CAD FOR CUTTING SERVICES

CAD FOR CUTTING is a vector file development/creation service with a focus on sculpture and similar design projects. The CAD FOR CUTTING service can be accessed by artists, designers, arts companies, private individuals - anyone with a creative idea they want to develop for CNC cutting. Typical projects include gallery works, arts commissions, architectural detail, urban & other landscape features, graphic features, fashion, interior, personal projects and so on. CAD FOR CUTTING files are optimised for use with CNC [COMPUTER NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED] processes, including LASER, WATER-JET, PLASMA, OXY-GAS, ROUTING & KNIFE. I can also apply custom settings on request (data usually provided by your service bureau).

QUICKDRAW - CAD/CNC CUTTING FILES PRODUCED FROM DIMENSIONED SKETCHES

The simplest and most cost effective way of having your CAD FOR CUTTING file prepared is to supply me with a fully dimensioned sketch of each item you want produced. Each sketch should show a CUTTING PATH (a clear outline of your design), and include a full set of dimensions (preferably done with a contrasting pen colour for clarity).

You may also need to include 'co-ordinate dimensions', these are essential if there are features in your design such as fixing holes (for bolts etc). Co-ordinate dimensions accurately position holes and other details relative to your design's main outline. All your dimensions should be given in metric millimetres only (up to two decimal places is generally sufficient), remember to include an allowance for any work you are having done after the design is cut (tapping, folding, joining for example), as I do not make these adjustments for you in QUICKDRAW. Likewise, don't forget to indicate 'grain direction' if you are intending to cut materials with a directional surface texture.

If you require special features to be applied to your QUCIKDRAW file, such as an OFFSET (to allow for the small amount of material lost in the cut), TABS (for holding cut components in place on the cutting sheet) or NESTING (multiple items placed on a standard material sheet size); you must supply me with the details, settings, quantities etc (if you need help with any of this you should access DESIGNDRAW below).

I will prepare a QUICKDRAW CUTTING file from your sketch using your supplied dimensions and supporting information alone. Once your drawing is completed, a PDF PROOFING file will be emailed to you (including dimensions and any other relevant information). It is vital that you carefully check your proofing file before forwarding the design files for cutting. After approving your proofing file(s) and your account is settled, your 'dxf' cutting file(s) will be forwarded to you or direct to your service bureau for processing.
VIEW QUICKDRAW SAMPLE IMAGES

You can send me your design sketch(s) for a (free and no obligation) costing assessment, the majority of QUICKDRAW designs can be processed at a very competitive fixed price rate using standard sheet size layouts. Please note your design will only be assessed for pricing purposes and acceptance for processing does not imply 'approval' of any kind or indicate that your design is 'fit for purpose'. A deposit may be required with your order and the balance is payable after your approval of pdf proofing files (or 30 days after receipt of proofing files, whichever earlier). Support is not available with the QUICKDRAW SERVICE, if you require any help or advice with your project you should instead use the DESIGNDRAW SERVICE (see below). SEE ALSO FAQS

DESIGNDRAW - CAD/CNC CUTTING FILES PRODUCED FROM DESIGN PLANS WITH BUILT IN SUPPORT

If you have a set of sketches, plans or even a maquette (model) of your sculpture or design, I will often be able to develop your project and produce a series of 'component' files suitable for CNC cutting and fabrication. You will typically need to supply me with a set of drawings or sketches for your design, including dimensions and any other relevant information; though it may be possible for me to develop your ideas into CAD FOR CUTTING files using alternative methods, for example scaling the elements of your design from a maquette (scale model), or using a written brief as a design guide. VIEW DESIGNDRAW SAMPLE IMAGES

In some cases I can suggest modifications to your files that aid and optimise accurate/cost effective cutting, processing and fabrication of your project. For example I can factor in dimensional allowances for post-cutting folding, tapping or assembly (additional details may be required). DESIGNDRAW also gives you access to a built-in SUPPORT facility (email and in some cases telephone* assistance), I can even provide part or full project 'worksflow' services that enable me to prepare files in conjunction with your preferred fabricator/cutting bureau, please CONTACT me for more details. VIEW DD SAMPLE IMAGES | SEE ALSO FAQS

TRACEDRAW - CAD/CNC CUTTING FILES PRODUCED FROM FREEHAND DRAWINGS

As a specialist working with art based projects, I also provide a service specifically designed to convert freehand pencil drawings or (photo)graphic outlines into usable CAD FOR CUTTING files. I can convert a freehand drawn design or graphic outline without absolute dimensions being supplied for each and every element of your drawing, this allows you to create complex freehand designs which can then be profile cut from a huge range of materials using CNC cutting and machining processes. Ideal for screens, creative signage and a host of other projects, simply supply me with a clearly defined outline of your design and the scale you would like it to be cut to. Please note that although I do not need to be given detailed dimensions, you must draw the outline of your design to a consistent scale and indicate on your drawing what this scale is. Like DESIGNDRAW, using TRACEDRAW gives you automatic access to support for your project should you need additional help or advice. SEE ALSO FAQS

ALTERNATIVE PROJECTS

If you have a sculpture or design project that you would like to develop, but need help from the outset with design or production issues, please let me know more about your project and it's needs via my CONTACTS page. I also welcome enquiries from art, architectural & design professionals relating to creative collaborations.

*Subject to project requirements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUICKDRAW SAMPLE IMAGES
DESIGNDRAW SAMPLE IMAGES

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