The Way I cut my new control panel for my K40 was to take a piece of 3mm clear acrylic and then painted one side of it black. Then I engraved it from the side I had painted. You'll want to flip your image file of your panel cutouts and lettering so it will read correctly from the other side. Then to make the lettering stand out I simply spray painted the back again in another color ( fluorescent green in my case) and it's all set. The nice thing doing it this way is that the front is nice and smooth and can be easily backlit if you want it to be without needing a diffusion layer added to the back.
Excellent video. I have been looking for a way to make more professional looking control panels for my electronics projects and toying with the idea of purchasing a laser engraver. You've convinced me that a laser engraver is the way to go. Thanks.
Glad you found the information useful. Just be aware diode lasers won’t work on clear or light colored acrylics. They excel at cutting wood and black acrylic. I have both types of lasers. The CO2 laser cuts all acrylics and is perfect for laminated acrylic.
@VELVET462 That takes a much more powerful laser. Typically a fiber type. My 40W can cut extremely thin stainless steel, and engrave it. Aluminum dissipates heat so quickly, I can’t even engrave it. Prices go up exponentially for a fiber laser.
Wow, great video. I really have no interest in making panels right now, but the video was so informative I watched the whole thing and subscribed. Thanks!
This vieo was super useful! I was a low of The Warthhog project videos but I am really looking for making a 19" rack front pal and this seems just right. Thank you!
Keep in mind panel mounted components, like switches, have a limited “grip length”. Many of the ones I use are intended for 2-3mm thick panels. A thicker panel won’t allow the latches to lock on a snap in type switch, or there might not be enough threads on others. But, it’s worth experimenting! Maybe 1mm of clear over 1mm of black, with a 1mm white backer. Or oversize the holes on the clear layer, so the components don’t actually go through it. The nice part is once you have it designed, it only takes minutes to make another if the first one gets damaged. Have fun!
I used the trotec to create a control panel on the K40. I don't have a laser guide, so I wanted to be able to do the vector cutting and the raster cutting witout moving the piece. The only complaint I have about the matieral is that my control panel was bigger than the one here with a dozen switches, 10 fuse holders, a USB outlet, a 12 v outlet and even a 1/8 audio input. With that much hardware, the thing is floppy and needs additional support in the middle. Smaller panels are definitely the way to go.
I've used the 1.5mm material, which is too flimsy by itself, but the 3mm material has worked well for me, but not made a huge panel yet. I just made a a couple of panels for our new RV, and incorporated 2020 aluminum frame material. This method should help your project. Details here: www.2manytoyz.com/Laser-Engraved-Panels.html
That Trotec plastic is available in a wider range of colors and thicknesses fron Johnson Plastics who sell Rowmark plastics in 1, 2,3 layers in a multitude of colors and gauges that are engrable or for laser.
those panels look ver nice. im gonna make a new switch panel for my sailboat with halo switches, and want to get it laser engraved and backlit. hope they will look as good as that, only think is my panel will be allot bigger, so must find someone that can laser a bigger panel. allso gonna mount my vhf and batterymonitor on my panel.
My inspiration was "The Warthog Project". He has a website, and RUclips channel. Rather than make 1 large panel, he used the same method as military aircraft. A backplate, with individual panels attached. Very modular, and easy to upgrade a section without having to remake everything. You can check out his website here: thewarthogproject.com/the-panel-design
Hi, great video. Would you mind sharing where I can get those switches with a built-in LED? I been looking for that model for a while, I'm having some trouble finding it.
I can give you the specific P/N for the red and green switches I ordered from Mouser or you can get exactly what you want by using this data sheet to create your desired switch: www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/60/dm-1382873.pdf
This looks amazing! Now I want to throw all my panels away and start all over.... Do you know if there is any service that would do custom panels like this? I don't have a laser engraver :'(
One of the RUclips channels I follow is RV-Project. The founder, Alfred, unfortunately passed away, but the videos are still very helpful. He outlines the process of creating and ordering custom panels: ruclips.net/video/Ku3TnJP7vzk/видео.html
I have a Creality Falcon 2 40W diode laser as well as the CO2. I tried using it, but the light wavelength is wrong. It cuts black acrylic nicely, but doesn’t work on light colored materials. With the laminate, it cuts the dark top layer, and does nothing on the white layer, except reflect the laser energy back to the black layer. This makes a mess of the top layer.
Unfortunately, no. Not to get on too much of a soapbox, but the government changed the rules last year. Anyone selling more than $600 per year must claim it on their taxes. That kills the hobby level sales. Since I’m not a business, I can’t deduct my costs, so 100% of sales appear to be profit, which is FAR from accurate or fair. That said… One of the RUclips channels I follow is RV-Project. The founder, Alfred, unfortunately passed away, but the videos are still very helpful. He outlines the process of creating and ordering custom panels: ruclips.net/video/Ku3TnJP7vzk/видео.html
What is your power setting for engraving? I have spray painted white 3mm Acrylic Opal with Gray Spray Paint and when I wanna engrave it, it leaves black letters. Tried different settings eben down to 5mA/200mms.
I put the details in the video description, but you have to click “more” to see it. Don’t like that RUclips did that. Raser Engrave 4mA @ 100 mm/sec., air assist OFF.
I want ro try making my own panels, was looking at 1/4" thick 2 color plastic , what type of laser engraver would I need to get started that you would recommend? Great info video!
Any CO2 laser 40W or greater would work. I’m using an inexpensive K40 type laser. The real limitation of mine is the bed size (325mm x 219.96mm or 12.79” x 8.65). Larger lasers cost considerably more. amzn.to/3zTrxdI
But if he wants to cut the acrylic panels too, a diode laser would take multiple passes. I cut out all the holes for the components, and cut the perimeter of the panels.
First off please change the name because you can NEVER have to many toys ! LOL. Next I buy the acrylic with paper protection on it then I do a fill of my letters or images leaving the paper on ! Then i spray paint over the letters or image ontop of paper , once that dries i peel off the paper leaving painted letters and or images like a stencil . On clear painting the back gives it a 3d look when lit !
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
This was the most comprehensive overview of this topic I could find. Very nice work. Thank you!!
good job explaining your process ending in the final result. This will save other interested folks a few trial and error steps. thanks
The Way I cut my new control panel for my K40 was to take a piece of 3mm clear acrylic and then painted one side of it black. Then I engraved it from the side I had painted. You'll want to flip your image file of your panel cutouts and lettering so it will read correctly from the other side. Then to make the lettering stand out I simply spray painted the back again in another color ( fluorescent green in my case) and it's all set. The nice thing doing it this way is that the front is nice and smooth and can be easily backlit if you want it to be without needing a diffusion layer added to the back.
What kind of laser do you have?
@spencerhollett9516 similar to this one: amzn.to/3UEmIiw
@@2manytoyz123 yep very similar, Monport is just one brand of this style of laser
YES! Blown away by how good this is.
Excellent video. I have been looking for a way to make more professional looking control panels for my electronics projects and toying with the idea of purchasing a laser engraver. You've convinced me that a laser engraver is the way to go. Thanks.
Glad you found the information useful. Just be aware diode lasers won’t work on clear or light colored acrylics. They excel at cutting wood and black acrylic. I have both types of lasers. The CO2 laser cuts all acrylics and is perfect for laminated acrylic.
@@2manytoyz123 Hey i also wanna go with metal, or aluminium, what kind of engraver can you recommend?
@VELVET462 That takes a much more powerful laser. Typically a fiber type. My 40W can cut extremely thin stainless steel, and engrave it. Aluminum dissipates heat so quickly, I can’t even engrave it. Prices go up exponentially for a fiber laser.
Wow, great video. I really have no interest in making panels right now, but the video was so informative I watched the whole thing and subscribed. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
This vieo was super useful! I was a low of The Warthhog project videos but I am really looking for making a 19" rack front pal and this seems just right. Thank you!
Great video thanks for sharing! Really appreciate all the good info. 👍
Thank you for a great video. Thorough, concise and helpful.
Nicely done.
Good video, thanks for sharing.
I think a thin maybe 2mm clear over the top of the black panels would be great and protect them from scratching or other damage.
Keep in mind panel mounted components, like switches, have a limited “grip length”. Many of the ones I use are intended for 2-3mm thick panels. A thicker panel won’t allow the latches to lock on a snap in type switch, or there might not be enough threads on others. But, it’s worth experimenting! Maybe 1mm of clear over 1mm of black, with a 1mm white backer. Or oversize the holes on the clear layer, so the components don’t actually go through it. The nice part is once you have it designed, it only takes minutes to make another if the first one gets damaged. Have fun!
awesome! Thanks for sharing, this was super helpful
I used the trotec to create a control panel on the K40. I don't have a laser guide, so I wanted to be able to do the vector cutting and the raster cutting witout moving the piece. The only complaint I have about the matieral is that my control panel was bigger than the one here with a dozen switches, 10 fuse holders, a USB outlet, a 12 v outlet and even a 1/8 audio input. With that much hardware, the thing is floppy and needs additional support in the middle. Smaller panels are definitely the way to go.
I've used the 1.5mm material, which is too flimsy by itself, but the 3mm material has worked well for me, but not made a huge panel yet. I just made a a couple of panels for our new RV, and incorporated 2020 aluminum frame material. This method should help your project. Details here: www.2manytoyz.com/Laser-Engraved-Panels.html
That Trotec plastic is available in a wider range of colors and thicknesses fron Johnson Plastics who sell Rowmark plastics in 1, 2,3 layers in a multitude of colors and gauges that are engrable or for laser.
Masking tape over the plywood while engraving protects it from the smoke residue and keeps the engraving crisp.
Nice video - take for sharing.
those panels look ver nice. im gonna make a new switch panel for my sailboat with halo switches, and want to get it laser engraved and backlit. hope they will look as good as that, only think is my panel will be allot bigger, so must find someone that can laser a bigger panel. allso gonna mount my vhf and batterymonitor on my panel.
My inspiration was "The Warthog Project". He has a website, and RUclips channel. Rather than make 1 large panel, he used the same method as military aircraft. A backplate, with individual panels attached. Very modular, and easy to upgrade a section without having to remake everything. You can check out his website here: thewarthogproject.com/the-panel-design
Hi, great video. Would you mind sharing where I can get those switches with a built-in LED? I been looking for that model for a while, I'm having some trouble finding it.
I can give you the specific P/N for the red and green switches I ordered from Mouser or you can get exactly what you want by using this data sheet to create your desired switch: www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/60/dm-1382873.pdf
Green LED switches: MFG Part No: DM64J72S205Q6, red LED switches: MFG Part No: DM64J72S20503
Translucent, not opaque. But oth😮good job. Have you tried aluminum?
This looks amazing! Now I want to throw all my panels away and start all over.... Do you know if there is any service that would do custom panels like this? I don't have a laser engraver :'(
One of the RUclips channels I follow is RV-Project. The founder, Alfred, unfortunately passed away, but the videos are still very helpful. He outlines the process of creating and ordering custom panels: ruclips.net/video/Ku3TnJP7vzk/видео.html
Would the final product/material work using a diode laser like an Xtool D1Pro?
I have a Creality Falcon 2 40W diode laser as well as the CO2. I tried using it, but the light wavelength is wrong. It cuts black acrylic nicely, but doesn’t work on light colored materials. With the laminate, it cuts the dark top layer, and does nothing on the white layer, except reflect the laser energy back to the black layer. This makes a mess of the top layer.
@@2manytoyz123 thanks. That sounds about right. I’ll need to save for a CO2 I think. Looks great though.
Where can I find svg, dxf,.. files from panels :-) I have looked everywhere. Thanks in advance.
Contact me at robert@2manytoyz.com. I’ll get you started.
Hi, do you do Custom Panels?
Unfortunately, no. Not to get on too much of a soapbox, but the government changed the rules last year. Anyone selling more than $600 per year must claim it on their taxes. That kills the hobby level sales. Since I’m not a business, I can’t deduct my costs, so 100% of sales appear to be profit, which is FAR from accurate or fair. That said… One of the RUclips channels I follow is RV-Project. The founder, Alfred, unfortunately passed away, but the videos are still very helpful. He outlines the process of creating and ordering custom panels: ruclips.net/video/Ku3TnJP7vzk/видео.html
What is your power setting for engraving? I have spray painted white 3mm Acrylic Opal with Gray Spray Paint and when I wanna engrave it, it leaves black letters. Tried different settings eben down to 5mA/200mms.
I put the details in the video description, but you have to click “more” to see it. Don’t like that RUclips did that. Raser Engrave 4mA @ 100 mm/sec., air assist OFF.
I want ro try making my own panels, was looking at 1/4" thick 2 color plastic , what type of laser engraver would I need to get started that you would recommend? Great info video!
Any CO2 laser 40W or greater would work. I’m using an inexpensive K40 type laser. The real limitation of mine is the bed size (325mm x 219.96mm or 12.79” x 8.65). Larger lasers cost considerably more. amzn.to/3zTrxdI
You really don't need a CO2 laser to engrave plastic. A cheap diode laser will do just fine. I got the sculpfun s9. It's like half the price of a k40.
But if he wants to cut the acrylic panels too, a diode laser would take multiple passes. I cut out all the holes for the components, and cut the perimeter of the panels.
I tried the delvie black on white with my 50watt co2 (air off) and it leaves a white haze on the black. Any idea why or how to remove?
That residue is from the vaporized material during engraving. Just use a little isopropyl alcohol on a soft rag to wipe it clean. Takes is right off.
First off please change the name because you can NEVER have to many toys ! LOL. Next I buy the acrylic with paper protection on it then I do a fill of my letters or images leaving the paper on ! Then i spray paint over the letters or image ontop of paper , once that dries i peel off the paper leaving painted letters and or images like a stencil . On clear painting the back gives it a 3d look when lit !
$2 a sheet? try $6
$2.39: amzn.to/3BhNKnV
@@2manytoyz123 is now down to $2.31