Frequently Asked Questions

Wire transfers are accepted for orders over $500. After your quote is approved, select "Wire Transfer" as your payment method and we'll send you our banking details via email. Payment must clear before production begins — typically 1–2 business days for domestic transfers. For international wires, please allow an additional 1–3 business days and note that your bank may apply SWIFT fees.

ACH bank transfer is available to US business accounts and is our lowest-cost payment method — there are no processing fees on your side, unlike card payments. Setup is a one-time step:

• We verify your business details and send a secure ACH authorization form.
• You enter your routing and account numbers on that form — never send them by email.
• Once authorized, ACH appears as a payment option on every future quote.

ACH debits typically clear in 3–5 business days, and production begins once funds settle. If you need parts moving sooner on a first order, pay by card or wire while ACH setup is in progress.

Wallet credit is a balance stored on your Xeon NC account that can be applied to any future order. Credit is issued in two situations: (1) if we make a production error and issue a partial or full refund, and (2) as part of promotion programs for volume clients. Wallet credit never expires and can be used in combination with any other payment method.

Yes, absolutely. We routinely sign mutual NDAs for clients developing proprietary panel designs, OEM products, and broadcast hardware. Send us your NDA before or at the time of your first order. We'll review and return a signed copy within one business day. All project files are treated as confidential regardless of whether an NDA is in place.

Placing an order is simple:

• Fill out the quote form on our homepage with your layout, material, quantity, and finish.
• We send you a proofed DXF drawing and itemized quote — usually within one business day.
• You approve the drawing in writing (email is fine).
• Complete payment and production begins.
• Your panels ship within 3–5 days.

No account is required for a first order, though we recommend creating one for repeat clients.

We ship via UPS and FedEx for domestic US orders, with Ground, 2-Day, and Overnight options available. All orders include a tracking number sent via email when the package leaves our facility. Panels are wrapped in anti-scratch film and packed in rigid corrugated boxes with foam inserts. International shipping (DDP) is available to most countries — contact us for a rate quote.

We accept:

• Credit/Debit Cards — Visa, Mastercard, Amex (via Stripe)
• ACH Bank Transfer — for US business accounts (how to set it up)
• Wire Transfer — for orders $500+
• Net-30 Terms — for verified accounts with prior order history
• Wallet Credit — applied at checkout from your account balance

We do not accept PayPal, checks, or cryptocurrency at this time.

3D printing (additive manufacturing) allows us to produce complex geometries, enclosures, brackets, and prototypes that would be impractical with subtractive methods. We use it primarily for custom cable guide inserts, mounting brackets, and enclosure components that complement our laser-cut aluminum panels. It's ideal for low-volume or one-off parts with complex internal features.

Key design guidelines:

• Minimum wall thickness: 1.5mm for structural walls, 0.8mm for thin cosmetic features
• Overhangs beyond 45° require support structures — affects surface finish
• Maximum single-piece build volume: 300 × 300 × 400mm
• Holes smaller than 1.5mm may not print accurately — consider post-drilling
• Design internal cavities to be self-draining

We accept STEP, STL, 3MF, and OBJ files.

For 3D printed parts, threads are best created by designing a smooth hole at the minor diameter and then using a tap post-print. For plastic inserts (M3, M4, M5) we recommend designing the hole slightly undersized and pressing in heat-set threaded inserts — this gives a much more durable connection than printed threads. Indicate thread requirements in the order notes.

We currently offer:

• PLA — cost-effective, good for prototypes and non-structural parts
• PETG — better chemical resistance and flexibility than PLA, great for enclosures
• ASA / ABS — UV-resistant, suitable for outdoor or high-heat environments
• Nylon (PA12) — flexible, durable, excellent for living hinges and brackets

The 3D Build Service is a full-assembly offering where we combine laser-cut aluminum panels, 3D printed components, hardware, and cable management into a tested, ready-to-install subassembly. Popular for rack drawers, surface-mount boxes, and OEM products. Contact us to discuss your build.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process where a rotating cutting tool removes material from a solid block or sheet to achieve precise geometry. Unlike laser cutting (2D profile cutting), CNC machining can create 3D features: pockets, counterbores, chamfers, and complex surface profiles. Used for thicker aluminum, billet parts, and features requiring tighter tolerances.

Essential CNC design guidelines:

• Internal corners must have a radius — minimum inside radius of 1mm
• Avoid deep narrow slots — depth-to-width ratio over 6:1 is difficult to machine cleanly
• Threads should be called out with standard designations (M4×0.7, 6-32, ¼-20, etc.)
• Specify surface finish: as-machined, bead blasted, or anodized
• Tolerances tighter than ±0.001″ require engineering discussion before submitting

For threaded holes, call out the thread standard, nominal diameter, pitch, and depth — for example: "M4×0.7 — 10mm deep" or "6-32 UNC — thru." For clearance holes, indicate the nominal screw size and fit (close, normal, or loose). For tight-tolerance dimensions, use standard GD&T callouts. Our team reviews every drawing before machining and will flag anything ambiguous.

We currently CNC machine:

• 6061-T6 Aluminum — most common, excellent machinability and anodizing response
• 5052-H32 Aluminum — softer, better for forming and welding applications
• 304 Stainless Steel — for high-corrosion or food-safe applications
• Delrin / Acetal — engineering plastic for bushings, spacers, and non-conductive parts

For best results, submit a DXF file with:

• All geometry on a single layer, no fills, no hatching — just cut lines
• Units set to inches or millimeters (specify which)
• All lines closed / joined — no gaps in profile paths
• No text or dimensions in the cut layer
• Minimum feature size 0.040″ (1mm)
• Minimum internal radius: half the material thickness

If you're unsure, send us whatever you have — we'll review it at no charge.

Our fiber laser processes:

• 5052-H32 Aluminum — primary specialty for audio and AV panels
• 6061-T6 Aluminum — structural and billet applications
• Mild steel (HR/CR) — up to 3/8″
• 304 / 316 Stainless Steel — up to ¼″
• Brass — up to 1/8″

We do not cut wood, acrylic, polycarbonate, or composites with our fiber laser.

Aluminum: 0.040″ (1mm) up to 0.25″ (¼″). Mild steel: up to 0.375″ (3/8″). Stainless steel: up to 0.25″ (¼″). Brass: up to 0.125″ (1/8″). Thicker stock can often be processed but may require additional setup time — contact us before ordering.

We strictly require:

• DXF — for 2D flat profiles
• STEP / STP — for 3D bent or formed parts

We do not accept DWG, AI, PDF, or raster images. If you only have a sketch, we can draft the DXF for you at no extra charge.

Yes. For production runs of 10+ panels, we strongly recommend ordering a single prototype first. The prototype cost is applied to the final invoice if the full order is placed within 30 days. Trial runs are priced identically to production — there's no "sample fee."

Our standard guaranteed laser cutting tolerance is ±0.005″ (±0.127mm) on all cut dimensions — holes, slots, profile edges, and cutouts. Anodizing does not measurably affect tolerances (Type II adds roughly 0.0001–0.0002″ per surface). If your design requires tighter tolerances, note this on your drawing and contact us before production.

Our standard cutting bed accommodates sheets up to 60″ × 120″ (5′ × 10′). Individual part maximum size is 48″ × 96″ for aluminum sheet. Parts larger than this can be produced in sections and joined — contact us to discuss.

Yes. We offer free pre-production design consulting for all clients. If you want feedback on manufacturability, tolerances, material selection, or finish options — email us your drawings and we'll schedule a brief call. For complex OEM projects, we can offer a formal DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review as a paid service.