Simple Part Design Solution

[clintster442]

Hello All,

First of all, I want to apologize for asking this question as I am certain it is redundant but I have been unable to find the answer I am looking for searching the forum. I am not a machinist and have very minimal experience with CAD software so I don't even really know what I am looking for. That being said, please excuse the length of the post as I will attempt to 'over-explain' my question due to my lack of technical knowledge.Thank you in advance for your help.

I would like to have a couple of parts made to build my own forward controls for my motorcycle. Two are simple "plates" cut from 8mm steel. The other two would be made on a lathe I assume from 30mm steel rod.

I designed the parts using eMachineShop's software to have them build the pieces but their estimates for the parts were over $480 for all four parts due to the limited quantity I need. I definitely appreciate the cost of parts, labor, the machines utilized, and the skill and knowledge of the machinist for this but I can't help but balk a little at this price. I decided to support my local businesses and contacted several local machine shops. All of which have requested .IGES files to quote and produce my parts.

My question is concerning software. I did find a thread on converting .ems (eMachineShop files) into usable 2.5d or 3d file types and it seemed to be more of a problem for the machinist than necessary. I want to make it as easy as possible for the shop.

I am looking for a cheap simple software to design the parts on to provide to my shop in the requested .IGES file type. Attached are the 3D images from eMachineShop's software so you have an idea of the pieces I need. The "plates" are about 3" x 5" and the "pegs" are about 4" long.

Also, if anyone on here is interested in doing the parts for me let me know and I can send the details of the measurements for a quote.

Thanks again fellas.





Picture of simple mockups for size and reference of what the parts are.

[clintster442]

Here are the 'design' images (screenshots) of the pieces from the software.

[DareBee]

You must be talking to the wrong shops.
No one needs an iges for that job, dwg/dxf is more than enough.

I wouldn't do them for less than $480 either.
However you will likely find a home shop guy to do them for less than the cost of material + electricity.

AFAIK there is no cheap program for making iges files.

Good luck

[dneisler]

I have used EMS before and seems like I recall you could do a file export to a IGS file.

[clintster442]

You must be talking to the wrong shops.
No one needs an iges for that job, dwg/dxf is more than enough.

I wouldn't do them for less than $480 either.
However you will likely find a home shop guy to do them for less than the cost of material + electricity.

AFAIK there is no cheap program for making iges files.

Good luck

Thanks for the info DareBee. All I know about is turning wrenches, no idea about how the pieces are made so this is pretty enlightening.

As far as a home shop, what am I looking for? What machines would be used for these parts? The "pegs" are my real focus Push-come-to-shove, I can buy the 8mm steel and cut the "plates" if I have to with a torch. Precision is not an issue with them. The "pegs" do need to be very precise for the footpegs to fit on them. I assume it would be a lathe but not sure.

Could I just give a shop the measurements and have them cut off of those for these? Are DWF or IGS even necessary for stuff this simple?

Thanks again man, love the avatar BTW. Where have I seen that thing before?

[DareBee]

Anybody cutting those with CAM will be able to draw them into their system if you supply them detailed dimension print (hand drawn is fine).

The beveled edges on the 8MM plate makes them tough to make cheap.
IDK - what sort of edge finish you find acceptable, but cheapest would be having them Plasma cut. Then you could make a drill fixture for your drill press to pop in the holes. This part would not have the bevel you show.

Yup - lathe for the round piece, removing the hole from the big end reduces it's cost.

Avatar - can't remember where I got it. Have been using it for ages and ONLY on this forum. I changed it once but someone complained and I brought it back

[jimcolt]

The flat pieces, plasma cut and holes reamed to proper size would be done for less than $15 per piece, the bevels shown on the edges would not be there. Cut part accuracy with an air plasma would be in the +-.010" range, with a high definition plasma would be about +-.005".

If you save the file as a .dxf and send it to me I'd be happy to cut you a couple of parts.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[clintster442]

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