SHEET PLANNING & WORKSHOP FILES
Sheet layouts and DXFs
for sign trays.
Turn your tray or fascia design into a clear sheet plan. Review face panels, backing and acrylic backers before preparing the cutting files.
START WITH THE MATERIAL
Build the layout
around your stock.
A sign that fits the building also needs to fit the sheets in your workshop.
Set the dimensions, returns and joins for the tray or each fascia leg. Choose the material, finish and sheet size, then review how the parts are arranged.
- See the face panels across the complete sheet plan.
- Compare sheet choices and panel layouts before settling on the job.
- Check part orientation, spacing and sheet-edge clearance.
BACKING & ASSEMBLY
Give the backing
its own clear plan.
Choose the backing material and sheet size separately from the face, then review the panels and joining pieces together.
Plan how it will go together.
Review seams, fixing holes and assembly markings. Consider the folded size of each section and how it will be transported before choosing the final layout.
Check the machining details.
Look at the cutting profiles, drilling and LED guides in the manufacturing drawings. Check the backing dimensions and clearances before machining, then check the fit during assembly.
ACRYLIC BACKERS
Keep the artwork
and acrylic together.
For fret-cut faces, review the acrylic backers alongside the face and backing plans.
Choose the acrylic for the job, then inspect the parts on their own sheets. Keeping these views in the same job makes it easier to check which parts belong together.
The acrylic sheet view covers backers behind the artwork. The app’s 3D letter previews show appearance; they are not cutting files for built-up letters.
FROM THE PLAN TO THE WORKSHOP
Prepare the DXFs.
Keep your CAM workflow.
Tray Master prepares production drawings. Open them in your CAM software—the software you use to prepare CNC cutting—and assign the machining operations there.
Review the job.
Apply your design changes. Check dimensions, returns, joints, materials and sheet sizes, and read any warnings.
Choose the files.
Use Export production DXFs for the production set, including face, backing and acrylic backers as needed. Individual exports are available where offered in the app.
Check them in CAM.
Confirm scale, orientation and machining side. Review cutting profiles, drilling, grooves and marking layers before assigning tools.
Keep the checked set.
Save your job and keep the reviewed DXFs with it. If you change the design, export again and check the new files before manufacture.
A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS
Before you cut.
These screenshots show an actual customer job in Tray Master. Follow the design through to the finished installation in the Cohens case study ↗.
Can I use a different sheet size?
Choose from your workshop’s sheet options or enter custom dimensions. Check the selected material and sheet size against the stock you intend to use.
Does Tray Master control the CNC machine?
No. Use the exported DXFs in your CAM software, check the machining operations and prepare the machine files through your usual workshop process.
Do production DXF exports need a licence?
Yes. A production licence is needed to export production DXFs. See licensing information ↗ for availability.
TRAY MASTER FOR WINDOWS
Bring the next job
together.
Hear when the beta is ready to try.