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Subject: Re: A CAD/CAM/CNC approach to case design/construction

From: "lcdpublishing" <lcdpublishing@...>
Date: 2005-07-26

Hi Derek,

Great pictorial! I have two questions...

1) What is this product and where to get it
"self adhesive film "

2) I notice this is a servo control being built, can you share some
details about this? The reason I ask is that I am about to convert
a machine over to CNC using servos. I have not yet purchased the
servo drivers yet, so I am curious.

Chris







-- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "derekhawkins"
<derekhawkins@y...> wrote:
> Most of us are probably using CAD software to design our PCBs but
if
> you're still scribing patterns for drilling and cutouts directly
> to metal during case construction then you should consider
creating
> CAD templates, printing and pasting them to the metal instead.
Even
> if you don't intend using a CNC setup, these templates make things
> more accurate for component placement and allow for efficient
> repeatability in case of screw ups. Also, the same template can be
> used as the basis for a dimensionally accurate "decorative"
> finish.
>
> Freeware PCB CAD software abounds and while they may be
intentionally
> limited when it comes to actual PCB design, generally, there is no
> limitation when used for something like case design if you choose
the
> right one. In other words, provided devices such as pads
and "known"
> components are not being used, your design can be any size.
>
> The link below is a set of pictures demonstrating the use of CAD
> software and printed templates to CNC drill and center drill
> (equivalent to center punching but under CNC) a 12" X 6"
> sheet of aluminum that becomes the front, back and base of the
case.
> Holes over 1/8" were drilled manually after center drilling.
> Cutouts were nibbled using templates as bounds. Finally, a
decorative
> finish printed on self adhesive film was then used for the front
and
> back.
>
> http://www.pbase.com/eldata/caseconc