This is an introduction to the Aluminum Blank Panel 3U Small 16-Piece Set from Takazudo's hobby blank panel series. The panels are 3U height and come in 4 widths: 1HP, 2HP, 3HP, and 4HP, four of each. Made of aluminum with one side painted black, you can use whichever side suits your rack's design.
Small-sized blank panels can be surprisingly expensive when bought individually, so I made these. Since buying small panels one by one can also be a hassle, they are sold as a complete set.
This product is available for purchase below.
Product Photos
Overview
These blank panels were designed by Takazudo using CAD data and manufactured at a factory. The material is aluminum, with one side painted black.
Since they are ordered from an affordable factory, some panels with scratches or uneven aluminum texture may occasionally be mixed in. These are screened out for this product, but it appears to be difficult to manufacture small-sized panels with high precision at this price point. Please note that smaller sizes may have some variation in shape.
The product photos include close-up images of panels with less-than-perfect shapes. As shown, the imperfections are minor — slightly protruding edges or hole positions off by less than 1mm — at a level that does not cause any issues in use.
Sizes and Quantities
The sizes and quantities are as follows.
| HP | Qty | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1HP | 4 | 5.0 | 128.5 | 1.6 |
| 2HP | 4 | 9.8 | 128.5 | 1.6 |
| 3HP | 4 | 14.9 | 128.5 | 1.6 |
| 4HP | 4 | 20.0 | 128.5 | 1.6 |
Design Details
It's just a blank panel, so there's nothing particularly remarkable to highlight, but one design consideration worth noting is that the screw holes on this panel are sized with a slight margin on both sides to accommodate two screw positions (for widths of 2HP and above).
When determining screw hole positions for panels, most people reference the dimensions published by Doepfer, which established the Eurorack standard. However, if you match those dimensions exactly, modules can end up fitting too tightly. These panels have their screw holes positioned with that consideration in mind, placed to allow some clearance.
As for colors, the factory offers several painting options, but after ordering panels in various colors, I chose black because it shows the least unevenness and blends most easily with other module panels. The back is left as raw aluminum, so you can choose which side to use.
These are by no means premium-quality products, but since blank panels can be surprisingly expensive when you actually try to buy them, I thought it would be good to offer an affordable option.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Widths: 1HP, 2HP, 3HP, 4HP
Recommended for anyone with empty rack space who wants to keep the dust out.
We'll keep making various products!