Switchpanel material

[Firesec]

Hi,
I am in the process of replacing my switchpanel in my 34ft yacht and am seeking advice as to the best material to use to mount the switches, gauges, etc. into. Whatever I use will be framed with timber.

Any recommended thicknesses of what you recommend would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Cheers

[model 10]

Clear plastic works well. If you wanted too, you could light it. There are several ways to do it.

[Reefmagnet]

Depending on the look required, plywood or acrylic. Both easy to work and cheap to replace if you want to rearrange the knobs and dials down the track. 1/4"" for plywood and 1.8 to 3/16 acrylic should be more than adequate for an average sized panel.

[Moonos]

Traffolyte.

[Firesec]

Thanks for your help.

Clear not really ideal as my wiring will be behind and look too busy.

Ply and acrylic are options and thanks for the sizing.

Looked up Traffilyte and that's an option as well. I knew of the stuff but not the proper name. Any idea of thickness?

[model 10]

[QUOTE=Firesec;1899266]Thanks for your help.

Clear not really ideal as my wiring will be behind and look too busy.




You would paint it. A few LEDs behind or in the plastic would give light where you remove the paint.

[exMaggieDrum]

Thin sheet aluminum is a very good material. It is easy to work with and you can find it powder coated or paint it yourself. Plastic is good too. Don't use anything too thick though. You will have trouble using the screws that come with circuit breakers if the material is too thick.

[a64pilot]

Clear acrylic, with paint on the backside looks pretty good.
Get a piece and just spray paint it and see.

[Paul Elliott]

HDPE (High Density Polyethelene) is a good plastic material. It doesn't crack as easily as, say, plexiglass (acrylic).

If you want to use aluminum, take a look at Front Panel Express (http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/). They have free software you can download that makes it pretty easy to create a good-looking panel. I use this for a black-anodized panel with lettering and it came out well.

[Colin A]

1/8" aluminum (anodized or epoxy painted) will likely be the most durable but it's harder to work. Acrylic works well but is easier to crack while making it. G10 or similar fiberglass sheets are great but again a bit hard to work.