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Author Topic: Metal control panel fabrication  (Read 1354 times)

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Dexter

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Metal control panel fabrication
« on: June 17, 2022, 12:54:41 pm »
Hi all,

I got my hands on some casino/gambling machines that are ripe for conversion. The control panels on them are metal (1 chrome and 3 stainless steel), but of course being gambling machines, there's no joystick and the button cutouts are all square/rectangular and in the wrong places for retrogaming.

I'm hoping to get some replacements cut on sheet steel that have a proper arcade config on them. The width is quite narrow (around 50cm) so they will be one player only.

Can anybody advise me on what software (preferably freeware) I would use to design replacement panels with the necessary hole cutouts for stick and buttons that a sheet metal company might accept? What manufacturing I would be looking at using and so on?

I'm useless at cutting metal and don't have the right gear. As I need a number of identical panels cut, I was thinking that it might be easier and not too expensive to get them done professionally.

Do I use inkscape with the CNC plugin, what format file do I need? As its a flat metal panel, can i design in 2D?

HELP!!

(Thank you!)

PL1

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Re: Metal control panel fabrication
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2022, 04:06:18 pm »
As I need a number of identical panels cut, I was thinking that it might be easier and not too expensive to get them done professionally.

Do I use inkscape with the CNC plugin, what format file do I need? As its a flat metal panel, can i design in 2D?
CNC is great, but a non-CNC sheet metal shop could probably make panels for you using 1:1 Slagcoin printouts and Happ or Sanwa joystick mount patterns -- your choice whether to use carriage bolts or have them weld bolts to the underside of the CP.

For a flat metal panel you should be able to do the design work in 2d.

Which file format do you need?  Check with the company that's going to do the work.
- An Inkscape SVG is probably good for non-CNC or CNC.  For CNC, make sure you set the page size equal to the panel size so everything imports 1:1 with no scaling.
-- I'd recommend bringing a printed copy showing all dimensions (put those dimensions in a separate layer from the outlines in the SVG) and a copy on thumb drive when you talk to the company.
- If they prefer importing/converting STL (3d printing) files, I can help you make those easily using OpenSCAD.
- There is more than one "DXF" format -- make sure you have the right one if you go this route.

Gilrock made this DXF file for his ServoStik mount here.  More info and discussion about CNC-friendly file formats and software here.




Scott

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Re: Metal control panel fabrication
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2022, 01:32:54 am »
I've made up metal control panels plenty of times, both as replacements and as new designs. If you have an old panel, that is all you need for a plan/template.

I've also simply drawn up plans + pics on a bit of cardboard, no software required, just make sure your measurements are correct. You definitely do not need a CNC or any fancy software.

You want to find your local metal workshop that can bend and cut sheet metal. You may have to ask around, but every major urban centre should have at least one.

Keep in mind that metal workshops like this can do simple cutting and bending of metal sheet, but may not be capable of doing anything small or fussy.

This is usually surprising cheap. In Australia I've gotten new metal control panels done for ~US$60-$80. Metal (especially steel) prices have risen since then, but most of the cost was in the labour. When I've gotten control panels made up in Thailand, the cost has been more like US$15 for a control panel and 8 metal L brackets!! It should not be expensive (unless you want them to cut holes too).

#TIP: The cut metal edges can be sharp!! Go over them all with an angle grinder, file and/or some coarse sandpaper to avoid injury. Also make sure to clean-up any sharp edges on holes you might cut.

#TIP: Metal sheet from the shop will likely have a coating of oil to prevent rust. Wipe off the excess.

If you want the metal shop to cut joy/button holes as well, that will be expensive. You want to avoid this if you can.

I suggest that you try to cut the holes yourself with a holesaw (rated for cutting steel). Use them with your everyday drill. You can buy holesaws as sets (many different sizes), but mostly you only need 2-3 sizes for arcade cabs (28mm for most "fat" buttons, maybe a smaller one like 19mm for Sanwa-type joysticks with a short throw).

#TIP: When using holesaws, drill the centre guide hole first with a separate matching bit (usually 6mm or 1/4"). Use some scrap wood for backing as you drill (to minimise "blowout" on exit, and also to prevent drilling into your workbench).

You do need to make sure your drill bits are rated for cutting steel. Rated for aluminium is not enough!.

As Scott suggested above, have a look at the slagcoin templates. If you print them to the right size you can overlay the pattern onto your metal CP for marking the holes.

Marking metal panels (for drilling holes) is difficult, as it is hard to see the pencil/pen marks. Use masking // paper // painters tape tape on the surface so you can see the lines ;)  This also makes it easier to keep the drill bit from wobbling around while drilling the guide hole.

#TIP: Hammer a nail or pointy screw onto the exact spot for drilling, as this will give the bit something to grab onto and help prevent it from wobbling/wandering at the start.

Check this thread where I am detailing a build of mine with metal CP:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,166352.0.html

Check out my completed projects!


Dexter

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Re: Metal control panel fabrication
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2022, 06:31:47 am »
Thanks for the info guys, I'll get cracking!

Dexter

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Re: Metal control panel fabrication
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2022, 11:40:30 pm »
Thanks for the info guys, I'll get cracking!

Dexter
You can use any 2D CAD package many are free.  Save out as a .DXF file.  I used a place in the US called "BenCo Technologies"  they were cheap for me but you may have other options if you look.  They can easily laser cut stainless steel to any shape you want.