ModelA

Modela is a brand name used by Roland DGA to designate a family of compact desktop CNC milling machines and related software. Introduced in the late 1990s, the Modela line is oriented toward small‑scale subtractive fabrication for education, prototyping, jewelry design, and other hobbyist or light professional applications.

The machines are three‑axis mills designed to work with materials such as wax, resin, wood, and plastics. Variants in the line differ in working area and motor power, but generally share a common control interface and workflow. They are commonly used to produce models for jewelry casts, dental planning, sculpture studies, and rapid product prototypes.

Software and operation: Roland’s Modela software ecosystem provides machine control, while computer‑aided manufacturing (CAM) programs generate the toolpaths that drive the cutter. The devices typically use standard end mills and require a stable hold-down method, such as fixtures or vacuum to secure workpieces during milling.

Role and limitations: Modela systems are valued for their affordability, compact size, and ease of use, making them popular in classrooms, studios, and small design shops. They offer lower throughput and material flexibility compared with larger industrial CNC mills and are best suited for non‑ferrous materials and prototyping work. Achieving precise results depends on proper calibration, appropriate tooling, and safe operating practices.