My latest project adventure:

Frank_Graffagnino · March 31, 2015, 2:39am

My latest project adventure: the “ShuttleBOX” and finding new ways to make electronics panels affordably.

lynnroth · March 31, 2015, 12:05pm

Good idea. I like this a lot. What thickness of Aluminum are they using for these prints?

Frank_Graffagnino · March 31, 2015, 12:29pm

@lynnroth I emailed then and they specified it as approximately 0.045” thick. So, I think I milled mine to 1.2 mm and it worked out great. However, I think I saw somewhere in the ordering process that the client can provide the material to print on, which would be awesome for thicker pieces. Can you confirm @Bay_Photo_Lab ?

Jim_In_Ashland · March 31, 2015, 3:42pm

Nice.
In the old days we would use transfer letters on aluminum and coat the aluminum with lacquer. Now we can do it all with Photoshop!
I have been using Magnachrome for my large aluminum art prints and am really happy with the product. The thickness and surface options are suitable. http://www.magnachrome.com/
As for permanence testing, I have left a large metal print outside for 2 years. Sun, rain and freezing snow doesn’t degrade the surface.

For front panels, it is hard to beat the 3D carved surface like the old Hammarlund ham equipment: http://www.universal-radio.com/used/UJ23lrg.jpg

Thanks for sharing.

Frank_Graffagnino · March 31, 2015, 4:34pm

thanks @Jim_In_Ashland this whole metal printing thing is new to me. That magna chrome looks like they have even lower prices. I’ll have to check them out.