Support Forum

I found a pdf with panel cutout details. It starts on page 17. I hope this helps.

www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/Carling-HM-CB-C-Series_0.pdf

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 21, 2015 11:40PM

Yes you can import dxf files into Front Panel Designer. Here is a tutorial how to do it https://youtu.be/eDFlho5XvBI?list=PL4F2CAADBCDDCAFEC

The tutorial shows the import of a single object but you can also import a group of objects. I have done this for your file. Here is what I did:
- I deleted everything that is not meant to be milled (dimensions, drawing notes, etc)
- I deleted the lettering (will be added later as hpgl import or in your case easily with FPD font)
- I moved the lower left corner of the part to position x=0 and y=0
- I deleted the perimeter lines
- I started a new project in FPD and set the part size to 5.8" x 9.8"
- I imported the dxf and chose "origin of dxf file" as reference
- I placed the dxf import at x=0 and y=0
- I eyeballed your lettering (can also be imported as hpgl)

This took me about 10 minutes. Attached is your fpd file for $51.00.

I hope this gives you an idea. Keep in mind that you only want to import what will be actually machined. Tapped holes and countersunk holes have to be adjusted in FPD since the import is limited to 2D.

Attached File: Misc_Placards-ETI-G36-302.fpd

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 14, 2015 09:49PM

Thank you for suggesting protective film. I can see that this would be very useful too many of our customers. We will look into this.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 09, 2015 12:59AM

I think this is a great idea! I have ordered a number of panels from this company and I've always had to add my own protective film when assembling unts to keep them pristine for the customer.

Posted By: Freddy on Jun 13, 2015 10:31PM

Hello, I am not sure if an extra digit makes any difference to the engraving result. Would you mind emailing me your design to so that I can have a look?

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 09:10PM

1 extra digit in the HPGL scale resolution would allow me to fine tune the size of the HPGL file to make it match the holes etc. When I export from my grpahics software to frontpanel, I often have to adjust the HPGL scale to make it the right size. I often find that I could use finer resolution i.e. 34.5% is too big 34.4% is too small... 34.55% would be just right...

Posted By: John M on Apr 03, 2015 09:19PM

I understand that it makes the positioning easier. However it won't be noticeable in the result of the engravings.
Technically your hpgl size should be always 100% in Front Panel Designer and the fine tuning should be done with your graphic software. We were even discussing to remove the scaling option because it causes more confusion with the tool selection than it helps. I am more than happy to have a look at your design and make suggestions on how to position the hpgl.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 09:40PM

Per frontpaneldesign instructions I'm enlarging the HPGL to then shrink down to "smooth" out the curves. The scaling down then needs fine tuning. To fit right. The initial size that I work with after being scaled down yields 25 thousandths steps at the current .1% resolution... which is certainly noticeable in alignment/size issues

Posted By: John M on Apr 03, 2015 09:51PM

I got your email with the file. Please give me a day or two to get back to you. Thank you and Happy Easter.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 10:36PM

I am sorry you are experiencing this issue. The wording "current instance" got my attention. You probably just have to end the process in Windows Task Manager.
To do this:
1. Crtl + Alt + Del
2. select "start task manager"
3. click tab "processes"
4. select "FrontDesign.exe from the "image name" list
5. Click "end process"

You should be able to start Front Panel Designer. I hope this works. If not please attach a screenshot of the error message you will get.

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 09:03PM

Hi,

I have the same problem on a Mac. I can't solve this by reinstalling. I had a similar problem with kicad which was solved by deleting a "lock" file. I must add that this was caused after an emergency shut down. (holding the power b***on on a macbook).

Best,

Zander

Attached File: Screenshot_2016-06-13_12.13.59.png

Posted By: Zander on Jun 13, 2016 12:14PM

Hello Zander,

You just need to delete the lock file which is located here:
~/Library/Application Support/FrontDesign/FrontDesign

This happens after an emergency shutdown and is normal on a Mac. Lots of other software programs have shown the same issues.

Kind regards,
Fabian

Posted By: Fabian on Jun 18, 2016 12:33AM

Of course, one-offs are our daily business. The pricing shows in Front Panel Designer. All you need to do is download the free software, design the part to your specifications and click on the pricing button in the tool bar.
Have a look at www.frontpanelexpress.com/front_panel_designer/the_idea/ and a couple of screenshots at www.frontpanelexpress.com/front_panel_designer/screenshots/

Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 02, 2015 01:10AM