Support Forum

offers off-the-shelf enclosures made out of aluminum.

A lot of our customers send us these panels for further processing.

Even if we can't offer to do the bending for you, machining such provided panels is not a problem at all.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Mar 28, 2009 05:25PM

offers off-the-shelf enclosures made out of aluminum.

A lot of our customers send us these panels for further processing.

Even if we can't offer to do the bending for you, machining such provided panels is not a problem at all.

Thanks! I just ordered a 3U/14" box to try out, and it seems like a very nice box. The company's website needs work, but the box is solid. I like that all the screws go into pem nuts, and not just into bare sheet metal.

I assembled it today, and it seems much more robust than other boxes we've used in the past. Now I just need a project so I can try it out with FPE :)

Posted By: Steven Kan on Sep 11, 2009 02:07AM

I was really confused, and this answered all my queistons.

Posted By: Lottie on May 21, 2016 08:46AM

We know that there is a high demand for a dxf import in Front Panel Designer and our software developers are already working on it.

Future versions will have an option for importing complex contours that can't be done with our current software.

However, using a "layer" for visual comparison is already possible. It is not what it is intended for but a hpgl import can be very handy for that.

The dxf file needs to be converted in a plt file that can be brought into Front Panel Designer. It shows you the rendering of your dxf design and allows you a visual comparison to Front Panel Designer's objects.

I can post an example here in case you are interested in the details of how it works.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Mar 28, 2009 08:06PM

I can post an example here in case you are interested in the details of how it works.

Yes, please!

Posted By: Steven Kan on Jun 26, 2009 08:25PM

I created some files to show how it works: dxf-hpgl_example.zip

1. a dxf file (the contour) that I want to bring in Front Panel Designer

2. a hpgl file (plt as extension) that can be imported in Front Panel Designer

3. two fpd files to show how it looks into Front Panel Designer

This is the example:

I used Corel Draw for the hpgl conversion. It can import dxf files and export plt files. This is all we need, just bring it in and export it. It might be possible that even CAD programs allow a plt export.

The plt can now be imported into Front Panel Designer.

The two holes are in the right position and allow a visual comparison to Front Panel Designer's objects.

However, the hpgl import was programmed for engravings. Therefore the contour shown represents center lines. If you pick the .2mm engraving tool for the hpgl object it increases the contour by 2 times tool radius (here .2mm). This is why you still see the borders of the contour.

The hpgl file can (and should :wink: ) be deleted when all objects are on the right position.

As mentioned before, this is just a workaround but can be handy for complex panels. I hope it works for you.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jun 28, 2009 09:08PM

Hello,

Choosing the right tool size for engraving comes down to what would you prefer your thickness of the engraving to be. For instance, if you choose a larger tool for the engraving, the engraving will be the same thickness as the tool size you have chosen. To get a visual of how engraving would turn out, you can print the panel in a 1:1 scale. Since the panel is a good size it will print a couple of sheets that can correctly matched up.

Best Regards

Leland

Posted By: Leland Savage on Mar 04, 2009 01:52AM

Hi Mike,

Usually there aren't any issues, however two things need to be considered.

1. The panel needs a good primer. Just paint on aluminum won't work and will lead to flaky results around the holes or engravings. Standard rack mount panels from common suppliers have good coatings and don't come with that issue.

2. The paint we use for the engravings don't always get along with the painted panel. Our experience tells us what works and what not and we offer special engraving wax as option. But again, standard painted or powder coated rack mount panels work just fine.

And no worries, our customer service would contact you in case of any concerns prior to manufacturing.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jan 28, 2009 03:37AM

Thank you for your nice words and even taking us from hobby to business.

I must admit, the library is not really highly developed. Future versions of Front Panel Designer will have more and more cutouts for all kind of different standard connectors, switches etc.

We will keep you posted on updates and release dates.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jan 28, 2009 04:00AM

Hi! I love the Idea of making the drawing my self and you making the pannels!

However, I am looking dor DIN cutouts and CEE connectors holes. Will this be released in near future?

Posted By: Henrik Rydell on May 20, 2010 03:56PM

The reorganization of the macro objects in version 4.0 was the foundation for an extended library.

You can always post your requests for certain cutouts here in our forum. We are more than happy to look it up for you and provide it to you as fpd file. This will build up your on library over time.

I agree that it will get a little unorganized over time to have it all over our forum. This brings me to your other post

Posted By: Diane Haensel on May 25, 2010 04:37AM

Hi Stephen,

I did it on a single sheet of metal to save money. Can I have them cut it into 3 pieces or should I do it myself?

I'm sorry but we don't cut panels after they have been milled, wouldn't be accurate. You can order three single panels or just one with a little help to cut it yourself.

If you need it very cost effective you can design your panel like this.

Here is the link to the 3-in-1 fpd file and to the single fpd file.

The additional cutouts in the 3-in-1 file will make it easy for you to cut them into 3 pieces. I left some material between the cutouts to keep rigidity.

Any problems with the way the cuts overlap, or any other suggestions?

You cutouts will work just fine, however I would like to explain the difference of both tool diameter and radius.

First of all, all three cutouts overlap to give you sharp 90 degree edges.

The left one is designed with the smallest tool (1mm) and a 0 radius. This will give you the closest match to a rectangle. However, the smaller the tool the higher the costs. If you don't need such a small radius go with a bigger tool.

The middle cutout is designed with the biggest tool (3mm) and a 0 radius. The corners are also cleared but you have larger 'ears'.

The right cutout uses also the 3mm tool but has a standard half tool diameter radius of 1.5mm. If you have enough tolerance I suggest to choose this option. It is the least expensive one.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jan 25, 2009 09:58PM

Daniel,

Thank you so much for your help! That is a great idea the way you made the cuts to split the panels! This will make it so much easier for me, I should have thought of this :oops:

I will order as soon as I can, this customer service cannot be beat! Thanks again!

-Stephen

Posted By: Stephen Altenb on Jan 27, 2009 12:14AM