Specialised Services

CNC (Computer Numerical Control)

With our recent aquasition of the GPMI routing department we have more than doubled our CNC routing capacity and services. Running 5 CNC machines, line benders, flame polishers and diamond polishers we are now one of Irelands largest trade routing services. Cutting sheet materials in plastics, composites, timber both in full 3D and 2D cuts our service is second to none.

When precision is key to your project we can facilitate your build needs with our CNC services. This not only gives an unparallelled level of accuracy to your product it also allows us to build using techniques that are 

unique to this type of machinery.

Shadow Creations can create ANY file of any shape no matter how complex which can be cut in an extensive range of materials. With the incorporation of Enroute Software we can bring a new level to CNC.

Enroute also allows us to create 3D elements to projects. From 3D letters to 3D textures the possibilities are endless.

We are able to offer a range of cutting services which include the following materials:

• PVC
• Ply
• MDF
• Acrylic
• Polycarbonates
• Chipboard
• Twin wall roofing
• Aluminium
• Polystyrene

If your material is not listed above it does not mean it can not be machined or cut. Please call to discuss your specific requirements.

5 Axis Hotwire

At Shadow Creations we have invested in the most up to date 5 axis CNC hot wire which specialises in the automated cutting of Polystyrene. We can now offer precision cutting of any form and shape. Recent project include complete set build architectural features for Ardmore Studios in Bray.

3D Scanning

At Shadow creations we offer an in house 3D scanning service for artists. We can 3D scan your origional sculpture, then use  this information to produce exact copies of your works in Polystyrene at ANY scale.

3D Printing

At Shadow Creations we are able to offer a Trade 3D print service up to 1 cubic meter.

We are unique in that we are able to offer a design to build to completion of all of your construction needs which include all your print requirements.

This ensures that there can be no fitting problems due to miscommunication between various suppliers.

With over 300 materials to choose from we can find one suitable for your project.

Artwork

Art work should be provided in the following formatts:

Format

illistrator AI / EPS in CS5 or lower / JPEG / TIFF / PDF/ PSD / (DWG / DXF

When sending PDF's the following export settings are usually quite successful. 

Standard PDF/X-1a:2001

destination: Coated FOGRA27 and output intent profile name (ISO 12647-2:2004)

Size / resolution

JPEG / TIFF ect should be supplied @ 25% of final artwork size @ 300dpi. ie if your final print is 1000mm x 1000mm your file should be a minimum of 250mm x 250mm @ 300DPI.

This does not apply to vectorised artwork such as ai / eps as this is scalable to any size.

Sending us artwork

If you are emailing artwork you can email files that are 15MB or less. Online file sharing such as WeTransfer or Drop box are also fine.

FAQ and Tips

• PC / Mac: As we run often run elements of cnc / laser cutting and print on your artwork we are PC based for this machinery. If you are sending fonts please make sure they are PC format. All other elements will transfer between PC and Mac without any problem.
  
• INDD: Please do not send in design format files. These should be re-saved as an ai / eps/ pdf.
• CMYK: All artwork should be converted to CMYK. Please do not send spot colours or pantone colours as they can print with unexpected results.
• EPS and AI files are great for us especially if you need alterations to your artwork. If you need us to alter fonts you will need to include the font type. This should be attached to the file and sent in a pc format. If you do not need any edit on your artwork you can embed / outline or expand these fonts. This will eliminate the font in your file and will send us the text as "lines"
• Why Vectors: Both the CNC and Laser cutter cut by following "lines". Vector artwork such as illustrator ai / eps contain artwork that is based on lines and not dots or pixels. For CNC purposes we need artwork in a vector formatt. This can be created here if needs be.  We can "grab" these lines from AutoCAD based files (dwg / dxf) and illustrator files (ai / eps) PDF's can also contain vectors.