I have absolutely no idea how it works in the CNC world (I come from a 3d printing world) but if I send the DXF files for the XZ plates (aluminium) and YZ plates (MDF) to a company for milling, will they know exactly what size the plates will be? Is it part of the file or do I need to somehow specify it for them?
You need to specify the import units for the DXF files. For Ryan’s files, it is millimeters. In a couple of forum topics where I helped with DXF files (Lowrider 2 not 3), I think I gave the OP a measured distance between two points on the DXF files so they verify the size was correct.
Not sure I understood your answer but do I need help to get correct measures from an already printed plate? If so why wasn’t this included in the build manual?
A DXF file does not contain the units for scale, therefore when you import a DXF file, you need to specify the units. Depending on the app, sometimes you will be prompted, and sometimes the units setting is buried in settings. For Ryan’s DXF file, the units measurement is millimeters.
As for the two points, I was helping someone on the forum, not a business. I added the info so that the person could double check to make sure he was about to cut it at the right size. In particular, I converted the DXF to a PDF, and I wanted to make sure the printed template was not scaled in any way. If you bring the DXF into any CAD program, it is simple to measure between a couple of points…or just specify the approximate width and height. Again, this is just a double check against some bad import or scaling.
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Oh, and a “Gotcha” for the XZ plates. Ryan intended those DXF files for people who know what they want from the end result.
The DXF files have 4 concentric circles, which are intended for M3 screws into the MGN12H rails. The inner circle.is the hole for the screw. The outer circle is for a relief cut if the plate material is too thick (say using 12mm acrylic, for example.) If you send it to a milling company, you may need to edit the files to get rid of the limes thst you dont want cut, or else be sure to specify what you do not want cut.
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But a DXF file is like an SVG file with no fixed size, correct? So if I import the file, measure between two points in e.g. Fusion 360, I must know beforehand what the intended measurements are (set by Ryan) between those points so the plates will fit the LR3…like I e.g. measure 140mm between two points (thinking it’s correct because f360 decide to scale it at a certain size) when in fact it’s supposed to be 200mm…but if I don’t have any reference to the original, then I might have them milled in the wrong size.
So sorry for my confused brain but hard to wrap around.
So I uploaded XZ plate into F360 and took the measures (did not change size, just set units to mm) as you can see on the image. I get 112,348mm between the chosen holes, do you get similar measurement if you measure your physical milled copy between the same two holes?
No, I dont think those should be more than 30 feet long…
DXF files do have neasurements, they just don’t specify what the units are. If you specify ( when you import the DXF) that the units are mm the size should not change.
well…by mm measurement is way below 30 feet…just 0,37 feet actually 
But that’s the answer I was looking for, the size in the CAD program is the correct size no matter the units I decide to use (so I don’t have to scale the DXF file up or down).
Make sure to edit out the larger circles or you might have problems. Dan already mentioned it, but it is important enough to be said twice.
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Thank you for that repetition! 
Sorry to hijack this thread but I would like to print the xz and the us plates my question is the yard orientation is vertical is there an issue if I print them horizontal as ther is some serious bridgeng my end goal is to get my lr running to mill out the plates from alloy thanks
No problem, but since I’m total new at this you teach me a little. What is “us plates” (same plates but with inches?) and “yard orientation”? If you’re going to 3d print them all, they should lie flat from what I’ve seen (as long as they fit your build volume/plate) for strength. Import it to f360, extrude desired thickness and export to slicer program
Sorry should be YZ plates
I read some where in the build instructions when you import the files into your slicer you print them in that orientation and the YZ orientate in the vertical, the way you slice your parts can affect the strength of the part
I might be totally off here but I would 100% print it lying down. I can’t see anything that would cause problems lying down, nothing that needs to be supported. And the maker also said that no supports are needed with his 3d files. And so why would just YZ plates be that orientation where it needs supports? YZ is meant to be milled, not 3d printed. But as you said, you need it to mill your own parts so I say go for it nonetheless. But I believe your 3d printer will make a more accurate plate while lying down. Also holes for screws will be smoother and stronger
Thinking about it , it properly has more strength laying down any way
That is, if you have a bed size that can support the size
I have it’s tight but doable
Looking good 