# Front panel supplier **URL:** \ **Category:** FAQ\ **Created:** [January 22, 2020, 7:27pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84 "2020-01-22T19:27:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![BlackDeath](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/blackdeath/32/7644_2.png) [@BlackDeath](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/BlackDeath)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2020, 12:20pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/62 "2020-10-29T12:20:49Z")
Has anybody found a cut-to-size or pre-cut EU vendor? ---
**Author:** ![Farabide](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecc23a/32.png) [@Farabide](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Farabide)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2020, 12:26pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/63 "2020-10-29T12:26:30Z")
If you live in northern Europe and have a spanner then many parking signs are kosmo-ish size… just sayin. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![analogoutput](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/analogoutput/32/29663_2.png) [@analogoutput](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/analogoutput)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2020, 1:02pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/64 "2020-10-29T13:02:08Z")
Welcome here! I had to verify because that was such a steep price change but you’re right. This would be a good time to buy if you need it. I still have a lot of my previous orders and am planning on FR4 for most of my next several modules, though. ---
**Author:** ![FrankRT](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/frankrt/32/13750_2.png) [@FrankRT](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/FrankRT)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2021, 8:49pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/65 "2021-03-24T20:49:30Z")
Hi People, Completely new here. While trying to find a topic about getting started for ultra novice beginner level I found this thread. Overhere in the Netherlands there are several companies who produce laser cut panels to your design. They will be just bare aluminum (or steel or stainless) Just upload a .dxf or a.stp file and you’ll have a quote well within a minute. Cut to a 0,1 mm tolerance and complete with all holes, slots etc in the right position. I happen to have an account at one of these companies. So if you’re interested just drop me a message. (no affiliation ofcoarse) ---
**Author:** ![TimMJN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/timmjn/32/15227_2.png) [@TimMJN](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/TimMJN)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 6:18pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/66 "2021-09-23T18:18:20Z")
Just out of curiosity, what companies do you have good experience with? Both in quality and price/quality ratio. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![FrankRT](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/frankrt/32/13750_2.png) [@FrankRT](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/FrankRT)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 8:09pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/67 "2021-09-23T20:09:56Z")
Hi Tim, I either use the company “247TailorSteel” or “247lasersnijden.nl”. Both companies use an online portal where u can upload a .stp or .dxf file. They both cut a wide variety of materials and are able to do bends. Prices vary with the requested delivery time. Accuracy and tolerances are great. Especially with thinner materials. The attached “wagon wheel” bumper plates were cut out of 10mm mild steel and needed almost no scale /burr removal. [image|666x500](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/uploads/short-url/1aSQ0O2xuKADiRESBEFrhenFVk9.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![TimMJN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/timmjn/32/15227_2.png) [@TimMJN](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/TimMJN)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2021, 9:22pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/68 "2021-09-23T21:22:38Z")
Thank you Frank, good to know!! Cheers, ---
**Author:** ![jaradical](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/jaradical/32/12069_2.png) [@jaradical](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/jaradical)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2021, 8:20am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/69 "2021-09-24T08:20:41Z")
I have used John Steel: > **[John Steel - La découpe sur-mesure 100 % Française de métal et de bois](https://www.john-steel.com/)** > > Découpez votre plaque de métal ou votre panneau de bois à vos mesures ! Plaque Acier - Tôles Inox - Panneau de bois massif. Livraison gratuite ! Quality is okay, I like the anodised alu. I found the best way to get good value was to put multiple panels in the same drawing, then I separate the panels at home with a jigsaw. Upload DXF directly for quotes. ---
**Author:** ![zorch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/zorch/32/5586_2.png) [@zorch](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/zorch)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2025, 7:02pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/70 "2025-08-27T19:02:54Z")
Time to necro a post! I am looking a bit deeper into having some nice aluminum panels made, but pretty much every place that I have come across needs a .step file or similar. Are there any good onshape tutorials that focus on making just a panel with holes? Most videos that I have found seem to want to start with more complex shapes and assemblies. ---
**Author:** ![krztoff](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/krztoff/32/29609_2.png) [@krztoff](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/krztoff)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2025, 9:33pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/71 "2025-08-27T21:33:36Z")
Does Front Panel Designer not output step files? I could have sworn it did ---
**Author:** ![zorch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/zorch/32/5586_2.png) [@zorch](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/zorch)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2025, 9:44pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/72 "2025-08-27T21:44:27Z")
Does it?! I thought it was for .STL’s ---
**Author:** ![krztoff](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/krztoff/32/29609_2.png) [@krztoff](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/krztoff)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2025, 9:51pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/73 "2025-08-27T21:51:45Z")
It’s what I used to get a front panel made by jlcpcb for my custom fartbox ---
**Author:** ![ShedSynth](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/shedsynth/32/22450_2.png) [@ShedSynth](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/ShedSynth)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2025, 10:22am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/74 "2025-08-28T10:22:44Z")
I get blank panels made by JLCPCB on aluminium/white, with slots cut, “ShedSynth” logo and centre-lines printed on the back (actually the front when you’re plotting the PCB) to help when I drill them for whatever module I’m making. Mine are Eurorack, but they seem stiff enough to work for bigger Kosmo panels. ![blank front panels](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/2/b/2b76deca036942c2c1e65f99f7d388982a5f5a64.jpeg) In the UK, getting 10 or 20 blank panels worked out as cheap as buying a sheet of aluminium from a local store and making a terrible job of cutting it up myself. I have also had a couple of panels ready-drilled/printed for specific modules which turned out nicely. Remember to specify the position of their order number with “JLCJLCJLCJLC” so it doesn’t end up on the face. ---
**Author:** ![K.ostas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed655f/32.png) [@K.ostas](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/K.ostas)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2025, 11:55am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/75 "2025-08-28T11:55:21Z")
Not a bad idea actually. Ordering five 2.5cm aluminium panels at JLCPCB comes at EUR 2.17 a piece, including taxes and postage. I can get a largish 2mm thick offcut aluminium sheet and cut it to Kosmo sized panels for about a third of that a piece, but when you factor in the tools, time, and messy end result, it really makes sense to order from JLCPCP. The postage with JLCPCB, however, grows exponentially with larger panels, so I think that for panels larger than 7.5cm one would better go with cutting an aluminium sheet themselves. My question is, has anyone checked the stiffness of the JLCPCB aluminium panels at 2.5, 5 and 7.5cm if it’s any good. If so, has anyone shared gerber or kicad files for Kosmo sized blank panels? ---
**Author:** ![zorch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/zorch/32/5586_2.png) [@zorch](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/zorch)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2025, 10:15pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/76 "2025-09-07T22:15:06Z")
Has anyone had any experience with JLCPCB - getting a powder coat finish and then having laser engraving done? ---
**Author:** ![ShedSynth](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/shedsynth/32/22450_2.png) [@ShedSynth](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/ShedSynth)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2026, 11:28am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84/77 "2026-08-09T11:28:30Z")
> [@ShedSynth](#): > > I have also had a couple of panels ready-drilled/printed for specific modules… As an experiment I ordered black FR4 front panels from JLCPCB with white screenprinting. I would have preferred black-faced aluminium, but that cost $17 compared to $5 for my usual white-faced aluminium. ![LPG-B aluminium & black panels](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/e/c/ec37f04f5a132376fdbbc14d2604e8f16f52794a.jpeg) Not quite as rigid as the aluminium but seems perfectly workable when assembled with the circuit board. The finish is not-quite-black, more a very dark grey with a slight glossy bloom. The not-quite-white screenprinting is perfectly clear but feels a little unemphasised. ![LPG-B black+black](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/3/c/3c6360a6b1602b44b2bd5f63279573d71fc938a6.jpeg) I think they photograph better than they look in real life, but they certainly look synthesizery _(adj)_. For myself, I’m going to stick to bare aluminium with black screenprinting to match the rest of my modules which are hand-drilled blank panels with hand-written legends. ![LPG-B alu+blue](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/6/7/674e860e168082957a7840ce265c2729e00b9b80.jpeg) And a note: they arrived with my unchanged “JLCJLCJLCJLC” on the back, it seems that JLCPCB no longer add their own order number. [Previous page](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/front-panel-supplier/84.md?page=3)