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Can cutouts, which are created by milling, also be sent?

The cutout can also be sent, if required. Please make a note to this effect in the “Comments for production” section of the front panel properties. When considering the size of the cutout, however, the plunge path of the milling cutter with a width of approx. 10 mm should also be calculated (see picture), meaning that the cutouts are not suitable as e.g. drive shutters.

 

 

 

 

Can you also produce front panels with a thickness greater than 4 mm?

Yes. There are, however, a few limitations:

• Available material: Raw or natural anodized aluminum in 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm thicknesses


• Usable tools: Not every thread can be tapped at any depth, and not every hole or every cutout is possible at any thickness.

For example, it is not possible to mill a corner radius of 0.5 mm with the 1 mm milling cutter on panels with a thickness of more than 4 mm.

If there are modifications from our side necessary, the front panel will be more expensive as calculated by Front Panel Designer. Therefore, we will send you the final price calculation for your approval before the order gets processed.

Is it possible to manufacture brass front panels?

We can manufacture front panels on brass material provided by our customers. Please keep in mind that the surface of brass is softer than the surface of anodized aluminum. Therefore, it is possible that scratches may occur during manufacturing. Likewise, brass alloys vary and this can impact the crispness of engraved objects on brass material.

How can I create a cutout for a display window?

In order to do this a so-called “rectangle in a rectangle” cavity will have to be milled into the front panel.The “rectangle in a rectangle” cavity is comparable with a frame around a cutout. Our Tip: allow the cavity to overlap the cutout or the acrylic panel edge a little. This ensures there will be no unattractive burr. An acrylic plate is milled as a “counterpart”.

More details are available in the demo file: cut-out.fpd

More details are available in the demo file: acrylic-display.fpd

How can corners be milled off cleanly?

There are different possibilities. First of all, radii for each corner can be input in the panel properties (front panel properties dialog box). Secondly, it is possible to position a rectangular hole (or other objects) directly over the corner. In order to keep corners sharp-edged, the elements should overlap the panel  by radius (see diagram).

 

 

 

 

Is it possible to apply a beveled edge on a panel?

Yes. A 45 degree bevel can be applied to any panels outer edge or interior cutouts. 45 degree bevels can be applied up to a depth of 5mm. Any interior cutouts can have a 45 degree bevel applied at the full panel thickness. 45 degree bevels applied to the outer edge can be set to a depth 0.5mm short of the full panel thickness.

Bevels can be ordered by leaving a note in the 'Remark Box' of the panel properties (please specify depth). Before we process your order we will confirm additional charges.

Do you have enclosures?

In order to create enclosures, we offer two different types of profiles: 

Side Profile and Housing Profile

The side profiles form two complete sides of the housing and include grooves for inserting boards. The height of the housing is, however, fixed by the side profiles. The depth and width can be freely determined.

The housing profiles each form four edges of the housing. Thus, housings can be designed where all three dimensions can be freely chosen.

We offer a detailed description of how to design a housing with Front Panel Designer.

What are the dimensions of the housing/side profiles?

You can find dimensioned drawings of the profiles here.

Can you also process steel?

No, unfortunately not. Our machines are optimized for processing aluminum. Our high performance spindles cannot absorb the cutting force required for steel.

Can I send you a pre-fabricated panel for further processing?

Yes, you certainly can. Please select the option “Use customer’s material” in the “Front Panel Properties” menu in the relevant .fpd file. The correct price will then be calculated.

Can I send you a drawing and you design it with Front Panel Designer?

In cases you may not want to design your front panels or to convert existing drawings into Front Panel Designer format, we offer a design service.

Send us your CAD program file or your dimensioned drawing and we convert into manufacturable FPD files. We charge $80 per working hour for our design service.

Please provide following files and information if you send us your drawings:

• Recommended CAD program files: DXF and DWG
• Please specify the material and dimensions not only for different front panel features but also where required for engravings.

 

 

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Is it possible to have free outside contours?

Yes, free outside contours can be inserted by inserting objects (e.g. curved slots or rectangular holes) along the edge of the panel. If the size of the cut away area increases in relation to the actual panel, then a program adjustment with costs must be made by us (on average $15 – $45).

How are complex contours for cutouts created?

Complex contours for cutouts can be created, on the one hand, by combining various standard objects. In this way, you would build yourself a macro object. If this is not possible using standard objects, we provide a service of creating the contour according to your drawing. In this case, we would create a library object. If the object we create is a standard shape, which could also be useful for other customers, there is no charge for the creation of the library object.

Which export filters are available?

We offer a filter to export Front Panel Designer files into files with DXF extensions.

The DXF export filter can be purchased for $148.00 by email from order@frontpanelexpress.com or with the ordering program in Front Panel Designer.

How can I insert 19” holes?

19” holes can be inserted in Front Panel Designer under the menu item Insert -> System holes.

How can I reset the origin?

The zero point is marked on a front panel with a blue cross. In order to move this point, you need to select the option “Set origin” in the “View” menu, or press the “N” key. There are then several ways to move the origin:

• Through clicking the mouse


• By inserting direct coordinates after pressing the “M” key


• By pressing a key in the numeric key pad. Here, you should picture the key pad as a representation of your front panel. By pressing a key, the zero point is placed in the corresponding corner. For example: The “9” key moves the zero point to the upper right-hand corner and the “5” key to the center of the panel.

How do I create a round scale?

There are two ways of creating scales:

• Create it in another program, e.g. CorelDraw or Scale Generator, and import it into Front Panel Designer as an HPGL file. This method has the advantage that you can use the manifold possibilities of the graphic program.


• With Front Panel Designer:
  First of all, set one axis of your scale. For ease, we suggest a line that is either horizontal or vertical. You can then add your lettering. Experience has shown that the lettering should be centered. Now mark both objects with the mouse and press the right mouse button, click on “move/rotate” and under “Action,” select the option “Rotate.” Directly under this, select the option “Apply action to copy.” You can enter the center of rotation under absolute x, y (i.e. the position of a thru-hole with a rotary switch) and the angle of rotation on the bottom right of the menu. The scale can now be completed by using the function “Repeat” in the “Process” menu.
  
  Using this method, the lettering will be slanted. This can be adjusted by marking the lettering, pressing the right mouse-button and setting the angle of rotation to 0 degrees under “Properties.” You can then also change the lettering (numerical values, etc.).

Can I create my own library objects?

No, unfortunately not. Library objects are there to offer shapes that cannot be represented by Front Panel Designer elements. The main reason that you cannot create your own library objects is that a milling program must exist for each element. A “free” library object would require us to create a milling program from an arbitrary contour. This is not currently possible, but we plan to put it into practice at a future date.

If you are able to create your required object through the alignment of standard objects, then you can save it as a macro element. Alternatively, you may contact us and we will create the required object for you. If this is a standard opening which could be of use for other customers, we would be glad to provide the service free of charge.

How can I create a macro element?

A macro element is a grouping of standard objects that you regularly place on your front panels. In order to create a macro element, first you need to align your standard objects on a front panel. Then, mark all of the objects and turn them into a group by selecting “Group” in the “Selection” menu. When you process the properties of this group, you can fix the reference point of the group. You can, for example, adopt the reference point of one object from the group. This can simplify placing the macro element in the future. If you now mark the group, you can select “create macro element” from the “Selection” menu and create a macro element. Following this selection, a dialog box opens in which you can enter a file name and a name for the macro element. You will find further information in the Help menu for this dialog box.

Can the reverse side of a front panel be processed?

Yes, this is possible. You can add cavities, countersinks and blind holes on the reverse side of a panel. Therefore, activate the function “Place on reverse side” under the object property. The object will be shown cross hatched.

How can I add a special symbol such as the CE character?

There is a “Front Panel - character table” directory in the installation directory of Front Panel Designer. In this directory, you will find a file named “DIN17.fpd” which lists all DIN17 characters and special characters. The CE character can also be found here.

This file also includes instructions on how to insert special characters. If you cannot find a particular special character in the character set, you may still place it through the HPGL-Import.

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Can I pick up my order?

Yes. Simply select SELFCOLLECTION at checkout. You are informed by telephone when your order is complete. Completed orders can be collected from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Payment may be made in advance or when collecting the order.

How can I order the DXF export filter?

The DXF export filter can be ordered by email from order@frontpanelexpress.com or with the ordering program in Front Panel Designer. The filter can be shipped by email or on CD.