Front Panel Production | Beta LAYOUT Ltd.

Process data

If you are using DXF file format, we can convert these file using our front panel design software Target 3001! Our CAM engineers check the data thoroughly for accuracy, and use it to create the programs required for CNC milling machining as well as for any printing or engraving details.

Milling

When the drilling and milling programs have been created, the specified front panel material and design are processed using CNC milling machines.

Front panel is printed by inkjet printer

Printing

Two different methods are used for the printing. With digital printing the milled front panel is printed using inkjet technology and the ink is then baked at 120 ° C. Several colours as well as colour gradients do not present any problems. With UV printing the ink is hardened directly using a UV lamp. This creates a clearly visible and perceptible new layer on the front panel. This process can be used in addition to the usual colours and gradients also for printing white as a colour. UV printing is used for printing white, full surface printing and also for printing on acrylic.

Engraving

With the mechanical engraving, an engraving tool penetrates 0.3 mm deep into the material.. As a result, characters can be engraved and also more complex structures such as logos. Images are not possible. Laser Engravingis used on anodised aluminium. Through a targeted laser beam only the coloured anodising of the aluminium front panel is removed. The aluminium below forms the contrast to the anodising and allows the labelling to be seen. This method can also be used for making monochrome images, logos, etc. onto the front panel, as a result this process of labelling is absolutely resistant to any kind of outside influence as material is removed and nothing is added.

Inserting threaded studs and bushings

For material with a thickness greater than 2 mm threaded studs and threaded bushing can be inserted into the front panel. To do this, depth milling is performed during the machining stage, after which the desired inserts are hydraulically-pneumatically ‘pressed in’ into position. As the parts are ‘pressed in’ a powerful seal is achieved thereby eliminating any chance of movement. When material with a thickness of 2.5 mm or greater is used the inserted studs/bushing will no longer be visible.