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Front Panel Desgin

Putting my projects together I like to dress them up. I found Front Panel Designer by Schaeffer. It's freeware at

It's purpose is to use their service and order panels. However, you can use it and export to DXF, or PDF and otherwise play with it and it's all fine with the license. Since I will not be using their service just yet, I wanted to prototype a panel and see how I do. The measurements and print out are exact, so you can use it for a template. I positioned all the controls in the software, then print it on card stock, but paper is fine. Then you can actually check the layout.

I purchased some polycarbonate that is easy to score and drill, no cracking, from Amazon to try.

Search for it on Amazon

"Polycarbonate Plastic Sheet 12" X 12" X 0.118" (1/8") Exact with EasyRuler Film, Shatter Resistant, Easier to Cut, Bend, Mold than Plexiglass. For Robotics Teams, Hobby, Home, DIY, Industrial, Crafts."

I put the plastic on top of the printout and marked the hole spots. Using a drill press is very hard, the parallax of the plastic is hard to align. But it's good for a rough panel. I also used a plexiglass cutting tool, to the score the dial. You need to start very light and slow for it to not slip. This is not used for a final panel, but can go a long way to getting it right before you send it out. Of course, if you are simply drilling holes for parts to hang, this is great.

I also tried printing on a clear stick-on label but it was a huge, huge mess. Lost of bubbles, impossible to align, and on and on.

I took some pictures. Since the output is accurate, and Front Panel Designer outputs to DXF, I am taking the drawing to a local laser cutter to make my panel.

I'll keep you posted as I make my way through this.

Here is the output printed on a card

Line up the plastic

Mark the holes, scare what you want, the drill it

5 comments

5 Comments

dayleedwards

Dec 31, 2022

This looks very interesting, its usually the front panel that makes the best project look a tad home made. Would placing the printout on top of the panel then marking the centers eliminate that parallax problem? Im gunna check this out, my front panels look awful, marker pen , wobbly writing and not much else..

w3hwj

Dec 30, 2022

1. Center punch your holes

2. Buy a center drill. It's a drill with a point that's almost a needle, with a thicker shank to prevent wobble.

If that doesn't work, you may need a new drill press.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31O4zHQUseL._AC_UL480_QL65_.jpg

LarryDee

Dec 31, 2022

Replying to

I had the drill too long, needed to move the platform up. The center drill will help, thanks.

The panel I'm working on is for rough layout.

I did use a soldering iron to melt the spot I needed to drill. Then I got closer, but it's still off by a tad. Overlaying the template using a clear sticker was messy. The point of this is to get a rough layout for the parts. There is a laser cutter business very close to my home, and the owner took an interest and is actually going to do the whole panel on trophy acrylic. My homemade panel gets me closer to the layout before I go to laser it all. The laser cutter will engrave all the markings and text. The markings will be printed in reverse on the back of the panel so from the front it will be correct, and smooth. I'll be able to wash it with paint if I want to make it stand out.. Should be really great looking.

w3hwj

Dec 28, 2022

I use COREL DRAW for panel templates. Since I usually use aluminum or opaque acrylic, I tape the paper template on top of the panel and mark all the holes with a punch. No parallax if the paper is on top of the plastic. Rich

LarryDee

Dec 29, 2022

Replying to

I have trouble with the drill press lining up no matter what. My dots are on top, pre sunk. It's an equipment thing. Even tried clear label stick ons, not accurate enough for my drill press to line up. It's my lack of machine skills too