Audio Guide

If you are new to EMS, don't miss the Audio Guide. It the fastest most fun way to learn how to design 3D parts. The guide takes you step-by-step into the EMS world.

Designs with numerous lines

The software can get bogged down or even appears to freeze if you have too many lines in your design. This could happen, for example, with a grid of 20 x 20 (400) holes. One customer had a design with 2599 lines! Solution: specify only a few of the holes and the remainder using CTM (comments to machinist).

New release

It's been 3 months since the last update of the software. We suffered from the just-one-more-change syndrome. Details are at: http://www.emachineshop.com/download/updates.htm .

"Direct" mode of ordering

If you can't use the "direct" method of ordering or sending troubleshooting messages, it's probably due to a firewall. Click Edit Preferences Ordering Advanced and add your SMTP server.

CTM vs CTU

Some users confuse CTU (comments to user) with CTM (comments to machinist). Double check that you used the correct type of comment. For example if you put a tolerance for a hole using CTU, the machinist will not see your request.

Turret Punch

TP is economical for many jobs but remember that it uses standard punch sizes for cutting. When one or more holes in your design cannot be cut with standard punches, consider Laser Cut, Water Jet or Wire EDM.