate components and complex forms with guaranteed repeat accuracy. Because the design is digital, creations can be saved for future use, produced in batches or shared with like-minded enthusiasts via email and the web. iModela opens up a world-wide dimension for sharing and creative collaboration.

iModela is supplied with “iCreate” software which allows you to create simple shapes, holes and patterns with precision straight out of the box. The material to be worked is fastened to iModela’s bed and a rotating cutter then mills out the shape you have created. To do this, iModela needs a set of digital instructions to guide the cutter around the shapes. These are called toolpaths and “iModela Creator” software is included to provide this function. A simple interface provides instructions that make features instantly understandable and is focused on simple operation to ensure that it can be used by anyone. Alternatively, designs can be created in TechSoft 2D Design software which gives unlimited opportunities for engineering design. Output to iModela from 2D Design couldn’t be simpler with its own simple dialog box to set cutting depths and speeds.

3D models can be created using 3D scan data, 3D files from the internet or any mainstream 3D modelling package that will export files in .stl format. “MODELA Player 4” CAM software is used to automatically create the necessary toolpaths iModela needs, this is included with iModela as a free download. Output is simple and includes a realistic preview of the machining operation via “Virtual Modela” software – also included.

The “iModela” package gives you everything you need to turn digital ideas into reality straight from the box. If you’re stuck for ideas to get started, then we’ve even included a few of our own for free download on these pages. Take a look – but we doubt you’ll need them!

If you would like to talk to us, please:

Call us: +44(0) 1745 535007
Email us: sales@techsoft.co.uk