Support Forum
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L shaped panel option
it would be great if there was an option for L shaped panels that allowed for easy design including radius and reverse radius corners without using cutouts and curved slots.
Posted By: Craig Winnerman on Aug 05, 2009 10:47PM Category: Whishes
This is already implemented in the next version of Front Panel Designer.
The release date is not final yet but should be finalized soon. Please check back on our website for news.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Aug 10, 2009 06:56AM
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Dashed outline option
it would be great if there was a, for lack of better terms, a dashed line option. This way you could mark the actual opening of the cutout beneath the panel that it would be covering like on a dash panel and allow for proper overhang for mounting. The dashed line would only be used for design purposes and give the designer easy reference to true dimensions they have to work with.
Posted By: Craig Winnerman on Aug 05, 2009 10:46PM Category: Whishes
Wouldn't it be even better to have a more complex library for all kinds of standard connectors with such a dashed line option?
I'll let our software developers know. Thank you for your suggestion.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Aug 10, 2009 07:05AM
ReplyI think what Craig Winnerman is asking for is a "Construction Layer". I have used this many times in other drawing packages. It is very helpful when you need to represent a mating part (for fit, etc), but don't want the construction layer actually fabricated.
Posted By: DAVE DAVIS on Dec 14, 2009 11:47PM
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ruler option
it would be great if there were to ruler functions. One being a ruler along the X and Y that you could select to view and set to decimal, milimeter or fractions.
Another would me a measuring function from one point to another. Example-select ruler, click on one point and pull to other point and click. It would give measurement of distance in decimal, milimeter or fraction between the 2 points.
Posted By: Craig Winnerman on Aug 05, 2009 10:41PM Category: Whishes
Thank you for your suggestion. We will definitively take the ruler in consideration for future Front Panel Designer versions.
The next version will have the option to make positioning easier by offering a snap tool. It is also planned to enter the distance between two objects by using the snap feature.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Aug 10, 2009 06:46AM
ReplyFPD really needs this feature, particularly a way to set the distance between two objects.
You said "The next version will have the option to make positioning easier by offering a snap tool. It is also planned to enter the distance between two objects by using the snap feature."
A new version (4.21) has recently been released and I still don't see this feature. When do you plan to add it?
Posted By: edward on Jun 20, 2013 03:42AM
ReplyI am sorry that the ruler didn't make it in the last release. Definitely our oversight. It is back on the to-do list.
If it helps in any way, you can place the origin with the snap function on any object you like. Then select the related object and read/change x and y in the 'object property window'
Kind regards,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Jun 25, 2013 02:00AM
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Duplex outlet macro objects?
Does any one have macro objects for duplex electrical outlets? I'm building a power conditioner and would like to attach the outlets directly to the front pannel (with three screws each).
Thanks in advance,
Patrick
Posted By: Patrick Kopson on Jun 26, 2009 07:50PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Hi Patrick,
Which one do you need, square or oval?
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jun 28, 2009 10:34PM
ReplyI need the oval.
Do you also know the position of the holes normally used to mount the outlet to the elctrical box, relative to the hole normally used to attache the cover-plate?
Thank you!
Posted By: Patrick Kopson on Jun 29, 2009 08:34PM
ReplyHi Patrick,
An example of an fpd design of the oval outlet cutouts.
Hole positions of the oval outlet
Posted By: Leland Savage on Jun 30, 2009 11:25PM
ReplyHi, I plan to mount a square outlet to a panel. Do you have a .fpd and could you explain if this includes a why to mount a single gang electrical box to the rear of the panel? Thanks! -O
Posted By: Bridge on Nov 28, 2014 06:02AM
ReplyHello,
I don't have a fpd file for the square outlet handy but the dimensions are in the post above.
You would need to add the mounting holes for the single gang electrical box to your panel (dimensions are shown here.)
Let me know if you need any assistance with positioning the cutouts and mounting holes.
Kind regards,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Dec 02, 2014 10:55PM
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.033" hole possible?
I have some light pipes with diameter .033" (.84mm), and a .064" (1.63mm) counterbore. The minimum hole diameter in FPD seems to be .040". Is it possible to do smaller holes? Center tolerance is nearly irrelevant, but diameter should be +/- .003" if possible.
Also, what is the practical limit to the density of holes that can be drilled in the 4mm aluminum material? Is there any problem having holes on a .1" grid? I know I can easily get 100 holes per square inch on a printed circuit board, but I've never had to deal with metalworking before.
Thanks,
Jeff
Posted By: Jeff Baker on Jun 20, 2009 01:48AM Category: Production
Hi Jeff,
The diameter of our smallest standard tool is 1mm (.039"). However, .033" is possible to machine with an accurate center tolerance but not to design in Front Panel Designer. Please let us know in the 'Remarks For Production' field that you need a smaller diameter for certain holes and we would make the changes accordingly. The turnaround may take a few days longer since the smaller tools are no stock items.
Holes on a grid are no problem. Using your example of .064" for the counterbore and a grid of .1" leaves enough distance between each hole to keep the panel rigid.
Design tip for holes on a grid: Use 'Crtl + R' after you have copied the first hole to the next position. It will repeat your last action.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jun 23, 2009 03:31AM
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Perspex Application
I have an application where the perspex material might make sense.
It is a build-to-print job that has a 17"x10" panel with test points, switches, etc and significant labeling.
It is a rush job.
I am thinking of using FrontPanelExpress to make a clear perspex overlay.
That way I can cut the holes, make the labels and then mirror image the whole thing to put the engraving on the reverse side.
Then use Spray Adhesive to adhere the label sheet to the panel.
I suspect this is a typical application for FrontPanelExpress. However, I would like confirmation in case I am missing something.
I also have some questions...
1. Do you have a recommended adhesive?
2. Is there a reason that a 16.5"x9.5" can't be 2mm thin?
(Front Panel Designer would let me do it)
Thank you in advance.
Posted By: David Petticord on Jun 10, 2009 03:26AM Category: Production
If you would like to mirror your image make sure you X-scaling is set at -1 and select the option to place on the reverse side
1. Some possible adhesives you may want to look into is 3m80 and 3m77.
2. The reason why the 16.5"x9.5" cant be to thin is because of stability deformation. Ideally 3mm more suitable for your application.
Posted By: Leland Savage on Jun 12, 2009 08:50PM
ReplyIf you would like to mirror your image make sure you X-scaling is set at -1 and select the option to place on the reverse side
1. Some possible adhesives you may want to look into is 3m80 and 3m77.
2. The reason why the 16.5"x9.5" cant be to thin is because of stability deformation. Ideally 3mm more suitable for your application.
Posted By: Leland Savage on Jun 12, 2009 08:58PM
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