Experiences with Panel-Pool, Front Panel Supplier

[Farley]

Does anyone have experience using Panel-Pool (http://www.panel-pool.com/fpus/)?
I'm considering them for an aluminum panel with cutouts and graphics.

In particular, what was the total lead time from placing the order to receipt of parts (shipping to the U.S.A.)?
I would also be interested in learning what the shipping charges were.

[TassiloH]

I have ordered front panels there several times. They are not cheap. For me, a front panel for a 2 unit high, half width 19" box (i.e. 8.5x3.5 inches), 2mm thick Al cost 110 EUR+Tax for 3 pieces. There is some base charge in there, so one piece probably would have been 50-60 EUR.
If you use their software, you can get the panel price right away, although the software has its drawbacks (it is basically a PCB layout software, Target, modified to handle front panel design). It is the only supplier I am aware of offering color graphics printing on aluminum AND online quotation.
The quality of the panels in my case was perfect. I think they quoted 8 business days until shipping, and they used pretty much exactly this time. I can't tell you about the shipping time to the US, I live in Germany, and the company is located there, too (Beta Layout), for me shipping was overnight.

[ElectricGuy]

I have ordered front panels there several times. They are not cheap. For me, a front panel for a 2 unit high, half width 19" box (i.e. 8.5x3.5 inches), 2mm thick Al cost 110 EUR+Tax for 3 pieces. There is some base charge in there, so one piece probably would have been 50-60 EUR.
If you use their software, you can get the panel price right away, although the software has its drawbacks (it is basically a PCB layout software, Target, modified to handle front panel design). It is the only supplier I am aware of offering color graphics printing on aluminum AND online quotation.
The quality of the panels in my case was perfect. I think they quoted 8 business days until shipping, and they used pretty much exactly this time. I can't tell you about the shipping time to the US, I live in Germany, and the company is located there, too (Beta Layout), for me shipping was overnight.

You have another one in germany, but never tried their services!
http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/en/

[TassiloH]

The last time I checked, the Schaeffer software couldn't quote panels with printed artwork (only engraving was supported). Have they included that feature in the meantime?

[ElectricGuy]

The last time I checked, the Schaeffer software couldn't quote panels with printed artwork (only engraving was supported). Have they included that feature in the meantime?

I don't know. I never tried their service. From what i can see from the website, they do that!