DBX front panel question :)

[thomasdf]

Hi all

So I have this weird question, does anybody here knows what are the old DBX front panels made of ? Talking about the DBX 117, 118, 160 etc

My guess is anodized aluminium. Can anybody comment / confirm ?

Thanks a lot

thomas

 

[moamps]

1 mm thick natural anodized aluminium sheet, inserted into universal frame, black paint on sheet with inverted film, IMO.

 

[thomasdf]

thanks for your input, so silk screened writings then?

 

[abbey road d enfer]

thanks for your input, so silk screened writings then?

Yes, silk-screening; it's about the only practical solution at the time, excluding mech engraving.

 

[thomasdf]

Thanks ! Is it possible to silk screen and then anodize? The writings seem very very very thin, almost in the surface. Or is there some sort of lacquer afterwards ?

 

[abbey road d enfer]

Thanks ! Is it possible to silk screen and then anodize? The writings seem very very very thin, almost in the surface. Or is there some sort of lacquer afterwards ?

Anodizing comes first usually. Ink prevents anodizing, so there would be no advantage because the ink would still be exposed. There have been attempts at creating selective anodizing, by silk-screening a protective vanish (in negative) followed by dark anodizing, then the varnish was dissolved and clearer anodizing was made. It was found too labour intensive for a mitigated result. If the metal has been brushed adequately, the ink will stay durably; I believe the old inks are not used anymore, only the very durable epoxy ones, and now the UV cured ones.

 

[thomasdf]

Thanks for your answer
the investigations continues... especially regarding the inks !