Original Date: 01/23/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Electronic Fabrication Department at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) can take CAD data files produced on various platforms throughout the facility and convert them into CAM programs for CNC engraving machine operations. Using the internal LAN, design engineers send CAD data directly to the department. This data is converted into the necessary program required to operate the engraving machines. Although most files transferred are primarily character font-based data, any standard plotter outputs can be received and converted into engraveable symbols. Graphic symbols and images such as electronic panel layouts can be created at the design engineer's workstation and electronically mailed or downloaded to the fabrication department workstation. The data is then converted and translated to produce an engraved part.

This electronic communication of CAD data provides immediate feedback to the design engineer as to the feasibility of the design, as well as providing the ability to view any alterations that may be required to produce the desired part. Unlike previous standard engraving machines that relied on templates, the CNC machines used at SNL can reproduce graphic images and text in a variety of fonts and sizes.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.