Panel (outsourcing)

This is a central listing point for suppliers and assembly shops, intended for manufacturers looking to build analog-synth electronics in small quantities. These firms have been used with success by various synth manufacturers who are often discussed on Muff's forum.

WARNING: this info is for experienced, knowledgeable prospective manufacturers only! Making electronics, even in small quantities, is a complex and detail-riddled business. No matter how smart or clever your new DIY design is, making quantities of it can be a major PITA. Many people have tried to make synth modules and other electronic-sound gadgets in the past 40+ years, and the great majority of them have failed. These suppliers are NOT running educational programs for hobbyists, so please do not attempt to rely on them to help you work out the "bugs".

Also: because most consumer and music electronics manufacturing has moved to China in the last 10 years, a number of electronic assembler, PCB fabrication, and sheet-metal fabricators have gone out of business in North American and Europe. As a result, the remaining firms are often desperate for business. No matter how much they ask for your business, you are responsible for checking out their capabilities and reputations before giving them a large contract or job.

FRONT PANEL EXPRESS, 5959 Corson Avenue South, Suite I, Seattle, Washington 98108 USA

Tel: 800-FPE-9060, 206-768-0602, Fax: 206-768-0679, General Inquiries: Info@frontpanelexpress.com, Quotes, Orders, Claims: Order@frontpanelexpress.com

Web Site

Well-known maker of low-production metal front panels, using design software which is a free download. Engraving and paint-filling are available. Division of German firm Schaeffer, which offers a similar service in Europe.

ASSEMBLY HOUSE, INC., 1235 N. Grove Street, Anaheim, CA 92806, Phone: (714) 632-8500 x106, Fax: (714) 632-8100, Email: chris@4pcbassembly.com

web site

PCB fabricator and general assembler. Also makes custom cables.

Alco Metal Fab, 3001 South Oak Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707, Cell (951) 453-9707, Fax (951) 279-1793

E-mail arnold@atco1.com

Electronic sheet-metal specialist. Can do powdercoating and screenprinting.

Express PCB

web site

Well-known PCB manufacturer, specializes in low-production and prototyping. They use only their proprietary PCB design software, which is not compatible with any other software. Ordering is done directly from the Express PCB software over the internet, payment is by credit card only. They are based in Santa Barbara CA and are known to have their PCBs made at Sunstone in Mulino, Oregon. (Although some nerds claim that Express PCB is "horribly overpriced", in fact their prices are reasonably competitive for quantities of less than 500 pieces.)

"Metal Printing"

This is a commonplace process that prints color ink on aluminum, which is then anodized into place. The result is a very high-resolution artwork, better than screenprinting, and tougher than other methods because the anodized oxide coating is very tough and protects the artwork.

Many companies offer this service. They typically do not perform drilling, punching, or other sheet-metal fabrication; such operations would have to be performed by a sheet-metal specialist or by the manufacturer. Most "Dotcom" and all Doepfer module panels are made with the metalprint process.

Suppliers in the US include Bay Photo, Image Wizards, Metal Mural, Aluma Photo-Plate and ProLab Digital. A German supplier is KBA. In the UK is Metallurgy 4.

Nor-Cal Powder Coating, 265 E Clay St, Ukiah, CA 95482, Phone: 707-462-0217, Fax: 707-462-1843

web site

Powder coater with considerable experience in electronic sheet-metal coating.

Chemi-Graphic, 340 State St. Ludlow MA 01056 USA phone 413-589-0151

web site

This firm offers screenprinting and chemical etching on metals or other materials.

Orb Enterprises, 4724 South Christiana, Chicago, Illinois 60632, 773.927.8600, 773.927.8620 fax

web site

"One-stop" electronic sheetmetal fabricator. Can do engraving, painting, powdercoating and screenprinting.