Support Forum

Hello Anode,

You can't open dxf files with Front Panel Designer but you can import such files.

The dxf import has two options. One is only for the contour of the front panel and the other for objects placed on the panel. One of our newsletters describes this more in detail. Newsletter

I hope that helps.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Apr 29, 2013 11:30PM

Hi Diane and many thanks for your reply I appreciate.

I didn't see this import menu :(, I tried to import a Adobe Illustrator 19" front panel but I have any errors.

I will try to understand this errors.

Many thanks to you for your help.

Does Front panel can do a Front view with a Adobe Illustrator file ?

Hope to read you.

Sincerely.

Anode

Posted By: Anodefr on Apr 30, 2013 08:23PM

Hello Anode,

Unfortunately, Front Panel Designer can't read ai files but we can :)

Please don't get frustrated with the import. Our customer service team can help you to get started with your project and do the import for you. Just email your design to info@frontpanelexpress.com.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on May 03, 2013 01:16AM

Thanks Diane you are the best...

Sincerely.

Anode

Posted By: Anodefr on May 03, 2013 12:51PM

Hi,

I'll jump on this thread rather than starting a new one. I'm using FrontDesign for OSX for the first time. I have created a DXF file for a cutout in Illustrator CS5.1 and I get an error trying to import it into FrontDesign. The error is: "Unknown Error: DXF - Spline is non-rational & weighted, Result may have wrong shape." I have tried various settings during the export and import process and can't get it to work. I can send in the ai and dxf if that would be helpful? It's just one closed linear shape, nothing fancy.

Thanks,

Robert

Posted By: anaROBIK on Nov 23, 2013 09:15PM

Of course Robert. Go ahead and send it to me. I am more than happy to have a look and find out what the problem is.

You can send the file(s) to info@frontpanelexpress.com (my attention) or directly to my email given in my profile.

Kind regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Nov 26, 2013 12:08AM

Hello,

A thru hole is a thru hole no matter what is grayed out. However, I'm with you. It would make me nervous as well.

This dialog window remembers your last settings. For instance, check "blind hole". This will make "depth" available. Now enter 0 and uncheck "blind hole". Close the dialog and reopen it. You see the depth is now 0.

It can be very handy to have the last settings remembered instead of set back to default. A grayed out box has no impact, always go with the preview.

I hope this makes sense.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Apr 24, 2013 07:27PM

Thank you Diane. Your response was quite clear and helpful.

Regards,

Kurt

Posted By: kschelkle on Apr 25, 2013 04:17PM

Hello,

There might be an issue with the processing of your data during the import. I would need to see the file to find out what is wrong. Can you please email it to me at info@frontpanelexpress.com?

I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Apr 24, 2013 07:30PM

Hello,

The chromated finish is always on the back of the part (if not requested otherwise.) The chromated side is conductive, making it suitable for EMC applications.

I don't see a problem with bending it since it is on the back. However, the anodization on the front will crack most likely. We can send you some material samples if you like.

And there is always the possibility of machining customer supplied material. You can buy off-the-shelf u-shaped parts from many suppliers for reasonable money and have us do the machining. Just a thought.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Apr 24, 2013 08:08PM

We are looking for an alternative to in house services in my group. I am wondering then if, as it sounds above if you can provide a panel anodized on front and chromated on back and infilled engraving on both sides.

Posted By: Robert Mueller on Jul 08, 2016 10:10PM

Hi Robert,

Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry and we are happy that you reached out to us as a possible new supplier for your group.

We offer anodized material as well as anodized material with chromated backsides that you can get engravings infilled on both sides as well. One thing we should mention is that we cannot guarantee a totally scratch free backside due to our production process and material handling so slight surface scratches might exist on the backside. Just download our free Front Panel Designer software to design your panels and let us know if you need any design assistance.

Please don't hesitate to contact our customer service in case you have more questions.

Kind regards,
Fabian

Posted By: Fabian on Jul 09, 2016 02:13AM

Hello,

You can design it with separate engraving lines or you can prepare all engravings in a graphic program such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw and import it as a plt file.

Here are some tips on engraving imports.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Mar 22, 2013 06:06PM

Thanks for the prompt reply, Diane.

I think it'll be faster to just use separate engraving lines, add text and then group everything together.

Trouble starts when you have to resize the box. :D

Posted By: S_Prime on Mar 22, 2013 08:00PM

Hello,

here is a link to an old post. It has combined parts as well.

Just give the L-shaped parts enough stability to not collapse during milling. I recommend a short "connector" of 10mm length all 120mm along the perimeter.

Best regards,

Diane

Posted By: DianeHaensel on Mar 19, 2013 02:04AM