Making Custom Eurorack Front Panels with a Laser Engraver

video upload by Extralife

"I finally got a new, larger eurorack case! But it's shallower than my old one, so I need to re-format some modules to fit. Time to make a custom faceplate with my new laser engraver.

I'm combining 3 of the Hexinverter NeinOhNein drum modules into one so I can stack the PCBs and make a module sandwich. This is a very ad-hoc and manual process, but the front panel can be designed on the computer for a more professional looking result.

I ended up using some satin black Rustoleum spraypaint on top of some matte white Krylon. The laser is absorbed by the black paint, ablating it, and reflected by the white, leaving it intact. You can then remove the paint residue using rubbing alcohol.

The laser settings were very forgiving, I think I ended up using about 20% power and 100mm/minute for most of the marking. I found it was helpful to slightly defocus the laser to cover a wider area during engraving and to not mark the black paint when moving around in 'finding' mode (5.5W at 1% will still etch black surfaces!).

Hexinverter NeinOhNein modules: http://www.hexinverter.net/neinohnein...

NEJE 3 laser engraver: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/225183...

Lightburn CNC software: https://lightburnsoftware.com/"