Support Forum
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Engraving on User Panel With 2.5mm Edge?
Good Day,
I have a panel (steel) which has a 2.5mm lip on the top and bottom running the length of the panel. Is it possible to do any engraving on this panel, or does the lip keep the tools from correctly reaching the panels? (as in: do I really need to use a flat panel?)
Many thanks!
Brian
Posted By: bhjazz on May 07, 2013 05:24AM Category: Production
Hello Brian,
Look at this thread. Panels with lips are no problem at all. We can mill on almost any part as long as it can be held on our machines.
However, steel is a problem. The spindles of our machines can only handle non-ferrous material like aluminum, brass, copper, etc.
Best regards,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on May 07, 2013 06:14PM
ReplyThanks for the information, Diane. I appreciate it. I'll get with my client and suggest aluminum as a replacement.
Have a great day!
Brian
Posted By: bhjazz on May 08, 2013 06:14AM
Reply -
Insert free contour as svg
Great software! Thanks You!
I work with MacOSX
Your Insert free contour is a great feature , but I have problems getting dxf files from my other cad programs on MacOsx.
You support export of SVG and dxf so its great to connect to additional programs.
Could it be possible for You to add the ability to import "svg" files as well at the contour part not only dxf. This might be much easier than support eps files for Mac.
That would help me a lot to make more Macro Parts much faster with other Cad Programs. I use "TouchDraw" now.
Thank You again!
Posted By: Ohgo_Ohgo on May 04, 2013 07:18PM Category: Whishes
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. I am glad Front Panel Designer works well for you.
I forwarded your suggestion to our IT department. Thank you again for taking the time and helping us making Front Panel Designer better.
Best regards,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on May 07, 2013 06:28PM
Reply -
Adobe Illustrator Mac OSX export for FrontDesign
Hi All
I have a front view I made with Adobe Illustrator MAC OSX (CS5 15.1.0) and I would to import it for order to Front panel express, but it doesn't works or I don't know I do that.
I try to open my dxf or dwg with frontdesign but it told me this is not a front panel !! somebody tell me if this the good condition or if I make a mistake.
Hope to read you and have your help.
anodefr@free.fr
Sincerely
Anode
Posted By: Anodefr on Apr 27, 2013 06:28PM Category: Front Panel Designer
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
ReplyHi 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
ReplyHello 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
ReplyHi,
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
ReplyOf 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
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Thru holes
When I enetr a thru hole, regardless of size, the depth dialog sub-box is grayed out with a 1.27 depth dimension. So while the pictorial cleary shows that I am creating a thru hole, this does leave me with a bit of angst. Especially as I am a new user. Would perhaps be nice, for clarity and completesness, if the "insert drill hole" clearly specified "thru hole" per selection.
Posted By: kschelkle on Apr 24, 2013 01:58AM Category: Front Panel Designer
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
ReplyThank you Diane. Your response was quite clear and helpful.
Regards,
Kurt
Posted By: kschelkle on Apr 25, 2013 04:17PM
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dxf/plt import
Hello,
Import logo as dxf or plt files to engrave it, however it doesn't appear in preview window.
What is wrong?
Posted By: victors on Apr 23, 2013 06:34PM Category: Front Panel Designer
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
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Bending Chromated Panel
Doing an amplifier chassis out of 2.5mm anodized/chromated stock and want to make it a "U" shaped piece with bends for the front and back panels. I know chromium is brittle - how about the coating you use?
Looking at a rounded 90 at the rear and a sloped panel up front.
Also wondering about milling the inside thickness down at the bend points? I've done it with a carbide flat bit in a router with many many passes just shaving the metal, but wondering if there's a better way. I figure around a quarter inch wide and half the thickness the full width of the chassis plate should make it possible to clamp the panel and bend it by hand.
Posted By: sKiZoo on Apr 22, 2013 05:27AM Category: Production
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
ReplyWe 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
ReplyHi 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,
FabianPosted By: Fabian on Jul 09, 2016 02:13AM
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