Hi,
Does anyone know where to buy custom aluminum faceplates at a reasonable price?
I tried Front panel express which was Schaeffer (I think?) back in the days and was quite happy with the price/result but now it's definitely out of my budget. Plus I don't really need their new design software stuff.
It's just a 2mm thick anodized aluminum sheet with a bunch of punched holes, probably some milling for the preamp meters and a good silkscreen ink (Ideally subanodized labels). I'm surprised there's not a huge chinese factory selling this to non-professionals yet! Or maybe there is?
I used to buy aluminum sheets and drill/silkscreen by myself 20 years ago but unfortunately I do not have access to this awesome workshop anymore.
I'm based in France/Switzerland.
Cheers!
Does anyone know where to buy custom aluminum faceplates at a reasonable price?
I tried Front panel express which was Schaeffer (I think?) back in the days and was quite happy with the price/result but now it's definitely out of my budget. Plus I don't really need their new design software stuff.
It's just a 2mm thick anodized aluminum sheet with a bunch of punched holes, probably some milling for the preamp meters and a good silkscreen ink (Ideally subanodized labels). I'm surprised there's not a huge chinese factory selling this to non-professionals yet! Or maybe there is?
I used to buy aluminum sheets and drill/silkscreen by myself 20 years ago but unfortunately I do not have access to this awesome workshop anymore.
I'm based in France/Switzerland.
Cheers!
https://www.quickpanel.sk/index.php?lang=en
Never worked with them, no reference, but the samples in the gallery look reasonable.
Never worked with them, no reference, but the samples in the gallery look reasonable.
Problem is that you need "just one", not interesting for the Chinese.
Cutting an Aluminum rectangle? ..... check
CNC "drilling" holes in various shapes? .... check.
Custom silkscreening?
Not that easy: you will probably create the artwork but then it must be burnt on a screen, which needs coating first, developing, drying, then printing , the full cleaning (dry ink clogs pores, doubly so if it´s Epoxy based), then emulsion stripping for reuse or plain junking, you pay for it.
Extra points if you need further anodizing.
Numbers simply do not add up, at least not for single use low price.
Just curious,what does FPE/Schaeffer charge?
Given the extensive work implied, maybe not that much.
There is a specialized inkjet printer which prints straight on metal and using UV or oven curable inks, search for somebody offering that service, CNC machining is easier to find.
Cutting an Aluminum rectangle? ..... check
CNC "drilling" holes in various shapes? .... check.
Custom silkscreening?
Not that easy: you will probably create the artwork but then it must be burnt on a screen, which needs coating first, developing, drying, then printing , the full cleaning (dry ink clogs pores, doubly so if it´s Epoxy based), then emulsion stripping for reuse or plain junking, you pay for it.
Extra points if you need further anodizing.
Numbers simply do not add up, at least not for single use low price.
Just curious,what does FPE/Schaeffer charge?
Given the extensive work implied, maybe not that much.
There is a specialized inkjet printer which prints straight on metal and using UV or oven curable inks, search for somebody offering that service, CNC machining is easier to find.
beyah:
You might consider trying Modushop (aka HiFi2000). They provide the services you need and, of course, have the material as well.
Regards,
Scott
You might consider trying Modushop (aka HiFi2000). They provide the services you need and, of course, have the material as well.
Regards,
Scott
An alternative to silk screening might be water slide transfers. Print on the sheets using an inkjet, soak in water, slide in place, dry, seal using acrylic spray. Only ever done it small scale, not for audio and a while back too. But was surprisingly good.
See also microsol, microset to help with positioning and adherence.
Definite YMMV though
See also microsol, microset to help with positioning and adherence.
Definite YMMV though
Thanks for your help, bookmarked everything.
FPE was around 300e for a single faceplate and too expensive for a 10-20 batch. Not judging that is hard work indeed, I just can't afford it as a hobbyist. I have several pcbs and all the parts I need so I might build a few units.
I'm pretty familiar with silkscreening and yes epoxy is a pain to work with. There's also the laser option.
Steven I tried this once and it was a disaster hehehe
FPE was around 300e for a single faceplate and too expensive for a 10-20 batch. Not judging that is hard work indeed, I just can't afford it as a hobbyist. I have several pcbs and all the parts I need so I might build a few units.
I'm pretty familiar with silkscreening and yes epoxy is a pain to work with. There's also the laser option.
Steven I tried this once and it was a disaster hehehe
Laser print on to a self adhesive plastic label sheet, cover with a plain sheet.
The self adhesive plastic film is available at stationery shops, you can mark the cut outs, and use a very sharp cutting tool to make the holes after printing.
You can also get them colour laser or ink jet printed, ask for non fading ink.
The cover sheet is to protect against rubbing, you may be able to cover it with lacquer, depends on the film and ink used.
The color printed sheets in 12" x 18" on plain paper are about 50 cents here, cutting charges extra, plain adhesive paper.
Figure a dollar here for that size in transparent material.
You can print several, for later or damage insurance.
As for the machining, you do need the material and machine shop, that may be available locally.
The self adhesive plastic film is available at stationery shops, you can mark the cut outs, and use a very sharp cutting tool to make the holes after printing.
You can also get them colour laser or ink jet printed, ask for non fading ink.
The cover sheet is to protect against rubbing, you may be able to cover it with lacquer, depends on the film and ink used.
The color printed sheets in 12" x 18" on plain paper are about 50 cents here, cutting charges extra, plain adhesive paper.
Figure a dollar here for that size in transparent material.
You can print several, for later or damage insurance.
As for the machining, you do need the material and machine shop, that may be available locally.
If you already have a CAD drawing of the panel you would like to produce feel free to send it to my by PM and I'll see what we can do 🙂
If you do not need complex CNC machining, many Copy/Print/Marketing shops offer laser jobs and can nicely sign a standard black anodized face/backplate by laser. That was my procedure: I created the design in vector PDF, put the file on USB flash and went to the shop. The result is resistant to any wear and looks absolutely professional. Cost about 10€ for the laser signing, drilled and completed by myself.
