[sdiy] alternatives to Schaefer front panels for Canadians? Good software to

[Modcan Synthesizers]

At 11:30 AM 13/03/2006, you wrote:
>Hmm, I am wondering if anybody has tried laser etching front panels 
>instead of screen printing? Obviously it wouldn't work for dark 
>coloured panels but I think it would be neat on an plain anodized 
>finish, or even attempted on mirror polished panels. I'd like to try 
>photo anodized graphics but I feel it'd be too exspensive.
I have tried laser etching anodized panels and it actually works quite well.
Opposite to what you would think you use a black or dark anodized 
aluminum panel
and the laser etches the background anodized surface and the bright 
aluminum below becomes the foreground
text.
It looks a lot like the photo anodized panels I do for the A series.

The down side is it can look a little ragged but that is dependant on 
the laser resolution.
My tests were done on a relatively inexpensive (100grand) laser.
And the surface exposed can oxidize and become a bit dull.

There are a variety of companies that make laser etching material for 
display, nameplate apps.
It is more of a coated surface and would probably be ideal for panels.
But it is usually very thin and would have to be applied to a thicker 
substrate to make a panel.
It does come in a bewildering array of colours and finishes.

There is a liquid chemical that is clear like water that you spray on 
bare stainless steel.
Then you laser etch it at low power and the coating makes the areas 
touched by the laser turn
black. It is supposed to be very durable as manufacturers use it for 
marking machine tools like drill bits and mills.

Getting stainless panels made would not be that difficult.

Bruce