FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 HOW DO I USE CAD FOR CUTTING SERVICES?
All of the CAD FOR CUTTING services follow the same basic steps. First of all you will need to send me either a dimensioned sketch of your design (QUICKDRAW [see q3]), or if you are accessing the DESIGNDRAW and TRACEDRAW services [see q4], I am can also usually prepare cutting files using alternative information such as models (maquettes) which can be scaled, or freehand drawings/photographic outlines that can be traced. If you are not sure how to proceed you can contact me with details about your project.

Once I receive your project details I will assess your supplied information and calculate a cost estimate or fixed fee, variable according to your project's requirements. If you decide to place an order, I will prepare your cutting file(s) for you and then return a PDF version called a PROOFING FILE, this file contains the CUTTING PATH for your design as well as critical dimensions and any other relevant data. You must carefully check this file to make sure it meets your requirements.** In the unlikely event that you identify any CAD FOR CUTTING errors or omissions, these will be corrected without extra charge. Once you have approved your PROOFING FILE and paid any outstanding balance, your DXF CAD FOR CUTTING file will be forwarded to you (or your nominated service), for use with a laser, water-jet or other machine process.

2 I HAVE A FULLY DIMENSIONED DESIGN READY TO GO, WHICH CAD FOR CUTTING SERVICE DO I USE?
If you have some prior knowledge and experience of cutting processes and are able to supply me me a fully dimensioned sketch of your design, then QUICKDRAW is a very cost effective 'no frills' CAD FOR CUTTING file preparation service. I can usually work your supplied sketch into a CAD FOR CUTTING FILE quickly and at a very competitive fixed fee. Your design sketch must include any allowances for machining, fabrication and so on, for example if you are intending to have an M10 thread cut into a hole in your design you must either dimension that hole at 8.5mm or clearly indicate 'M10 FOR TAPPING' on your sketch. As I will always process your project using the most cost effective service for your needs, you can send me your design details without specifying which service you want to use. Keep in mind though, that you cannot access project advice or support using the QUICKDRAW service, so it may not be suitable if you have limited experience of the processes involved. VIEW QUICKDRAW SAMPLE IMAGES

3 CAN YOU PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR MY PROJECT?
Both DESIGNDRAW & TRACEDRAW have a 'built in' assistance facility included in the fee. If you are accessing either of these services you can contact me if you need some help with your project (email support). For the most part any detailed support will relate to my involvement in your project and be dependent on the information you have available at the time).*

If you would like to access detailed support or advice before you get to the CAD FOR CUTTING file preparation stage, you can pre-pay part of your fee. If you decide not to continue with your project (or if I cannot help you), any unused portion of the pre-paid fee is refundable in full, likewise if you go ahead and place a CAD FOR CUTTING order, any outstanding balance is used to offset the cost of preparing your cutting files. Support is charged for on a 'time used' basis, therefore if you do not ask for support your CAD FOR CUTTING fees will be automatically lower. If you would like access to a more comprehensive project service please CONTACT me for more details. PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE NOT CHARGED A FEE FOR SENDING YOUR PROJECT TO ME FOR ASSESSMENT*. VIEW DESIGNDRAW SAMPLE IMAGES

4 WHAT IS ASSESSMENT?
When you send me your project details I assess the information you provide for the purpose of costing the preparation of your PROOFING & CAD FOR CUTTING FILES*. If you are intending to access the CAD FOR CUTTING SUPPORT SERVICE (see above), I will also use any additional information you have sent me to help me answer any questions you may have. I do not charge a fee for a costing assessment, however if you would like some detailed advice or support, please read the preceding paragraph (q3), and information at the bottom of this page*.

5 WHAT IS PROOFING?
Proofing is the process used to ensure the CAD FOR CUTTING file(s) I send you for CNC machine cutting are correct, complete and suitable for your needs. PROOFING is typically a two part process, firstly I will send you a PDF FILE which contains an A4 size screen image of your design [CUTTING PATH], this file contains the dimensions of the design's important elements and/or a scale factor, plus any other relevant information. It is vital that you carefully check all this information for accuracy before instructing me to send you (or your cutting service), the completed CAD FOR CUTTING files. In the unlikely event that a transposition error is identified, this will be corrected and a revised proofing file will be forwarded to you without any additional charges; however if you independently instruct changes to your original design, you may incur additional (revision) fees.

The second proofing stage involves sending your approved PROOFING and CAD FOR CUTTING FILE(S) to your chosen CNC cutting service. You should ask your cutting service to reconcile the PROOFING and CAD FOR CUTTING DXF files and ensure they will cut as intended. This is typically done during the PROGRAMMING STAGE (see q7 below), when your CNC cutting service may run a simulation.

If your project involves any of the following (or similar) circumstances - cutting expensive material, cutting large multiples of a design or cutting large scale items - you are strongly advised to consider applying one or more of these additional control measures: a) have a sample/prototype cut for approval (esp. multiples), b) have a full scale sample cut first in a low cost substitute material (card or thin plywood for example), or c) have a scale sample cut (ie 1:5 etc in a proportionally reduced thickness material) - these last (scaled) samples can also usually be used to create a scale model or 'maquette' of your design. These or any other procedures recommended by your cutting service should enable you to confidently produce your project free of costly mistakes.**

6 DO YOU ONLY WORK WITH ART & DESIGN PROJECTS?
No, whilst most of my work is focused on sculpture and other creative arts projects (including fashion, architecture, urban/environmental landscape etc), I also carry out work for individuals and organisations who have a 'one off' personal project, for example a garden or interior screen design for laser cutting in aluminium. My TRACEDRAW facility is especially useful for this type of project, I can either transpose a fully detailed design and scale it for cutting, or I can take a basic idea/concept and develop it into a finished design (or otherwise manipulate detail and imagery to your directions). Having a support service available makes my service ideal for anyone who has limited experience of working with creative projects or CNC cutting processes. I also accept out-source work, for example I can process files for art foundries and fabrication workshops that do not have access to an 'in house' drawing/file preparation facility (this can include 'engineered components', typically used for structural or specialist equipment purposes).

7 WHERE ARE YOU BASED & WHAT GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS DO YOU COVER?
I am based in MELBOURNE (Australia), though I have worked on projects destined for Asia, Europe and the US, I also have trade contacts in some of these regions, especially Europe. Your files can be prepared by me here and emailed to you wherever you are, I can also invoice you in your local currency (USD, EUR, GBP as well as AUD & NZD). You can also access my support service internationally, though intensive support may be limited to projects in the AISA PACIFIC region.

The technology used for cutting processes is for the most part standardised and universal, this enables me to prepare CAD FOR CUTTING files that can be used by most CNC cutting facilities worldwide. CNC cutting typically involves inputting your prepared CAD FOR CUTTING file into a NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED (NC) machining system. The machine operator applies a MACHINE CODE (G CODE is typical), which is determined by the design path embedded in your CAD FOR CUTTING file and instructs the tooling to cut your specified material and design quantities correctly (note your cutting service may levy a one off 'PROGRAMMING FEE ', usually waived for repeat orders).

8 DO YOU DO PREPARE NON-CUTTING FILES & DOCUMENTATION?
Yes, for instance if your project involves multiple cutting files, I will normally include a spreadsheet schedule which lists all your CAD FOR CUTTING files, both PROOFING and CUTTING. The schedule will also often include a checklist, and may also include other information such as material specification, item quantities, weight estimates, instructions for machine operators/fabricators and so on. If I am managing the workflow for your project I may also prepare additional explanatory drawings and documentation. VIEW EXAMPLES

9 DO YOU PREPARE 3D CAD FOR CUTTING OR MACHINING FILES?
At the present time my service is limited to the preparation of 2D CAD FOR CUTTING FILES, though I do use 3D CAD software for some tasks (for example checking for component interferances, or as fabrication/machining diagrams - VIEW EXAMPLE). I continually review my services and may offer a 3D file preparation service in the future.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSESSMENT OR SUPORT SERVICE THAT EXPLICITLY STATES, IMPLIES OR OTHERWISE INDICATES ENDORSEMENT OR APPROVAL FOR ANY PART OF YOUR PROJECT, INCLUDING COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL OR INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, LEGISLATION, APPROVALS, PLANNING/ZONING CONSENT, ENGINEERING REQIREMENTS, OHS, INSTALLAION, SUITABILITY FOR USE, PATENT & COPYRIGHT PERMISSIONS AND SO FORTH. YOU, ANY REPRESENTIVE(S) AND/OR OTHERS MAY BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR MEETING THESE AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LEGISLATIVE OBLIGATIONS. SUPPORT & ADVICE SERVICES WHEN ACCESSED VIA 'CAD FOR CUTTING' AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES IS TENDERED IN GOOD FAITH, BASED ON THE INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE & OFFERED WITHIN THE LIMITS OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS. ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH CAD FOR CUTTING & ASSOCIATED SERVICES MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON WITHOUT PRIOR AND EXPLICIT APPROVAL & ENDORSEMENT PROVIDED BY A SUITABLY QUALIFIED, AUTHORISED AND COMPETENT AUTHORITY. IN SUBMITING A DESIGN FOR CAD FOR CUTTING PROCESSING YOU ARE ACKNOWLEDGING BOTH ACCEPTANCE OF THESE CONDTIONS AND YOUR OWENERSHIP OF ALL COPYRIGHT & PATENT RIGHTS WHERE APPLICABLE. YOU ALSO AGREE TO FULLY INDEMNFIY CAD FOR CUTTING & ANY PERSON ASSOCIATED WITH THE SERVICE AGAINSED ANY THIRD PARTY ACTION FOR ANY FORM OF RIGHTS INFRINGEMENT.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT BY FORWARDING 'CAD FOR CUTTING' FILES FOR PRODUCTION PURPOSES YOU ARE ACCEPTING & ACKNOWLEDGING THE FILES AS BEING FULLY APPROVED & ENTIRELY SUITABLE FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS. IT IS THEREFORE IN YOUR INTERESTS TO ENSURE ALL CAD FOR CUTTING FILES SUPPLIED TO YOU ARE PROOFED & TESTED TO YOUR COMPLETE SATISFACTION PRIOR TO BEING COMMITTED TO PRODUCTION.

DOWNLOAD FLYER NOW (pdf 100 kb)