On Nov 3, 2008, at 9:10 AM, yahoo@... wrote:

> The expensive part isn't the punching but the silk screen (e.g. we
> offer
> punched 8 HP or 4 HP panels at Euro 5 only). One will hardly find a
> universal labelling for modules.
>
> Best wishes
> Dieter Doepfer
>

I worked at a company that used Lexan decals for a while as front
panel graphics. They were cheaper than silkscreening on metal just
because they were done multiples on a large sheet. I'm sure the
Mattson Mini is printed similarly. It is a completely different look
of course and would not really work on the A-100 - it would look VERY
different from the previous modules. There is no easy way to automate
the silkscreening process unless VERY large numbers are involved. It
is still a guy putting a panel in a jig and doing it by hand, hence
the expense. I once designed some custom patch panels for a SEM
chassis I designed and planned on using semi-glossy paper 8.5x11
stickers run though a color ink-jet printer and laminated. Still
cheaper than making a silkscreen. Full color too.
I have to say that with as many modules that you offer in your line
up, with as many unique parts, it is quite amazing that you can keep
track of it all and that you're still in business! Keep up the good
work!

Maybe a more exotic, very specialized, "boutique" line of Doepfer
modules in low production runs that cost more to buy (enough more to
cover a limited production run) - would be fun to try out. Not very
practical though I would imagine. Leave that up to the other Euro-
rack makers out there. I'm sure some of the ideas that are posted
here that won't make it into the Doepfer line will show up elsewhere!

-James