Cutouts for Cabineo fittings

[TopCat500]

I'm looking for the best practice for making cutouts for cabineo fittings.

I have two methods, which are both unsatisfactory for different reasons. 

Method 1 involves copying a sketch of the profile onto the part model, if necessary a number of times, and then extruding the profile(s) to make the cutout.  It is easy to check the hole alignments in an assembly, by simply zooming in on each cutout.  However this method is unsatisfactory because when we cut the piece, the tool follows the path around the cutout, and then clears the waste from the centre - and on multiple cutouts it can take ages.

Method 2 is to use a cutter of the right diameter to drill three overlapping holes to create the cutout - this is 90% quicker.  Trouble is when creating this on a Fusion model it takes ages - even with a copied sketch three small circles need to be selected for each one to fix the hole centres.  Viewing an assembly of the model it is difficult to check the hole alignments, and when making multiple parts it is a vital part of the workflow to check the hole alignments.  Too much material (and time) has been wasted already!

Surely there must be an optimum way of doing this - so I am keen to hear of others methods!

If the above is gobbeldygook to you, but you too use Cabineo fittings, I can create and post some sample images 

[g-andresen]

Hi,

take a look at Screencast and file.

Patterns can also be created in the CAM module.

günther

[TopCat500]

Thanks günther, always good to see another variation of the possible methods.  The problem is that when we machine this, the machine follows the contour of the cutout, then removes the waste inside.  It is much quicker (and more accurate) using a 15mm down cutting slot drill to drill three holes, but this involves placing and extruding three small holes to make the machine change to the 15mm drill.  I am sure I am not the first user to experience this, so I was hoping someone would have already discovered a quick fix!

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

1. First, I showed the modeling in design mode.

2. For CNC machining, create a 15 mm hole with 3.6 mm to edge and use it to create a pattern (manufacture mode) with an 11.2 mm space.

günther

[TopCat500]

Thanks again, günther.  We actually use proprietry software for machining (not my choice!) , but your solution 2 gives me an idea of how I might do it, defining parameters and using pattern.