Re: gEDA-user: panel/case design (fwd)

[Karel Kulhavy <clock@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Sat, Jun 04, 2005 at 06:38:16PM -0700, Alvin Oga wrote:
> On Sat, Jun 04, 2005 at 09:21:29PM -0400, Stuart Brorson wrote:
> > > Are there any free tools that are helpful in designing cases or
> > > panels?  I think I'm basically looking for something that will let me
> > > lay out where a sheet of aluminum is going to have holes drilled or
> > > punched in it, as well as being able to lay out the silkscreen
> > > graphics.
> 
> most sheet metal hops will only accept files from known software
> ( ie.. autocad .. as good or bad as that may be )
> 
> if you give um "files" from random software they never seen/heard about,
> they'll ask you to waive your rights .. that you pay for what they build,
> even if the holes are wrong, bends, radii, material, etc, etc
> 
> you're looking for "prototype shops" ... to help you build your parts
> 
> your costs goes way up, if you use random hole sizes, random curves
> and bends and punches
> 	- for 1 bracket/panel.. you can start at $250 - $500 
> 	and going updward, regardless of the number of holes
> 	and bends as its just time to setup the equpment and paperwork
> 	( it's not much cheaper by going to any-small-town-usa either
> 	( or offshore for small quantities, ie under 100 pieces )
> 
> - most of the sheet metal shops use DXF file format, as they can
>   cust their costs and eliminate problems on their end, since *you*
>   provided the DXF file
> 
> - free ( open source ) cad tools
> 	http://linux-cae.net/CAD/

I am using qcad on Ronja:
http://ronja.twibright.com/web.php

On the page you can see links to the remaining tools used,too.

CL<