Techsoft TS-30 vs Roland MDX-40A - What’s the Real Difference?

Hi all,

Just joined. I have obtained an ex-school Techsoft TS-30 machine which I am looking to get up and running.

I have installed Windows 7 on an older laptop I had and managed to get the drivers sorted to run the machine and have the Roland branded software also installed although I’ve never used any of them.

As a current teacher I am used to running Techsoft’s own ‘2D Design’ software so will purchase that and install as an individual as it will output straight from that software.

I see lots of talk of the Roland MDX-40A being ‘better’ but cannot find out the differences or how I can upgrade mine to this. Is it just a firmware change or do parts need upgrading?


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Hi @Littleduck,

Welcome to the community, and thanks for joining us!

Sounds like you’re off to a great start getting your TS-30 up and running, good call on using 2D Design if you’re already familiar with it, always makes life easier sticking with a known workflow, especially for output. Sounds like you’ve got the right setup coming together with the drivers and Roland software installed.

As for the Roland MDX-40A vs. the TS-30, you're not the first to wonder about the differences. They are quite different under the hood, the MDX-40A is a true 3D milling machine with an entirely different controller, spindle, and motion system. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be achieved through a firmware update or a simple mod, it would essentially mean replacing the whole machine. That said, the TS-30 is still a capable unit for 2D and light 2.5D work, especially in a school or workshop setting?

Feel free to post any pics of your setup or questions as you go, there’s plenty of folk here with hands-on experience who’ll be happy to chime in.

Also, be sure to have a browse around the other sub forums, there's a ton of great info tucked away, and you're welcome to post any questions in the relevant sections. That’s what the forum’s here for :thumsup:

Thanks Lee, is there a particular section to post about the TS-30 in? I’ll have access to a Boxford T220i CNC lathe and a Boxford 190VMCi when I start my new job in September too!


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Hi @Littleduck,

You can pop your TS-30 posts in the Milling Machines, Builds & Conversions section for now, that’ll be the best fit until we have something more specific.

And thanks for pointing it out, you’re right, we don’t currently have a dedicated Techsoft / Roland section, so I’ll add that to the to-do list for future forum updates.

Sounds like you’ve got some fun ahead with the Boxford kit in September too! Be sure to share some pics and project updates once you get going, I’m sure plenty of members will be interested to follow along.