Main plate

The first step in designing a new front panel consists of the definition of the main plate. Most of the defaults can be accepted for this sample panel.

Open the dialog box for the installation of a new front panel, for example with Ctrl + n or click File > New.

There is no default in this dialog box for the thickness of the main plate, i.e. the user must make a decision here. The larger the main plate, the more important this decision is in terms of price on the one hand and relative to the stability of the finished front panel on the other.

For the design example of this taster course, please set the thickness of the main plate to 2.5 mm.

Please change the default settings for width and height to:

•	Width: 50.46 mm

•	Height: 128.4 mm

With these values we have created a "partial front panel" as a main plate as can be used for modules in 19 "racks, for which system holes are also required.

The dialog box recognizes the values entered as multiples of the width / height units: The width corresponds to 10 HP (horizontal pitch units of 5.08 mm each) and 3 U (rack units of 44.45 mm each). You can also directly choose the settings you want, by selecting "19" partial front panel" in the list box of the "Dimensions in 19" units" section.

Please accept the default material "Aluminum anodized" for this sample panel and the default colour "Natural".

You can accept all of the other properties. Here are a few brief explanations nevertheless:

•	Basic shape: This need not only be rectangular or elliptical, but by means of a vector graphic (DXF file) can also have a user-defined contour.

•	Dimensions in 19" units: This dialog box is useful when you are designing front panels or partial front panels for modules that are to be inserted into 19" racks.

•	Remarks for production: If you order this panel, then the text that you have entered here will be read as part of the planning process. (Example: You would also like to have the milled material taken from a particular cutout supplied.)

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In-fill engravings: This option is enabled by default. Normally, each engraving is assigned a colour with which it is "in-filled" or filled by our production department. In the event you need a version with bright engravings, please uncheck the box. Then all the engraving fillings will be displayed gray and no colours will be added during the production run. Tip: You can also deliberately leave individual engravings blank by selecting "No in-fill colour" as in-fill colour in the Properties dialog box for the object.

•	Use customer-supplied material: We can also produce your design with client-supplied material. If you check this box the production department will wait for your material shipment.

•	Corner radii: You can determine corner radii for rectangular main plates, either individually or synchronously (check the "Identical values" box).

Of course, you can further adjust the properties of your main plate – as well as of any object – at any time during your project (strategies for the subsequent amendment to the main plate geometry can be found here).

The dialog box for changing the properties of the main plate can be found for example by entering Ctrl + f or by double-clicking on a free area on the main plate.

Tip for opening the properties dialog box for any object It can also be opened by double-clicking on the object or by pressing <Enter> for the object which was last selected.

Please save the newly created file (e.g. with Ctrl + s) on one of your drives, in order to get to know how the ordering program works in a final step.