Component Library??

[JohnLashuay]

We are a company that sells individual cabinet components to wholesalers (specifically closet shelving). Because of this, we receive orders in the form of a list of components to build these closets on site. I am looking to create a library of Component Parts to be able to draw from in order to CNC these as orders come in.

My question is: What is the best way to go about it? I would like to be able to give an excel spreadsheet as an order form (to my customers) and somehow that file be sent to the CNC and in turn it would produce the order.

In order to create a library of "vertical panels" with full line bores, will I need to create each size and in turn take it to the part editor and click on every hole for each part, or is there an easier and faster way?

Thanks in advance!!
-John

[DanEpps]

I would create a standard library of each component/size combination for your customers to choose from. You can certainly use Excel for them you order from then use Excel macros to format the order so that it can be imported into Batch Cabinets (in eCabinets).

[JohnLashuay]

Thanks Dan!

In creating this component library and each individual part, will I have to create each vertical partition size, then take each one to the part editor and click on each hole in the line bore so it will drill each hole? I am hoping that there is an easier and less time consuming way.
-John

[Dennis Englert]

John,
Many of these types of simple parts can be drawn in a CAD system on specified layers, then imported into Control Nesting with an Excel spreadsheet. You would need to go the eCabs route, if you need joinery that eCabs handles easier or you need it for presentation purposes. Also some of the parts, i.e., shelves, deck and top may be just simple rectangles. Control Nesting also handles that without drawing anything. Anyways, that is another possibility.

Your question with regards to line boring. You can create a cabinet with an adjustable shelf or shelves. Remove all of the components with the exception of a shelf and a left or right end. The holes remain as long as you don't remove the shelf. Of course, the cabinet is still parametric, so you can change the width and depth of the cabinet, though the depth may change the hole pattern different than you desire. If you don't want the shelves, then use a "Do Not Cut" process that has been pretty thoroughly explained in many of the posts on this forum. It's been awhile since I worked with this type of cabinet, but you can place these closet cabinets in a room. Since these are individual cabinets it would not thru-bore a shelf pin hole for an adjacent shelf, but I'd guess that you could always edit on and bore it all the way through.

Anyways, a couple of options.


Dennis

[JohnLashuay]

Thanks Dennis,

I am unfamiliar with the CAD layering technique, but I am more interested in ecab libraries at this time. (I'll most likely have to learn this later)
I had not thought about the 2nd option, but it sounds much better than the direction I was thinking I would have to go. I'll give it a try.

Thanks again!
-John

[DanEpps]

Will all panels have the same number of holes and will they be the same distance from the edges and/or ends of the panels? Sort of like this:

Panel A, 16x60, 10 holes 3 inches from front edge and 10 inches from top.

Panel B, 16x30, 10 holes 3 inches from front edge and 10 inches from top.

Panel C, 16x84, 10 holes 3 inches from front edge and 10 inches from top.

If so, you can create a single panel, cut the holes (yeah, you'll have to select each one but you can do the cut once for all selected holes) then constrain each hole so it stays put during resizing.

When you create your spreadsheet for batch import, the panels can be resized as they are added to the batch--as long as each is a stand-alone cabinet and not an assembly. This will allow you to get by with far fewer pieces in the library.

Doing all the constraints and creating the macros for the batch import spreadsheet will be time-consuming but worth it in the end.

[JohnLashuay]

Dan,

I am using the 32mm line boring system so each vertical panel will need to have a front line bore 1.4567" off the front and 3.75" off the back. The holes need to start .375" off the top and bottom and are spaced every 32mm.

If I create a vertical partition that is 100" long, then can I set all of these constraints and then just resize? I suppose I use the constraint manager to do this as well.

I guess it would be a good idea to learn this part of the program!

Thanks again Dan!

-John

[DanEpps]

That's the idea. Place and set the depth for all the holes then take the part into the Constraint Manager. Set a vertical constraint on the TOP holes to the top edge and make it .375". Next, constrain each hole to the one above it and set it at 32mm. Finally, set horizontal constraints on every FRONT hole to the front edge at 1.4567" and every REAR hole to the rear edge at 3.75".

That's it! The panel can now be resized (larger) and it will keep the holes at the correct location. If you need shorter panels or a different number of holes it would be easier to make separate panels for them. You can resize shorter as long as you have enough empty space at the bottom for all of the holes.

If you don't need to resize the depth of the panels there is no need to place the horizontal constraints. Likewise if you don't need to resize the length of the panels, the vertical constraints aren't needed. As with most things, less is better.

[JohnLashuay]

Dan,

Is there any way that a shelf can have constraint put to it so that it will not move on a vertical partition? Similar to a stretcher, how you can check the box so that it will not move.

-John

[DanEpps]

Sorry, no it can't.