[sdiy] making panels with metalphoto?

[Suit & Tie Guy]

On Mar 8, 2009, at 8:53 PM, Danjel van Tijn wrote:
> What  got me to look into this was the fact the Peter G from Plan B
> said that he uses a process called Spot Annodizing for all his panels
> including one-off proto panels. I am not sure if he meant metalphoto

Plan B modules (among others, including mine) use Metalphoto brand  
photographic aluminum.

it's very simple: it's half-anodised aluminum soaked in photo chemicals.

the plates are exposed in a darkroom from a 1:1 film negative in a  
vacuum table (those of us who used to or still work in prepress will  
be familiar with these things). then they are processed just like  
black and white photo paper: developed, fixed, washed. then they are  
put in boiling distilled water with a bit of nickel added. this  
finishes the anodising process.

the anodising isn't printed on, there's an image layer which is  
actually sealed inside the aluminum during anodising. this makes it  
very very very robust. 10 years of direct solar radiation with no  
fading? no big deal. this stuff is used for exterior legending on the  
International Space Station.

it's not very practical for one-off panels. in fact, it's extremely  
impractical for one-off panels. also the finish i use (matte .. for  
historical accuracy with my Moog format panels) is very prone to  
scratching and does not wear well. Satin or #4 finish is more robust.

also, it does not take to drilling very well so if you get into photo- 
aluminum you need to invest in punches too.

what exactly did you have in mind? i may or may not be able to help you.
---
Suit & Tie Guy
suitandtieguy.com
stgsoundlabs.com