FAQ - eForm

General

• I cannot use eForm. What system requirements have to be met so that I can use eForm?

- Connection to the internet

- Browser with SVG support

- Internet Explorer from version 9

- Google Chrome current version

- Firefox from version 22

- Safari from version 6

• System check: Yellow → Can I use eForm?

A yellow system check is only a warning, of course you can use eForm.

When you click on the button, you will get an explanation about what the problem is. In many cases it is only the fact that the resolution is not optimally set for the use of eForm.

• I am using Internet Explorer 10 and am getting the system check: Red. Can I use eForm?

The compatibility mode in your Internet Explorer is activated. As standard, Internet Explorer does this automatically for pages on the intranet or if this has been stipulated as a guideline by the IT Department. This means that Internet Explorer 10 is recognised as version 7, and it does not pass the system check.
You can check the settings as follows:
When Internet Explorer is open, press the Alt key. A menu bar will be shown. Navigate through the menu using this path: "Tools" → Compatibility view. Please ensure that the domain "hoffmann-group.com" IS NOT listed in this settings window, and that the menu item "show all websites in the compatibility view" is deactivated.
Alternatively you can ask the IT Department whether there are any security restrictions regarding internet use.

• What is a layout plan?

On the one hand, a layout plan serves as a graphic display of the milled contours of a layout, on the other hand it serves as a parts list for reordering or for allocation of tools. However, only Hoffmann part numbers (if available) are shown. The size is DIN A3 = 420 x 297 mm.
Tip: You can store this plan in the drawer underneath the rigid foam inlay, and it will be readily accessible if a tool is lost or worn.

Recessed grips

• What does the recessed grip service comprise?

Recessed grips are necessary for most tools, so that they can easily be removed from the foam. The position of these recessed grips can be defined by the manufacturer when the layout is programmed - in this case you will be charged a one-off "1 x recessed grip service" per layout for the initial order.

• Define the recessed grips yourself?

If the user defines the position of the recessed grips, then the price of the one-off programming of the layout is reduced. For this it is necessary that ALL required recessed grips are defined.
With the recessed grip service it is also very easy to show the manufacturer which positions make sense for the recessed grips, and which don't. If, for example, screws are to be stored in a milled rectangular space, then recessed grips are NOT to be defined.

• What is the size of the recessed grips?

• How and where should recessed grips be placed?

Very often it does not make sense to place the recessed grips where you will later hold the tool. It is always better to place them as close to the centre of gravity of the tool as possible. For example, it would be difficult to remove a hammer with a square head from the foam if the recessed grip was placed near the middle of the handle. Furthermore it is important that the recessed grips are large enough to get your fingers into them.

• Does the recessed grip service apply to repeat orders?

No, the recessed grip service is a one-off charge – just like the programming costs – and only applies to the initial programming of a layout. It does not depend on the number of units ordered of a particular layout

Prices & Quotations

• How do I receive a quotation for price and delivery time?

The Hoffmann Group can only prepare a quotation for a foam if there has been an enquiry for the layout via eForm (at least) once. To do this put the layout in the "shopping basket". At the top right hand side there is a symbol with the text "Enquiry". Click there, and your layout is saved and will be passed on to the Hoffmann Group. They will send you a binding quotation with or without tools, depending on the option you selected.

• How do I change a layout for which I have already sent an enquiry?

This is not possible. Every layout, for which an enquiry has been sent or which has been produced, remains unique to avoid mix-ups. However, you can create as many copies of a layout as you wish and change these.

• How do I obtain a current price for an older layout if I want to reorder this?

Just send another enquiry via eForm, the Hoffmann Group will automatically send you a new quotation. If the layout has been produced before, you will note that the programming costs and the recessed grip service are no longer included in the price.

• How long does a price remain valid?

Until the end of the runtime of the catalogue, as a rule until the following 31st July. For technical reasons new prices can only be requested after this date, it is not possible to generate a future price.

• Why is my layout so expensive, even though it only comprises a simple, large rectangle?

The price of a layout depends on the processed area in mm². The more area is processed, the longer the machine running time, and the more expensive the foam. Furthermore the milling depth is also relevant, as one-pass milling is only possible up to a certain depth.

• In the editor, what do the yellow symbols on some of the tools mean?

If you call up or copy a layout that was defined some time ago, the contours of some of the tools might have changed. In this case, click on the tool and choose the latest version at the bottom right hand side or swap the tool for its replacement model. If there is no similar replacement, delete the tool and insert one from the current catalogue of the Hoffmann Group.

Usable heights

• Why is the usable height in the editor 5 mm less than the usable height of the drawer?

A milled foam requires a base that is at least 5 mm thick, to stop it tearing. The usable height in the editor is already calculated from the maximum milling depth. In the editor you will see the maximum permissible height of a tool in this layout.

• Why is there a height collision, even though the tool is exactly as high as the drawer?

eForm calculates a safety distance of 1 mm, so that the tool does not scrape along the top of the drawer.

• What are the milled depths for the tools?

There are three versions:

1. "Normal": The milling depth is optimised so that the user gets an ideal overview of whether all tools are in the drawer. As a rule of thumb: The contrast colour should not be visible when the tool is stored in the foam. This is ideal for approx. 90% of all cases.
2. "Sunk": All tools are set at a depth of 1 mm below the upper edge of the foam when stored. Exception: If the tool is higher than the foam less 5 mm, then it will be set to the maximum milling depth and it will protrude over the top. Application: For foams that are stored more or less vertically (shadowboards) or for very shallow drawers.
3. "Full depth": Like "sunk", however all tools HAVE TO BE below the upper edge of the foam, otherwise the foam will not be valid. Application: For cases / boxes where, for example, there are several layers on top of one another.

• Why do two tools collide when I change the layout to "sunk"?

The collision distances depend on the milling depth. To prevent the foam tearing there has to be a certain distance between 2 milled shapes. For a milling depth of 40 mm the distance has to be significantly larger than for a milling depth of 10 mm.

Types of foam, colour, 2D & 3D

• Why can't I specify miling depths for rectangles for 2D foams?

2D foam is generally 20 mm high and every milled pocket will be milled to a depth of 15 mm, this also applies to circles and rectangles.

• If all my milled pockets in a 3D foam have the same depth, will the 2D price apply?

The designation 2D refers ONLY to a foam depth of 20 mm of the material XPE. As soon as a high-quality LD45 foam is used, the 3D price applies, no matter what pockets are milled. The difference in price results mainly from the price of the material.

• What does "tight-fitting" and "flush" mean?

Normally contours are milled so that they are slightly larger than the tool, to ensure that the tool can be removed easily. For some applications however, like for cases or vertically stored foams, it makes sense to reduce this allowance so that the tools do not fall out of the milled pockets due to, for example, vibrations.

• Is the 2D foam also available in other colours / thicknesses?

No, the supplier only has the foam thicknesses and colours in stock that can be selected in the editor.

Laser labelling

• Why can't I mark the inside of milled pockets?

For technical reasons laser labelling is only possible on black material, due to the carbon contained in it. Even for uniformly black foam the laser focus would have to be adjusted separately for each pocket, to guarantee a clear, precise typeface. This cannot be reflected in the price, therefore this option is not available.

Editor - drawing

• How do I combine file and handle?

Select the required file and put this into the foam. At the bottom right hand side you will see a field marked "Accessories". Click on it and choose the required handle type. Only those handle sizes recommended by the manufacturer will be shown.

• How do I get a cordless screwdriver with battery into the foam?

Put the required tool into the foam, on the bottom right hand side click onto "horizontal" and select a different version (usually "horizontal_1" is with battery).

• Which options are there for position / orientation of tools?

As soon as a field marked "horizontal" appears at the bottom right hand side for a marked tool, further options are available. Just try it. Besides "horizontal" and "vertical" there is also the option of, for example, "with packaging".
Ratchets and torque wrenches usually with square pointing upwards or downwards ("horizontal" and "horizontal_1").

• How can I put a ratchet with fitted extension + socket into the foam?

Unfortunately, not every conceivable tool combination is saved in eForm, as these would have to be scanned individually. This would be tens of thousands of possible combinations. A constructive combination of arbitrary tools is currently not possible in eForm, a browser-based programme.
However, there are two tricks that you can use:
1) Position the ratchet and tools in eForm as they would be positioned if they had been put together correctly. You will get a collision warning. Delete the extension and simply replace this with a recessed grip. Wider tools can be replaced with two adjacent recessed grips.
2) If you are already in possession of the tools, simply scan the interlocked tool combination using the scanning pad.

• How can I get a CAD model that I have created myself into eForm?

This has been tested long and often, but unfortunately it is not possible due to differing CAD software. DXF is not identical to DXF. However, you can print a DXF file 1:1 onto paper, cut out the contours with a scalpel and scan this shape using a scanning pad. In the enter menu it is possible to include various 3D steps for the depth.

• How do I get a very high component into eForm?

Place it on a sheet of paper, draw the outline, cut this out with a scalpel and record the shape using a scanning pad.

• I have created a complete foam in my CAD programme – can it be milled?

Please e-mail an enquiry including a STEP file to your contact at the Hoffmann Group. You will receive a quotation, provided it can be produced. Please also state the required foam colour and please note that for foam comparatively large distances are required between two milled pockets. Depending on milling depth from 12 to above 20 mm.

Photo scan

• A product from the Hoffmann catalogue is not in the eForm database - how do I get it into the editor?

We have an extensive product database comprising more than 15,0000 scanned items from our complete range of more than 66,000 products. For this purpose we have scanned items that, from our point of view, make sense for rigid foam inlays. If, however, you still cannot find a Hoffmann product that you want to plan in a rigid foam inlay, the following options are available to you:

1. 2D scan: Take a photo using a scanning pad, load it into eForm and simply start the planning process.
2. 3D scan: Let Hoffmann do the scanning for you (subject to a charge).

• Where do I get the scanning pad?

You can order the scanning pad from the Hoffmann Group. The following scanning pads are available:
KD5009 – Scanning pad size DIN A 3, standard scanning pad, only one tool per photo possible.
KD5011 – Scanning pad size 600x600 mm, multiple scans possible, several tools can be photographed at once.
KD5013 – Scanning pad size 1000x500 mm, XXL scanning pad, only one tool per photo, for large tools.