Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: mccoy178 on March 07, 2006, 06:02:49 pm
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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? ;D
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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.
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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?! 8)
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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?
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You mean NBA is a contract killer too. 8)
Wow man small world.
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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!!!