Front Panels

[Isac Georg Jensen]

Stopp,Gene wrote:

> Here's what I do:
> them to the plate.

...

> Anyway, there's some food for thought for you prospective
> panel-builders
> out there.
>
>  - Gene


I use a very similar approach.
Instead of using one big panel I've had a metal shop cut up some
aluminum panels to 6 U x 12 HP size. That means that I get 7 panels in a
6 U 19" rack, which can be mounted in a standard rack frame (19" = 84
HP).

For the panel layout I've also created a library of symbols and standard
panels, which enables me to quickly make a new module. For the layout I
use Visio Technincal, but other programs may work equally well.

Instead of printing to plain paper and then laminate it, I print to
transparancies because I like the 'raw' aluminum look. I've experimented
with various types of spray adhesive, but it seems that no matter how
hard I press the transparancies to the aluminum, the glue is not evenly
distributed. This means that you can actually see the glue, which is
kind of non-esthetic.
For a long time i didn't know what to do, until I realized that I had a
half-full can of floor laquer left from when I installed a new floor in
the kitchen. I now use laquer instead of glue, with a very nice result.
The laquer is applied to the drilled aluminum panel with a brush.
When the laquer has dried I apply a new layer of laquer on top of the
transparancies to protect it. Also the laquer is semi-matte so
reflections are avoided.

Isac Jensen