Laser cut dashboard inserts

Tlawrence · 27 September 2023, 16:39

Hi all,

I've just taken delivery of a bunch of Garmin / Fusion gear to rebuild the console on my Ribeye A600. Can anyone recommend somewhere to make me a laser cut insert that I can cover up all the old holes with and fit all the new gear?

Thanks,

Tim

SimonCh · 28 September 2023, 10:46

Whilst not laser cut, i'm happy to 3d print adaptors if that's any use

Nasher · 28 September 2023, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tlawrence

Hi all,

I've just taken delivery of a bunch of Garmin / Fusion gear to rebuild the console on my Ribeye A600. Can anyone recommend somewhere to make me a laser cut insert that I can cover up all the old holes with and fit all the new gear?

Thanks,

Tim

What format data would you be supplying to cut from?

I get parts cut for work and both companies I use want dxf files.

Tlawrence · 28 September 2023, 11:20

i have a mate who is an engineer so was thinking i'd get him to draw it up in cad.

on the 3d printing thing, i presume that would be eg to create a surround for a plotter or similar, Im planning to build an entire panel right across the console

SimonCh · 28 September 2023, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tlawrence

i have a mate who is an engineer so was thinking i'd get him to draw it up in cad.

on the 3d printing thing, i presume that would be eg to create a surround for a plotter or similar, Im planning to build an entire panel right across the console

ah yes you're right! no use for this application! my apologies

Matt · 28 September 2023, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tlawrence

i have a mate who is an engineer so was thinking i'd get him to draw it up in cad

Nasher's given you the answer. For any 2D work, DXF is one of the most common file formats people use, although there are others as well. And librecad is a cheap and easy tool to draw it out on.

I'm currently having a swim platform outboard bracket laser cut out of 3mm 316 stainless by fractory:

Tlawrence · 28 September 2023, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Nasher's given you the answer. For any 2D work, DXF is one of the most common file formats people use, although there are others as well. And librecad is a cheap and easy tool to draw it out on.

I'm currently having a swim platform outboard bracket laser cut out of 3mm 316 stainless by fractory:

Cool! Will be interesting to see this when done.

I wonder if they do non metal materials. I'm not really sure what I need. Some kind of Carbon effect plastic I guess..

Matt · 28 September 2023, 17:19

FWIW, I'd use real carbon. Proper carbon really does look good.

Fractory are good too - I've had a few bits made by them before, these exhaust flanges were 10mm thick 316 stainless. Bit pricey, mind, but it is convenient.

I just looked at their site. They only list metals, but at the same time, you can ask them to quote manually for items too, and they do waterjet & laser which'd do for what you want I think?

Matt · 28 September 2023, 17:30

The other thing you'll need to consider is setup time.
So for the outboard bracket I'm making, it is almost the same price to have 4 made as it is to have 1 made. I doubt you'll want 4 dashboards - but I can just about justify 4x bracket plates (which gives me 2 actual brackets, the 2nd of which I'll probably sell on).