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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Cambridge, MA
Posts: 44,479
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Xometry file types
I've been working with Xometry to have a 50"x4" aluminum frame waterjet cut. I only have Illustrator on my Mac to create line art for it. First, even though the spec was clear it was a frame, they sent me a plate. Then because something happens with the DXF if you make it fit the artboard, the frame wall width goes from 4.2mm to 2.5mm. Even though there is text in the artwork describing all dimensions correctly, they sent one at 2.5mm frame wall width. I just figured out how to send a DXF file with correct dimensions but their system can't understand it.
Yes, I've asked them to take the Illustrator file and convert to their CAD type and they have the dimensions but can't seem to do it. Their upload system takes a 1291mm dimension and makes it 32791mm. Here are the file types they can use. Does anyone know if there a free or cheap CAD application for Mac that will create any of these? Send Cut Send was so much easier to work with but they don't have the ability to waterjet cut such a piece.  
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Tru6 Restoration & Design Last edited by Shaun @ Tru6; 08-12-2025 at 02:38 PM.. |
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08-12-2025, 02:24 PM
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Location: La Crosse, WI
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32791 is roughly 1291 x 25.4, so are you sure you didn't put your dimensions in inches rather than millimeters?
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08-12-2025, 02:36 PM
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oh great, thank you. That must be it.
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Tru6 Restoration & Design |
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08-12-2025, 02:38 PM
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You might look at OnShape (cloud-based), FreeCAD, or LibreCAD.
Xometry can be tricky to work with; study the online quote results carefully. |
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08-12-2025, 08:09 PM
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Location: Houston TX
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From the CAD work I've seen, STEP is a good standard to use. Yes, it's 3D, but 2D work is 3D work with a simple dimension...
I also work next to a Xometry peon, if I see him I'll ask him what kind of files the end machinist gets. Xometry might translate your file to something else, perhaps even something proprietary.
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Mike Bradshaw 1980 911SC sunroof coupe, silver/black Putting the sick back into sycophant! |
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08-12-2025, 08:51 PM
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Bland
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If you want me to put this into solidworks and get you some 3d cad files, I’d be happy to do this for you.
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06 Cayenne Turbo S and 11 Cayenne S 77 911S Wide Body GT2 WCMA race car 86 930 Slantnose - featured in Mar-Apr 2016 Classic Porsche Sold: 76 930, 90 C4 Targa, 87 944, 06 Cayenne Turbo, 73 911 ChumpCar endurance racer - featured in May-June & July-Aug 2016 Classic Porsche |
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08-12-2025, 10:07 PM
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Location: Cambridge, MA
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Some pics of what I'm trying to have made. First they sent a plate. Then the narrow wall frame. The dash panel is for a Singer style project. The person who made the one in the pic TIG'd the plate together but used Al soldering rod for the frame. The problem is, as I found out, Al soldering rod is 97% zinc and 3% Al. And electroless nickel plating dissolves zinc. So I reworked it with silver solder but the whole thing is a bit of a trainwreck so I need to make one from scratch. A 1/8" Al plate is easy to get, I will just have to bond the flimsy frame on with a proper epoxy that will survive the plating process for a perfect piece.
    
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Tru6 Restoration & Design |
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08-13-2025, 05:09 AM
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Crop Duster
Kachow
1976 Porsche 930
