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The Eurorack format was developed in parallel by [[Analogue Systems]] and [[Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH|Doepfer]], with different approaches to module power connectors and front panel mounting holes. These days the Doepfer standard predominates.<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8419&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Analogue Systems: Doepfer compatibility], Muff Wiggler forum, October 2009</ref><ref>[http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-36446.html Analogue Systems or Doepfer as 1st Modular system?], Electro-music.com forum, August 2009</ref> The format is based on [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsches_Institut_f%C3%BCr_Normung DIN] 41494 [[Eurocard]] standard.<ref name="hinton">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45388&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc Some general questions on euro-designing] by [[Graham Hinton]], Muff Wiggler forum, October 2011</ref>
==== Panels ====
Doepfer specifies the Eurorack front panel material as 2 mm anodized aluminium.<ref name="a100m">Doepfer [http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100m_e.htm A-100 Construction Details]</ref> In practice panels from other manufacturers may slightly differ, e.g. Synthwerks use the closest gauge that [http://metalphoto.com/ Metalphoto] offer which is 0.0625" (1.59 mm). Also check data sheets for front panel parts, e.g. the maximum recommended thickness for [[3.5 mm Cliff 1384 jack]]s is 2.5 mm.<ref name="
Front panel dimensions in the the Eurorack format are specified in U and HP not in inches or millimeters. One U (unit) or in German HE (höhen einheit) is 1.75 inches equivalent to 44.45 mm. The panels height is [[3U]] (3x1.75"=5.25" or 133.35 mm) less any allowance for mounting rail flange. Width is measured in HP (horizontal pitch) or in German TE (teilungs einheiten); 1 HP is 5.08 mm, 1/5", 0.2" or 200mil. The actual width of a front panel is a few tenth of a mm less than whatever multiple of 5.08 mm it is, to give some tolerance for final assembly. A [[19-inch rack]] has a usable width of 84 HP.<ref name="hinton" /><ref name="a100m" /><ref name="confused">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55022&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc confused about euro panel spec standard.], Muff Wiggler forum, March 2012</ref><ref name="measures">[http://www.electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18281&postorder=asc Standard measurements in front panels], Electro-music.com forum, May 2007</ref><ref>[http://electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17529&start=125 Thomas Henry's SN76477 Super Controller Module] by [[Matthias Herman]], Electro-music.com forum, July 2007</ref>
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=== Blank panels ===
6061 aluminum alloy, T3 or T6 temper, is easy to come by, can be easily worked. Thickness usually ranges between 1.5 mm (0.62") and 2.5 mm (0.12") but see what is standard for the format, e.g. a thickness of 2 mm (0.08") for [[3U]]. Softer 1100-H aluminium alloy from [http://metalphoto.com/ MetalPhoto] and 1.59 mm (0.625") thick, is used for many Euro panels but is usually punched rather than drilled.<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86107 What type of aluminium is used for faceplates?], Muff Wiggler forum, June 2013</ref><ref name="
For small panels it's cheapest to buy Doepfer pre-made blank panels. For wider panels it might be worth getting them done by Frontpanel Express, without labeling and with whatever holes are required. Getting aluminum cut by general online metal suppliers is going to deliver metal that is approximate in size and the edges will need filing down to get it to the correct size.<ref name="
* [http://www.reichelt.de/Baugruppentraeger/BGT-TFP-312/3/index.html?;ACTION=3;LA=446;ARTICLE=34002;GROUPID=3363;artnr=BGT+TFP+312;SID=26PTQzxKwQARoAAHOZA-w413b4ed837993f58e14dcd8d28089d58 Reichelt Elektronik], Germany
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151207005051/http://syinsi.com/product/blank-panels/ syinsi.com], USA, blank/blind panels for Eurorack
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