Instrument/switch panel material

[Goldie]

As I'm replacing some kit at the chart table and the new stuff is smaller and a different shape, I'm looking to cover the 'ole and provide a nice smart background to the new kit. Ideally, I'd like to use the matt black material that seems to be used for switch panels, instrument panels and similar but what's it called please?

Ideally, I'd use it on its own if it's stiff enough but I could mount it on a wooden backing if required. I don't need a lot (from memory, about 150mm x 300mm should do it) so any suggestions of a source would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

[LadyInBed]

A shoe repairers that does engraving would be my option.
Make up a template on a bit of paper with the words you want engraved and their position then you can drill holes to suit on engraved sheet.

 

[PCUK]

Black acrylic looks good. PBO article some time back about making a switch panel.

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

I think the material you are thinking of is black anodized aluminium.

 

[Flights]

A few people have used this http://aa.net.uk/printing-engraving.html

 

[andsarkit]

Any engraver will have Traffolyte in various colours and thicknesses. It has a different coloured middle layer that shows up as contrasting letters when it is engraved.
It is not expensive to get the engraving done if you can make the holes yourself.
Best to plan ahead for any extra switches you might need in the future. (guess how i know?)

 

[William_H]

Some codes require that the material used for switch panels be made of fire proof material. Presumably to avert a fire if any wire becomes loose and starts to arc and over heat. So it might be worth getting switch board material from an electrical stockist if you see the need to meet an inspection standard. olewill

 

[prv]

Black acrylic looks good.

Personal preference, but I tend to think that glossy acrylic looks a bit naff in an 80s sort of way, especially once it's got the inevitable grubby fingerprints all over it.

Pete

 

[Chalker]

They often do small panels in the shop. I have some larger panels with all holes and engraving for 'sensible' prices for professional results. They use a multilayer material and engrave through the top one to expose the other colour beneath, typically black suface with white lettering. Material can be rigid or thinner with adhesive.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Personal preference, but I tend to think that glossy acrylic looks a bit naff in an 80s sort of way, especially once it's got the inevitable grubby fingerprints all over it.

Pete

Oi !! My 80's look acrylic isolator panel looks modern in my 70's boat :boxing:

 

[<152587>]

Any old not scratched piece of perspex type material, cut orifices as required then spray paint reverse side colour of choice.

 

[andygc]

Traffolyte in various colours and thicknesses. It has a different coloured middle layer that shows up as contrasting letters when it is engraved.

Yes. I just had a panel made (rather more complicated than I wanted to do myself). It's made from Traffolyte. It does not need any backing material. Here's a site that describes it - I know nothing about this company, I just Googled Traffolyte to find the details: http://www.bayplastics.co.uk/engravinglaminates.htm

 

[Goldie]

Thanks very much indeed for all the suggestions so far, I'll be following up the leads very soon. I don't want to get hung up on engraving though as it's not required (I didn't actually mention engraving but appreciate the related suggestions anyway) - I just need to fill a space where the old kit is larger than the new and a smart matt black material would tie in with what's around it. Many thanks all.

 

[Fendant]

Here is a lunk where you can download a panel design program, they will give you online a quote. https://www.schaeffer-ag.de/
They do also one offs, no need to order a batch
If you are not CAD savvy maybe an apprentice can help

 

[Goldie]

If you are not CAD savvy maybe an apprentice can help

Is it that obvious ????

 

[Yngmar]

Here is a lunk where you can download a panel design program, they will give you online a quote. https://www.schaeffer-ag.de/
They do also one offs, no need to order a batch
If you are not CAD savvy maybe an apprentice can help

You don't need to be - you download their front panel design software, which is very easy to use, and you lay out the panel with that, including all rounded corners, cutouts, engravings, screw holes, etc. - the software will show you the running cost (each hole and letter costs a few pennies - adds up though).

For plastic, theplasticpeople do something similar, with custom cutouts, although without the neat software.

 

[Andrew_Trayfoot]

just made a panel with some of this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291177680...49&var=590325378682&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Ceirwan]

I use the front panel designer software, got it through a different company, but a brilliant piece of software. Having a lot of fun designing the perfect panel!

For my last boat I installed the switch panel using a black plastic I got from a local company that did this kind of thing. As an offcut I think I paid like a tenner.
Its textured so looks a lot better than the gloss stuff IMO.

 

[Goldie]

Many thanks all. I don't need the engraving or panel design options for this job, just to identify a material. The panel design info is gratefully stored away for future projects though!

Thank you to all who responded.

 

[STATUE]

At the moment I am using :


http://www.precisionunits.co.uk/contact_us.html

... they are near Poole, Dorset.

I am having panels cut in acrylic.