Laser cut panel — aluminum IO panel

Instead of a costly, machined alloy part, this design uses a lamination of laser cut plastic and metal parts to build up the panel.

Background

A compact solution was needed for this Control Panel due to packaging and cost constraints.

A touchscreen, a computer, buttons, switches, wiring, and a dust cover had to be fitted in a low profile configuration. On top of this challenge, the touchscreen needed to be electrically isolated.

Solution

Instead of a costly, machined alloy part, this design uses a lamination of laser cut plastic and metal parts to build up the panel.

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The rear plate was cut from .125” 6061 AL and covered with a sheet of .040” black anodized AL.

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The labeling was also performed as a raster on the FabLight for a highly visibility, professional appearance.

Using the Fablight allows the user to design and cut the part within minutes and get to production faster.