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'''Outsourcing panels''' produces professional quality, especially for small scale analog-synth manufacture. Some of the firms listed here have been successfully used by well know synth brands.
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.


== Sheet metal ==
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".
=== Cutting, drilling and inscribing ===
==== Europe ====
* [https://www.fahrion-gmbh.de/en/ Fahrion GmbH]
* [https://fractory.com/ Fractory Ltd]
* [http://www.frontpanels.de/ Frontpanels.de]
* [http://www.gravoprintec.de/ GravoPrintec]
* [https://www.grawart.pl/ Grawart]
* [http://www.polychromal.nl/en/ Polychromal]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160927081053/http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/en/ Schaeffer AG], provides the free [[Front Panel Designer]] program.
* [https://mefab.lv/en/services KnK MeFab]
* [https://www.silmor.eu/en/products/silk-screen-printing/ Silmor], silk screen printing


==== UK ====
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.
* [http://thebeast.co.uk/ The Beast UK Ltd]
* [http://www.panel-pool.com/fpuk/index.html PCB-Pool]
* [http://www.bigbluewave.co.uk/custom_modular_panels.htm Re:Synthesis], Moog style panels.
* [http://screencraft.co.uk/ Screencraft]
* [https://www.meface.co.uk/ Meface Ltd]


==== USA ====
----
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160518185801/http://www.metalfabricationorangecountyca.com/ ALCO Metal Fab Inc.], electronic sheet-metal specialist. Can do powdercoating and screenprinting.
'''FRONT PANEL EXPRESS''', 5959 Corson Avenue South, Suite I, Seattle, Washington 98108 USA
* [http://www.cam-expert.com/ Cam Expert], as good as Front Panel Express, 30% cheaper and they can do work that FPE cant like anodizing after machining.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161024005143/http://www.epinasty.com/ Epinasty Metal Works]
* [http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/ Front Panel Express LLC], and Canada. Well-known maker of low-production metal front panels, provides [[Front Panel Designer]] program free. Engraving and paint-filling are available. Is a division of the German firm [http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/ Schaeffer], which offers a similar service in Europe.
* [https://www.hubs.com/ Hubs]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180414030950/http://lasergist.com/ Lasergist]
* [http://www.mpofcinci.com/ Metalphoto of Cincinnati]
* [https://www.oshcut.com/ OSH cut]
* [https://reverb.com/uk/shop/evans-gear-emporium-76 Pretty Lil Panels]
* [https://sendcutsend.com/ SendCutSend LLC]


==== China ====
Tel: 800-FPE-9060, 206-768-0602, Fax: 206-768-0679, General Inquiries: Info@frontpanelexpress.com, Quotes, Orders, Claims: Order@frontpanelexpress.com
* [https://www.allpcb.com/ AllPCB]
* [https://www.pcbway.com/ PCBWay]
* [https://jlc3dp.com/cnc-machining-quote JLCPCB]


=== Painting and printing ===
[http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/ Web Site]
Metalprint 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.<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40040 Who does silkscreened panels in the US?], Mod Wiggler forum, Aug 2011, reply by ersatzplanet</ref> 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 [[Synthesizers.com|Dotcom]] and all [[Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH|Doepfer]] module panels are made with the metalprint process.<ref name="eb">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120714071821/http://wiki.modwiggler.com/wiki/Manufacturing ''Manufacturing''] by [[Eric Barbour]], Mod Wiggler wiki, Jan 2012</ref>


==== Method for anodising front panel ====
Well-known maker of low-production metal front panels, using design software which is a free download. Engraving and paint-filling are available.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vJ_o6URTXE Anodising alu panel] By Markus Fuller<!--
Division of German firm [http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/ Schaeffer], which offers a similar service in Europe.
Dye sublimation printing ...
-->


==== Europe ====
----
* [http://www.kba-metalprint.com/ KBA]
'''ASSEMBLY HOUSE, INC.'''
==== UK ====
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111227184127/http://www.metallurgy4.com/ Metallurgy 4]
==== USA ====
* [http://bayphoto.com/metalprints/ Bay Photo]
* [http://imagewizards.net/ Image Wizards]
* [http://www.metalmural.com/ Metal Mural]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121028221317/http://norcalpowder.com/ Nor-Cal Powder Coating], powder coater with considerable experience in electronic sheet-metal coating.
* [http://www.chemi-graphic.com/ Chemi-Graphic], offers screenprinting and chemical etching on metals or other materials.


== PCB ==
1235 N. Grove Street, Anaheim, CA 92806, Phone: (714) 632-8500 x106, Fax: (714) 632-8100, Email: chris@4pcbassembly.com
{{Main|PCB front panels}}<!--FR4 or aluminium -->Far cheaper than aluminium, use a [[Printed circuit board|PCB]] fab house to produce 3&nbsp;mm FR4 panels. Also fiberglass is lighter and stiffer than aluminium. [[BugBrand]]<!-- and Buchla? --> synths panels were manufactured using this method, the copper layer and soldermask to the front, with silk-screened labeling.<ref>[http://www.matrixsynth.com/2007/03/grant-richter-on-cutting-down-modular.html Grant Richter on Cutting Down Modular Costs], Matrixsynth, March 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.bugbrand.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_21 OldBlue Overview (archive)]</ref> PCB front panels need to be designed for normal PCB fabrication.
=== PCB fab houses known to have been used for PCB front panels ===
* [http://dev.dirtypcbs.com/store/pcbs DirtyPCBs]
* [https://www.itead.cc/ ITEAD]
* [https://jlcpcb.com/ JLCPCB]
* [https://oshpark.com/ Oshpark]
* [https://www.pcbcart.com/ Pcbcart]
* [https://www.pcbway.com/ PCBWay]
* [https://www.seeedstudio.com/ Seeed]
<ref>[https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147635 PCB front panels], Mod Wiggler forum, Oct 2015</ref>


=== Method ===
[www.4pcbassembly.com web site]
==== Videos ====
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn-6CqCfWjA Designing eurorack panels using Kicad, Freecad and Librecad] by Nic N
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyHexhKy2Nw Creating Custom Eurorack Panels Part 1] by Nick Gallagher
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E6jmYlPh7A Use PCBs to Make Awesome Modular Panels - Part 1 The Passive Multiple] by eurorackDIY
* [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SU3fhliWxpM How to Design a Synth Interface in KiCad] Synthux academy
====Texts ====
* [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=142168 PCB material front panels advice], Mod Wiggler forum, Jul 2013
* [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=186848 KiCad templates for Euro front panels?], Mod Wiggler forum, Aug 2017
* [https://hackaday.com/2015/06/03/how-to-build-beautiful-enclosures-from-fr4-aka-pcbs/ How To Build Beautiful Enclosures From FR4 &#8212; Aka PCBs] by Voja Antonic, Hackaday
* [https://hackaday.io/project/164462-mutable-instruments-clouds-pcb-panel/ Mutable Instruments Clouds PCB Panel] by Richard Hogben, Hackaday
* [https://www.quinie.nl/kicad-fr4-panels-using-planes-copper-areas/ Kicad FR4 Panels using planes / copper area’s], Quinie.nl, 15 Oct 2022
* [https://www.quinie.nl/making-panels-in-kicad-from-dxf/ Making panels in Kicad from DXF], Quinie.nl, 22 Dec 2020
* [https://www.threetom.com/news/a-tutorial-on-make-noise-style-indicator-lights-and-designing-an-illuminated-blind-plate-using-kicad/ A tutorial on &quot;Make Noise&quot; style indicator lights and designing an illuminated blind plate using KiCad], Threetom Modular Synthesizers


== See also ==
PCB fabricator and general assembler. Also makes custom cables.
* [[Panel (homebrew)]]


== References ==
----
{{From Mod Wiggler Wiki|Manufacturing}}
'''Alco Metal Fab''', 3001 South Oak Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707, Cell (951) 453-9707, Fax (951) 279-1793
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
E-mail arnold@atco1.com
* [https://www.frontpanelexpress.com/downloads/front_panel_designer/?no_cache=1 Front Panel Designer]
* [http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-20883-0.html Schaeffer, Front panel Designers tips and tricks], electro-music.com forum, Oct. 2007
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSio28SH38E The Holy Grail of Front Panels?], YouTube, economical aluminium front panel production by pcbway.com
=== FR4 ===
* [https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=142168 PCB material front panels advice], Mod Wiggler forum, Jul 2013


[[Category:Front panels]]
Electronic sheet-metal specialist. Can do powdercoating and screenprinting.
[[Category:Outsourcing]]

----
'''Express PCB'''

[http://www.expresspcb.com/ 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 [http://www.sunstone.com/ 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 [http://bayphoto.com/metalprints/ Bay Photo], [http://imagewizards.net/ Image Wizards], [http://www.metalmural.com/ Metal Mural], [http://www.alumaphoto-plateco.com/ Aluma Photo-Plate] and [http://www.prolabdigital.com/print-services/printing-on-aluminum.html ProLab Digital]. A German supplier is [http://www.kba-metalprint.com/ KBA]. In the UK is [http://www.metallurgy4.com/ Metallurgy 4].

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

[http://norcalpowder.com/ 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

[http://www.chemi-graphic.com/ 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

[http://www.orbent.com/ web site]

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

Latest revision as of 21:23, 2 April 2024

Outsourcing panels produces professional quality, especially for small scale analog-synth manufacture. Some of the firms listed here have been successfully used by well know synth brands.

Sheet metal

Cutting, drilling and inscribing

Europe

UK

USA

China

Painting and printing

Metalprint 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.[1] 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.[2]

Method for anodising front panel

Anodising alu panel By Markus Fuller

Europe

UK

USA

PCB

Main article: PCB front panels

Far cheaper than aluminium, use a PCB fab house to produce 3 mm FR4 panels. Also fiberglass is lighter and stiffer than aluminium. BugBrand synths panels were manufactured using this method, the copper layer and soldermask to the front, with silk-screened labeling.[3][4] PCB front panels need to be designed for normal PCB fabrication.

PCB fab houses known to have been used for PCB front panels

[5]

Method

Videos

Texts

See also

References

This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Mod Wiggler Wiki:Manufacturing (View authors).

  1. ^ Who does silkscreened panels in the US?, Mod Wiggler forum, Aug 2011, reply by ersatzplanet
  2. ^ Manufacturing by Eric Barbour, Mod Wiggler wiki, Jan 2012
  3. ^ Grant Richter on Cutting Down Modular Costs, Matrixsynth, March 2007
  4. ^ OldBlue Overview (archive)
  5. ^ PCB front panels, Mod Wiggler forum, Oct 2015

External links

FR4

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