pisquee Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Hi, I don't have any rack panels handy, and wanting to get some custom ones made up at a local laser cutters. Has anyone got a sheet showing the dimensions for the panels and screw holes, or caqn knock something up in CAD please?! Thanks Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mervaka Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_unit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete10uk Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Hi, I don't have any rack panels handy, and wanting to get some custom ones made up at a local laser cutters. Has anyone got a sheet showing the dimensions for the panels and screw holes, or caqn knock something up in CAD please?! Thanks Tim Could this be adapted? 1u Cable Management Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mixermend Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Be aware that if the panel is simply a flat sheet - it won't be very rigid, which isn't nice when plugging and unplugging connectors. This can be overcome by forming a bend at the top or bottom (or both) of the panel, or bolting a right angle section of extruded aluminium to it, but there isn't much spare room available on a 44mm 1U high panel after the holes have been made for the connectors........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
top-cat Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Be aware that if the panel is simply a flat sheet - it won't be very rigid, which isn't nice when plugging and unplugging connectors. This can be overcome by forming a bend at the top or bottom (or both) of the panel, or bolting a right angle section of extruded aluminium to it, but there isn't much spare room available on a 44mm 1U high panel after the holes have been made for the connectors........ Just to expand on this - most blank panels when you look at them on the shop will be offered as 'flat' and 'formed'. The former being just a flat bit of metal, ideal for just filling a gap. The latter ill have the bend at the top/bottom as explained above, to improve rigidity, ideal for mounting connectors on it to stop it bending and twisting. Hence the latter is usually more expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pisquee Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 This is to make blank panels for company branding/logo/info printing, no connectors or wires to mount, to leave in racks at install locations etc. Will be full colour photographic quality digital printing, rather than the usual screen print or vinyl stickers. If they end up too flimsy, may need to be mounted on more rigid panels - just at prototype stage at the moment. Have the source for the metal, company for printing, and laser cutting factory all lined up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mixermend Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Please post a photo of this project when it is ready - it will be of interest to many of us what modern production techniques can achieve. If the panel isn't rigid enough - you can always bond a length of right angle aluminium extrusion to it with a suitable adhesive. Another high tech assembly method, if it is good enough for racing cars and aircraft, it should be fine for Pro Audio.....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audiomik Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 There is a stock 'un-equal' angle extrusion which is 1/8" thick, 1 3/4" wide and has a 7/8" angle part . This can be cut for 19" 1U panels where the angle part not only supports the front well for connectors etc, but is also very convenient for such things as attaching tie-bars or Printed Circuit Boards amongst other things; losing only 1/8" of panel space at one edge only.Think it is in the Alcan catalog from memory, but may be of interest to those wanting stronger 1U panels for various things. Mik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gareth A Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I have done installs in the past 12 months, where they are just 1u and 2u blank panels that have been etched or colour printed. Some even fully coloured. But none of them have strengthening bars. But works really well for just this purpose only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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