Use the following checklists for any CAD files or templates so we can create quality parts for you.
CAD Criteria
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Anyone may be able to generate and export a CAD file, but this does not mean that it will be useable for machine programming.
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To be sure your file is ready for manufacturing, we have provided a checklist below.
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Checklist for CAD files:
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Drawn as arcs and lines/splines NOT POLYLINES. Polylines cause rough cuts and take longer to cut because they are made up of many small lines rather than smooth arcs.
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Include only the holes and profiles to be cut
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No intersecting, overlapping, or common lines
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No skips or gaps in lines
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Specify any critical features and tolerances
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In .DXF, .DWG, .STP/ .STEP, or parasolid format
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Include a 1"x1" square to verify scale
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CAD is designed in degree 3, not 5​
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Fusion 360 users must change their degree to 3 instead of the default degree 5 before designing.
You can choose this from the Spline Degree option in the sketch palette while the Control Point Spline tool is active.
If the design is created in degree 5, it will export as polylines instead of smooth arcs and lines/splines.
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If you are not an experienced CAD designer, save your time and frustration by utilizing our template-to-CAD service.
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We utilize a Virtek Laser Scanner which enables us to turn your templates into CAD files that will run properly on any machine.
Checklist for templates:
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Made from any available rigid material. This could be aluminum, G10, polycarbonate, sheet metal, thin wood, etc.
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Is the exact smooth profile you want us to cut
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Includes a supporting drawing specifying hole locations, diameters, tolerances, secondary operations stock addition, and any other important features that should be reflected in the finished part
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All holes should be at least 1/8" in diameter for the scanner to pick them up. They can be edited once they are in CAD.
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EXAMPLE
Incorrect
Correct
Incorrect
Correct
