Sheetmetal Parts at Harris: Preparing Files for Fabrication

There are 3 types of files that are required for sheetmetal parts:

1.  .dwg

2.  .pdf

3. .dxf

.dwg Files - Step by Step Creation

1.  Use the FIRST/Robotics drawing template under the English tab on the template menu.

2. Fill in the Title Block

              - Title - this should be exactly the same as the filename

              - Current Date - this needs to be updated everytime a drawing is submitted to get parts made (this acts as the revision control)

              - Name of student who created the drawing

              - Material Requirements: material and thickness

              - Quantity required- Show main views of the part (front, side, top, iso view)

3.   Dimension the part with the following:

               - Overall length, width, and height

                - Diameter of holes

                 -  If there are multiple features with the same dimension use the conotation 4 X to indicate 4 places.

                 -  If there are bends, then there must be dimensions for each of the bends

                 -  Indicate if any hardware needs to be installed and on which surface (such as standoffs or inserts - PEMS)

                 - Indicate any weldments (Note:  If the part will be welded, then care must be taken to design with the proper dimensioning scheme leaving room for the weldments.)

4.  Save the drawing
         a.  Go to Save a Copy ---> Save a Copy As "AutoCAD DWG Files.dwg"

         b. To the left of the "Save" button click "Options"

         c.  Once in the "Options" menu click the drop down menu called "File Verson"

         d.  Select AutoCAD 2000/LT2000 Drawing

         e.  Without changing any other settings click "Next" then "Finish" and you are all set

.pdf Files - Step by Step Creation

1.  First complete the drawing as stated above.  Then Go to Save a Copy ---> Save a Copy As ".pdf"

.dxf Files - Step by Step Creation

1.  Open a new blank drawing file.

2.  Add in the part, be sure to check the box for "unbent" make sure the scale is 1:1.

3.  Insert the view.

4. Save the drawing

         a.  Go to Save a Copy ---> Save a Copy As ".dxf"

         b. To the left of the "Save" button click "Options"

         c.  Once in the "Options" menu click the drop down menu called "File Verson"

         d.  Select AutoCAD 2000/LT2000

         e.  Without changing any other settings click "Next" then "Finish" and you are all set.

Sample Drawing:

Sheetmetal Drawing Example