Okay, new one for you boys and girls involving plasma cutting

[mccoy178]

I have found a metal shop that will cut out my four person cp with a plasma cutter buttons and all for $50.  It is 16 gauge metal.  I need to provide a .dfx file for the cutter.  If I have my layout made in Adobe Illustrator, is there anyway to convert over the measurements into such a program?  If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it.  I think that is a pretty solid deal for metal and all, so I'm pretty stoked.  I will be posting my layout later tonight.  Thanks in advance for any help.

[Fozzy The Bear]

I think you mean .dxf file... That's a txt based CAD description file generated by AutoCAD and also generated by CAD programs that can produce AutoCAD compatible files. 

The only way I know of to convert an illustrator file to that format is to copy it into the CAD software as a graphic and trace the image. But in order to do it accurately you really need to re-draw it properly in CAD software. Which does mean understanding and learning to use a CAD program.

Otherwise you'll have to pay them (probably a large sum) for their time to draw it for you.

The other option is to ask on here... Somebody may have the time to help you out, by re-drawing your panel as a .dxf....  I would offer to help you with this one, but I'm snowed under with work right now.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[PoDunkMoFo]

I can convert it for you.

Give me a PM.

BTW plasma is not exactly the most accurate way to cut metal but it should do for a CP, just don't get too tight on your tolerances.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Illustrator will export .dxf files.

Whether they will be workable at the other end is a bit of a crapshoot however.
They work fine for some of my vendors, but not for others.
I've got several suppliers who prefer .eps files, and use some kind of a conversion program at their end to create the .dxf files themselves.

[PoDunkMoFo]

I've got several suppliers who prefer .eps files, and use some kind of a conversion program at their end to create the .dxf files themselves.

This is the way I would do it.  I have seen strange stuff happen when trying to import native illustrator files into other programs.

[mccoy178]

Thanks for the replys fellas!  I wouldn't have a problem if the buttons were off a little, but.............. I am using the Illustrator file as the base for the artwork, so the major concern is that my $100 investment in artwork doesn't go to waste or vise versa.  So, with the accuracy issue brought to light, is this method reliable?  Are we talking about being a hair off or a button off?   If any of you guys that have the experience with this stuff could give me your honest opinion, I would appreciate it.  My other option that I considered was to get the artwork done, get the metal, apply the artwork, and use a greenlee punch to make my holes exactly and cut straight through the artwork and the metal.  Does that seem feasible?  WWSD?  What would Saint do?

[PoDunkMoFo]

Not that inaccurate.

A plasma cutter heats the metal up to molten hot then blasts the molten metal away w/ air (basically).  Not as precise as say a laser of a waterjet.  Just give yourself a little and don't make the holes the exact size you need them.  Make them a little bigger just like if you were cutting them out of wood.  Plasma cutting is more of an issue in thicker materials because you kind of get a tappered cut but in your case I would not worry.

[mccoy178]

Excellent news!  Okay, I will post the .ai file later here and in my announcements thread.  Thank you so much.  This is really exciting news, as I have never worked with metal.  The metal place is also going to do my side art in diamond plated metal.  Who knew a place like that was ten minutes from my house?!

[Kremmit]

I've got several suppliers who prefer .eps files, and use some kind of a conversion program at their end to create the .dxf files themselves.

This is the way I would do it.  I have seen strange stuff happen when trying to import native illustrator files into other programs.

Did you guys know you both have the same job?

[PoDunkMoFo]

You mean NBA is a contract killer too. 

Wow man small world.

[mccoy178]

Okay, I have posted the layout over in my project announcements thread.  I am waiting to hear some feedback, then I will make it final.  I will certainly keep you updated!!!