[sdiy] making panels with metalphoto?

[Danjel van Tijn]

Hey Suit and Tie Guy,

I have a bunch of projects I have designed panels for. The first batch
is panels for three dual 281 clones.
But there are many more projects to be finished and most of them will
only require one or two panels.

What aspect of the metalphoto service makes them impractical for
single panels? Is it simply the price (e.g. setup costs?)

Also, why do the finished panels do not handle drilling so well?
Almost all the synth panels I want to make will have the same set of
3-4 hole sizes for pots, switches, and leds so I guess I could invest
in punches. However I would rather have the panels cnc cut by mill or
laser.

I am really looking for a complete turnkey solution where I send
graphics and cad files and I get a finished panel back. Looks like
Schaefer is the only thing that comes close but then you don't get
nice graphics.

cheers,
    Danjel



On Mon, Mar 9, 2009 at 2:44 AM, Suit & Tie Guy <erwill at suitandtieguy.com> wrote:
> 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
>
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