Blank Fitting
Startup guide on how to use the
Blank Fitting tools
Additional tutorial video: Fitting your design into a blank
All AkuShaper accounts come with a complimentary Blank Library
DOWNLOAD BLANK FILES HERE: https://www.akushaper.com/blanks
After a board has been designed, your CNC facility will need to match a blank with your shape.
Alternatively, the blank fitting options are good to use to determine the proper blank you will need for a handshape.
To use the Blank Fitting tools (Available on the Up & Comer, Heavyweight, Premium Factory Plans.)
Open a design file and navigate the the Blank Fitting tab. Your design will be displayed.
From there: Choose a blank File
*To obtain blank files, please visit https://www.akushaper.com/blanks.
For US Blanks, you will need to contact them at:
Phone: 1(310) 225-6774
Fax: 1(310) 225-6922
[email protected]
Choose a blank file by clicking on the "Select" button. A red outline representing the selected blank will appear.
Use your arrow keys or mouse to move the board into position. Once a cross profile fit has been established, Hold the Shift key down and use the arrow keys to anchor the back end of the board and move the nose up or down for a precise fit.
When your design is properly fitted in your blank, the outline of the blank will light up green.
From there, you will want to check the differentials along the entire outline of the board. Use your mouse to scan across the board, check these numbers:
X: How far from the tail of the board your mouse is
Diff Bot/ Diff Top: The distance between your actual design and the top of the blank outline that the will be milled by the CNC. *For top and bottom differentials, the ideal tolerance should be no less than 0.20" (5mm). This will ensure there is enough foam for the machine to mill.
If a design will not fit in your blank, the top and bottom differentials will light up red to indicate too close of a tolerance.
A board will need to be repositioned until all red warning indicators go away.
Alternatively, if a blank is TOO WIDE to fit in a blank, the DIFF OUTLINE numbers will light up red as well. This is saying your design is too wide to fit in the selected blank.
Scan through the design to check that all red warning indicators have dissapeared. If you cannot get them to go away, you will need to select a different blank for your design.
BLANK FITTING IN THE MACHINE PARAMETERS TAB
Loading a blank on the Premium Factory Plan & Heavyweight subscription: Go to the Machine Parameters (Machine) tab and navigate to the MACHINE FILE section. (Highlighted in red)
Click the SELECT key and search your catalog of blank files. Select a blank.
The blank will auto populate in the board view screen.
Move your design into position from there. The blank will light up green when in proper position.
Check the BOTT DIFF, TOP DIFF, and OUTLINE DIFF to ensure the design properly fits in the blank. Generate the cutting file from there.
Blank Tips:
Generally speaking, the foam of a polyurethane blank is less dense the closer to the core you are. For stronger top decks, many machine owners will take a smaller pass along the top deck line and allow more foam to be taken from the bottom of the blank. This helps prevent pressure dents on the deck.
For more information on selecting a blank, please visit this article here:
A Beginners Guide to Board Building: Blank Selection
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL US AT:
Thank you for shaping with AkuShaper.
