The DATRON MLCube has long been a go-to solution for machining large parts, or efficiently nesting smaller ones, thanks to its generous 60” x 40” machining area and compact footprint. Designed primarily for flat sheet machining, the MLCube has been one of DATRON’s most successful machines.
However, as production demands increased, certain limitations became clear, particularly when machining parts that produced high chip volumes or required heavy sheet loading. These challenges inspired DATRON’s R&D team to design a more industrial solution. In the summer of 2022, that vision became a project: the creation of the MLCube Pro.
A Familiar Foundation, Built for Industry
While the MLCube Pro uses the same motors, guideways, and basic structural elements as the MLCube, it adds several technical enhancements for industrial use. Notably, the MLCube Pro includes X and Y linear scales as standard, which provide greater machining accuracy compared to the original MLCube.
The most significant technical upgrade is the redesigned machine enclosure. Unlike the MLCube, the MLCube Pro enclosure is re-engineered specifically for automation compatibility, advanced chip management, and improved operator ergonomics.
Key Design Improvements
To meet the needs of industrial production environments, DATRON focused on six key upgrades:
- Automated chip evacuation system for efficient debris removal
- Top crane loading capability for heavy sheet materials
- Automation-ready automatic door
- Improved ergonomic design for operator comfort and safety
- Laminated glass viewing window for long-term clarity and protection
- Expanded tool capacity to support continuous production
Smarter Chip Management
Large-format jobs—like machining a 60” x 40” x 1” aluminum sheet—generate enormous amounts of chips. Drawing on lessons from the MxCube development, DATRON implemented new chip evacuation strategies in the MLCube Pro’s design.
Integrated nozzles blow chips away from guide rails and direct them below the table, where a motorized conveyor removes debris from the machine.
DATRON’s ethanol-based cooling keeps chips dry, eliminating sticky residue for a cleaner, low-maintenance chip management system.
Easy Top Loading for Heavy Material
A 40” x 30” x 1” aluminum plate weighs roughly 235 pounds—far too heavy to load by hand through a front door. Rather than requiring a custom handling system, DATRON designed the MLCube Pro for overhead crane loading.
When the automatic front door and roof panel open together, full top access enables easy crane loading. When closed, the operator is protected, while standard front loading remains ergonomic for smaller parts.
Automation-Ready Door Design
To make the MLCube Pro compatible with robotic work cells, DATRON engineered an automatic dual-door system. Each door slides along servo-driven rails within the machine footprint—opening or closing via a program command or button press.
This lets operators access the work area fully, while keeping door movement contained and eliminating manual handling for improved safety and workflow.
Improved Ergonomics and Operator Experience
Due to the MLCube Pro’s large work area, DATRON has incorporated a built-in step that allows operators to safely reach the back of the table. The touchscreen control panel is now mounted on a mobile pedestal, giving operators flexibility to position it where it best fits their workflow.
These ergonomic updates make the MLCube Pro easier and safer to operate during long production runs.
Clearer, Safer Viewing
Borrowing from the MxCube, the MLCube Pro features a laminated glass window with an inner polycarbonate safety layer. This construction prevents hazing or frosting from chip impact while ensuring maximum operator protection, even if a tool or part were to eject during machining.
Tool Capacity and Performance
To support continuous production, the MLCube Pro comes standard with DATRON’s Tool Assist System. This external storage system holds 60 or 143 HSK tools, keeping them outside the machining area to preserve the machine’s full 60” x 40” working envelope.
The MLCube Pro offers a 3 kW or 4 kW spindle, both with HSK 25 collets. It can also handle workpieces up to 80” x 60”, making it ideal for large-format, high-precision machining.
Options and Compatibility
Nearly all standard MLCube options are available for the MLCube Pro, including:
The main differences are structural. The MLCube Pro comes with a full polymeric concrete table, so the open-front option and 4th/5th-axis trunnion (available on the MLCube) are not compatible. However, the standard 4th rotary axis remains an option.
Launch and Legacy
In April 2023, DATRON unveiled the MLCube Pro at their Tech Day event in Traisa, Germany. The launch showcased DATRON’s continued commitment to innovation in high-speed, large-format machining.
With the MLCube Pro, DATRON now delivers a true industrial solution for high-volume, precision production of large workpieces—combining proven MLCube performance with new automation-ready, heavy-duty capability.
Upgrade to industrial-grade performance. Contact DATRON to get started!
