Hi Guys, I've attempted a number of projects in the past, but due to a lack of modding skill and funding, they've never really got that far. My plan this time is to do the case skeleton on a 2d design app, then send it off to all be laser cut. Now, I need some help.. What program should I use for this? I've used a piece of software at school before, but which is the 'industry standard' so to speak.. And... Is there a stock pile of pre-drawn 2d components to save me measuring them all out? Thanks in advance
I know that feeling... never actually had a fully finished project On topic, I think AutoCAD is the industry standard but if you ask most places will take .jpg and .gif images, it really depends on the company As for 2d images I can't help, I've always just measured it up and put it in sketchup as it is
EEL uses Corel Draw. Output in .Cdr or .Dwg If I remember right. I had to transfer Sketchup patterns to Adobe Illustrator to clean them up, then dig out an old copy of Corel Draw to save the files.
Depending on how much you need to draw, I can make something for you in AutoCAD2008. I will not be drawing a full system (own systemdrawings take up too much time already), but if it is individual parts I can deffinetly help you out.
Eek, not sure I can afford Corel! I think Ill stick to using Sketchup until my designs are ready, and if need be follow you down the route of exporting to illustrator... Thanks for the offer The only component that's giving me a headache atm is drawing on all the mobo holes accurately. am I right in saying I can just get a mothboard from the online database, delete everything from it (apart from the holes) and use that?
Since you're using SketchUp, I would find a motherboard tray from the list available components. Rather than, say, taking a motherboard and attempting to locate/discern/measure the holes. Alternatively, you could probably find a layout online of the dimensions... Start here (formfactors.org)
There were some serious headaches because of exporting from Sketchup. -I used Illustrator because I had to re-draw all the curves. SU uses polygons with a high number of sides instead of true curves. -Importing into Ill with a .DXF meant I had to use a square to represent the cutter's table area. DXF imports at a random size. I used the table square to resize the import properly. -Adobe is a proprietary little b*tch. I could only export to .IL and .EPS. -The cutter required .cdr, so I had to re-save from Corel.
Most machine shops would prefer AutoCAD files because 1.) they can't mess up your design 2.) saves time/money 3.) a ton easier for them 4.) probably cheaper for you
Poo, sounds like Ill need to use autocad then. Is there some sort of free home use version, or has everyone got a license *cough*?
I get them free from my school. Only downside is I need to be connected to a license server to use any of them.
Yeah, my school has the Cad software but I wouldn't be able to access it from home, and I dont really wanna spend goodness knows how many hours in school creating the case
