Support Forum
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DXF import confusion
Hello, I have all of my front panel cutouts drawn in a cad program and would like to import them directly in Front Panel Designer 4.14 for MacOS (instead of re-drawing them in FPD), but I'm confused as to which cutting tool to select in the Free Contour Properties window. I would think I should select a cutter tool that is at least as thick as my panel (3.0mm) since I want cutouts and not cavities, but when I do that many of the cutouts disappear. If I select a smaller cutting tool then all of the cutouts show up. Which is correct? Thanks.
Posted By: Gregory on Mar 08, 2013 02:46AM Category: Front Panel Designer
Hello,
The bigger the tool the better. This will reflect in pricing since a bigger tool requires less milling time.
However, some of your imported objects may not allow a 3mm tool diameter and therefore won't be milled (and not shown in the Designer.) Examples are smaller drill holes or cutouts with small corner radii.
The whole import can become expensive when you choose the smallest tool diameter with 1mm. I recommend to do two or more imports, one for each appropriate tool.
Don't worry about the material thickness for tool selection. Just go by geometry.
I hope that helps. You can also email (info@frontpanelexpress.com) us your fpd file and have us optimize it for you.
Best regards
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Mar 08, 2013 08:45PM
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Odd shape panels
I am planning on sending down some panels to be engraved.
However one of them is not flat. It is a channel, with the engraving on the flat broad surface. Is this possible or can you only engrave flat panels.
What is the procedure for using my own material?
Posted By: Blackdog on Mar 04, 2013 10:13PM Category: Production
We can engrave your supplied material as long as we can hold it on our machines securely.
Do you have a picture of the part? That would help me to give you a better answer.
Please have a look at this newsletter about customer supplied material. It gives you step-by-step instructions on how to provide your own material.
Best regards,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Mar 07, 2013 02:17AM
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Sorry Please Disregard This Message
I am new to this and was going to ask how to revise an existing design to remove holes. After posting, I figured it out. So I am deleting my question, but apparently the post can't be removed. Sorry.
Posted By: F.W.Bray on Feb 23, 2013 11:30PM Category: Front Panel Designer
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DXF export
Why is the DXF exported file in inches when it was drawn in millimeters?
A Panel I laid out is 80mmx107mm, when exported to DXF it is 80in x 107in
Posted By: R_Phoenix on Feb 16, 2013 05:10PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Oh, looks like an old bug is back. This sounds very familiar. Let me look into this.
Thank you,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Feb 17, 2013 10:07PM
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STL file export
It would be great if I could export a STL file for 3D printing. I prefer to test my panels before ordering.
Thanks!
Posted By: R_Phoenix on Feb 16, 2013 05:06PM Category: Whishes
Thank you for your suggestion. 3D printing is definitely a very nice method for testing.
Most users of Front Panel Designer only need a 2D print to check the panel size and cutouts. However, a 3D import would be a nice feature, which would also allow a 3D export. Let me discuss this with our IT people.
Thank you again for your feedback.
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Feb 17, 2013 09:59PM
ReplyI would also appreciate this very much.
Being able to export 3D files would allow us to virtually test the fit of your boxes into much larger systems. Currently we take the 2D files and manually create rough approximations in our 3D CAD software (Solidworks). An easy way to export exact 3D models would make the solutions you offer much more attractive for our applications.
Posted By: Thaddeus.Johnson on Feb 22, 2013 01:20AM
ReplyI too use Solidworks and would like this ability. But for now I do it the other way- build in Solidworks, create a dimensioned drawing, then rebuild in Front Panel.
This has given me another thing I'd like from your product. A Drawing. Documentation is vital, and so far I haven't found another way.
Posted By: RSnyder on Nov 13, 2013 06:44PM
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PEM Fasteners
Hello,
I am working on a design in FPD, and I would like to use PEM self-clinching fasteners. I noticed this was mentioned in one of your newsletters a couple of years ago.
Do you have the capability to install captive panel screws and studs? If so, does the customer need to provide the fasteners, or can you order it for us?
Thank you.
Posted By: jmmckinnon on Feb 12, 2013 05:39PM Category: Production
Hello,
We do PEM studs and standoffs upon request. All you need to do is telling us what you need. We will order the hardware and inform you about pricing prior to processing your order.
Kind regards,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Feb 17, 2013 10:12PM
ReplyThat's great, thanks for letting me know Diane!
Just to be clear, do you have the capability to do just studs and standoffs, or can you also do other fasteners such as PEM nuts and PEM captive panel screws?
Posted By: jmmckinnon on Feb 18, 2013 06:49AM
ReplyI just talked to PEM at a trade show. Their variety of fasteners is impressive.
We only offer studs and standoffs at this time. I hope that will work for you.
Thank you,
Diane
Posted By: DianeHaensel on Feb 18, 2013 09:34PM
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