Front Panels & Control Panels
High quality engraving materials for front panels, control panels, control consoles, measuring instruments and technical operating elements. Suitable plastics, clear cast acrylic and aluminium allow function labels, scales, symbols and technical information to be displayed precisely and permanently.
Precise Labelling for Machine Controls and Technical Equipment
Front panels and control panels combine technical function with clear user guidance. Labels must remain easy to read even at small character sizes and must align precisely with push buttons, switches, displays, controls and other operating elements.
Different material thicknesses, surfaces and processing methods are required depending on the application. INNOGRAV offers suitable materials for decorative operating panels, robust industrial front panels, transparent covers and precise scales.
Our Material Recommendations for Front Panels & Control Panels
The right material depends on the processing method, desired appearance, material thickness and level of stress. For front panels, control panels and technical controls, we particularly recommend the following INNOGRAV materials.
LaserAcryl 1
LaserAcryl 1 is a versatile two layer material for high contrast front panels and control labels. Its microthin surface layer enables fine text, symbols and scales without unwanted shadowing.
- Laser engraving and rotary engraving
- Fine, high contrast labelling
- UV stable
- Wide range of colour combinations
- 1.6 mm material thickness
LaserAcryl 3
LaserAcryl 3 provides greater material thickness while maintaining fine, high contrast engraving. At 3.0 mm, it is particularly suitable for more rigid front panels and control elements with precise cut-outs.
- Laser engraving and cutting
- Rotary engravable
- UV stable
- 3.0 mm material thickness
- High dimensional stability
PLY 2
PLY 2 is a versatile engraving material for mechanically engraved front panels and control panels. Its microthin surface layer enables particularly fine engraving, while the matte, low reflection surface improves readability.
- Ideal for rotary engraving
- Microthin surface layer
- Perfect for fine detail engraving
- Matte, low reflection surface
- 0.8 / 1.5 / 2.5 mm material thickness
Clear Cast Acrylic
Clear Cast Acrylic is suitable for transparent front panels, viewing windows and covers. The material can be laser engraved, laser cut, rotary machined and drilled, making it a versatile choice for high quality transparent equipment fronts.
- Clear cast acrylic
- Laser engraving, laser cutting and rotary machining
- Weather resistant and lightfast
- 2 / 3 / 4 / 6 mm material thickness
- For interior and exterior use
Aluminium G (matt)
Aluminium G (matt) is a double sided anodised aluminium with a brushed, matte surface. The ALMG3 alloy is specially designed for rotary engraving and is suitable for premium, robust front panels.
- Double sided anodised aluminium
- Brushed, matte finish
- For rotary and diamond engraving
- 0.5 to 4.0 mm material thickness
- Weather resistant
Aluminium G (Colours, matt)
Aluminium G (Colours, matt) provides anodised, brushed surfaces in a range of colours. The material is suitable for both rotary engraving and laser marking and enables premium coloured control panels and front panels.
- Anodised aluminium
- Laser marking and rotary engraving
- Light contrast with laser marking
- 0.5 to 4.0 mm material thickness
- Available in several colours
AluSign
AluSign is developed for precise laser marking on aluminium. Laser processing produces deep black, permanently legible characters. The material is particularly suitable for fine scales, technical labelling and premium equipment fronts.
- Surface treated aluminium
- Deep black laser marking
- Ideal for fine details and scales
- 0.5 and 1.0 mm material thickness
- For interior and exterior use
Melamine
Melamine is a three layer, double sided engravable phenolic resin laminate. The robust material is suitable for mechanically engraved control panels and technical front panels where a durable surface is required.
- 3 ply material
- Double sided engravable
- For rotary engraving
- Flame retardant
- 1.5 / 2.0 mm material thickness
Multipal
Multipal is a three layer, double sided engravable phenolic resin laminate. The material is suitable for robust, mechanically engraved front panels and control panels in industrial environments.
- 3 ply material
- Double sided engravable
- For rotary engraving
- Resistant to chemicals and solvents
- 1.0 / 1.4 / 2.0 / 3.0 mm material thickness
Which Material Is Suitable for Which Front Panel?
| Application | Recommendation | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight plastic front panels | LaserAcryl 1 | Fine, high contrast engraving and a wide range of colours |
| Rigid plastic front panels | LaserAcryl 3 | 3.0 mm material thickness and clean laser cut edges |
| Fine rotary engraved control panels | PLY 2 | Low reflection surface and fine rotary engraving |
| Transparent front panels & viewing windows | Clear Cast Acrylic | Transparent and suitable for laser and rotary processing |
| Rotary engraved aluminium front panels | Aluminium G (matt) | Brushed metal surface for rotary and diamond engraving |
| Coloured aluminium control panels | Aluminium G (Colours, matt) | Coloured anodised surface for laser marking and rotary engraving |
| Fine scales & black laser marking | AluSign | Deep black, precise laser marking on aluminium |
| Robust mechanically engraved control panels | Melamine / Multipal | Double sided engravable phenolic resin laminates for technical applications |
What Should Be Considered for Front Panels & Control Panels?
Readability & Contrast
Labels for push buttons, switches, controls and displays should remain easy to recognise even at small character sizes. High contrast supports clear and intuitive operation.
Material Thickness
Material thickness should match the size of the front panel, mounting method and mechanical load. Available options range from thin aluminium sheets to plastic and acrylic panels several millimetres thick.
Drilled Holes & Cut-outs
Push buttons, displays, switches, potentiometers and other components require precise drilled holes and cut-outs. Material selection should therefore be coordinated with the intended processing method at an early stage.
Processing Method
LaserAcryl and Clear Cast Acrylic can be laser and rotary processed. PLY 2, Melamine, Multipal and Aluminium G (matt) are particularly suited to rotary engraving. AluSign and Aluminium G (Colours, matt) enable precise laser marking on aluminium.
Surface & Appearance
Matte plastics reduce unwanted reflections, while brushed aluminium provides a premium technical appearance. Clear Cast Acrylic enables transparent and modern design solutions.
Application Environment
Temperature, UV radiation, moisture, cleaning agents and mechanical stress can influence material selection. Material properties should therefore match the intended application.
Custom Cuts for Front Panels and Control Panels
Many INNOGRAV materials can be ordered as full sheets, strips or custom cut pieces. This allows front panels and control panels to be processed efficiently for one-off parts, small batches and series production.
Depending on the material, additional processing such as drilled holes, cut-outs, rounded corners or self adhesive backing may also be available.
Find the Right Material for Your Front Panels & Control Panels
Do you need material for front panels, control consoles, operating panels, scales or function labels? We can help you select the right material, thickness, surface finish and processing method.
Frequently Asked Questions About Front Panels & Control Panels
Which material is suitable for front panels?
A range of plastics, Clear Cast Acrylic and aluminium can be used for front panels. LaserAcryl 1 and LaserAcryl 3 are suitable for high contrast plastic fronts. Aluminium G (matt) and AluSign provide premium metal surfaces, while Clear Cast Acrylic is suitable for transparent fronts and viewing windows.
Which material is suitable for fine scales and labelling?
AluSign is particularly suitable for fine, deep black laser marking on aluminium. LaserAcryl 1 also enables very fine, high contrast engraving. PLY 2 is a suitable solution for mechanically engraved scales.
Can Clear Cast Acrylic be used for front panels?
Yes. Clear Cast Acrylic is suitable for transparent front panels, covers and viewing windows. It can be laser engraved, laser cut, rotary machined and drilled and is available in several thicknesses.
Which aluminium is suitable for front panels?
Aluminium G (matt) is particularly suitable for rotary and diamond engraving. Aluminium G (Colours, matt) can additionally be marked with a laser. AluSign is developed for precise, deep black laser marking.
Which materials are suitable for robust mechanically engraved control panels?
PLY 2, Melamine and Multipal are suitable for mechanical rotary engraving. Melamine and Multipal are multi-layer, double sided engravable phenolic resin laminates for robust technical applications.
Can front panels be supplied as custom cuts?
Many INNOGRAV materials are available as full sheets, strips or custom cut pieces. Depending on the material and version, drilled holes, cut-outs and additional processing options may also be available.