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How does Plan B make their front panels?

How does Plan B make their front panels?

2009-02-17 by intellijel

I have seen several custom or short run Plan B modules that have pro
looking faceplates (using the standard Plan B style).

I was just curious what method you use for putting artwork on the
metal panels? From what I understand of the silk screening process
there is a large investment cost to get the screen made and it is too
expensive for one offs.

Re: How does Plan B make their front panels?

2009-03-06 by (i think you can figure that out)

Our front panels are spot anodized.  The graphics are sent as a PDF file and thatey are imaged onto the surface in much the same way as a photograph is imaged to paper.  They are permanent, won't rub off with finger oils and are good for ten years in salt water!.
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I have seen several custom or short run Plan B modules that have pro
> looking faceplates (using the standard Plan B style).
> 
> I was just curious what method you use for putting artwork on the
> metal panels? From what I understand of the silk screening process
> there is a large investment cost to get the screen made and it is too
> expensive for one offs.
>

Re: [PLAN_B_analog_blog] How does Plan B make their front panels?

2009-03-06 by james.husted@mac.com

Silk screening is not too expensive for small custom runs at the screen sizes of most modular front panels. The expense comes in the time and when the size of the project gets big. I've done silk screening from the size of the typical euro-rack module up to the width of bolts of fabric (over 4 feet). The small stuff is much easier to handle. A lot of art supply stores have silk screen kits of various sizes and capable of different resolutions. Most all are photographic in nature and the screen is typically made be contact printing onto the medium and then applying the medium to the screen and then inking. The contact film can be positive or negative depending on the medium the kit uses. I have successfully made the "film" using a typical laser printer and laser printer overhead transparency film. The tricky part with the screening is that if you want to make it a tough and lasting print you need to use good inks - typically a epoxy based ink. Very messy stuff.

Another option which all depends on the look you want to achieve is to laser print on large stick-on paper media. Many office supply stores carry letter sizes (8.5 x 11) full page sticker stock in gloss and matte finish. This allows multi-color panels and even photo quality graphics. If then spayed with fixative or clear coat after printing, they will last a very long time and if they wear a little - just print out another and replace them. You can also cover them with clear lexan and they will almost last forever.

-James

On Feb 17, 2009, at 3:12 PM, intellijel wrote:

I have seen several custom or short run Plan B modules that have pro
looking faceplates (using the standard Plan B style).

I was just curious what method you use for putting artwork on the
metal panels? From what I understand of the silk screening process
there is a large investment cost to get the screen made and it is too
expensive for one offs.


Re: How does Plan B make their front panels?

2009-03-09 by intellijel

I did searches for "spot anodizing" but I couldn't find anyone offering this service.

I did find a process/system called METALPHOTO which seems like an excellent product for getting very durable photo realistic graphics onto aluminum panels up to 0.125" thick.

I have e-mailed people for quotes but so far I have no idea what small runs of panels (e.g. 1-4) cost. There may be huge setup fees that make this option prohibitive.


If you are willing to share your secret for where to get these panels made I would be very grateful!

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