I have created many DIY power supply's & battery chargers in the past using various power adapters and cc / cv buck/boost converters over the years.

Recently though I've been wanting to build some that have a more sleek / professional control interface...

In the past I've used various panel mount voltage & current meters like the "PZEM" series or seperate cheap panel mount meters. Then removed / extended / replaced the trimpots or potentiometers on the buck boost boards and mounted them next to the panel mount meters so you can easily adjust voltage & current.

I have tried searching online for a solution but haven't had much luck. I'm assuming that I'm just not searching for the correct terms.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

You have said what you have done but have not asked a question or described a problem.

Les.

 

If you have access to a graphics program or a drafting program then you may be able to produce really good looking panel layouts with all of the controls and meters labeled. Once the full size art is created there were a number of companies able to print it on colored or white mylar, with a clear cover sheet over that. and an adhesive backing. Then it is not very difficult to put it on the panel and have a very good looking piece of equipment.
But I would never put trim-pots on the panel. Only thru-hole pots and switches, and front mount meters and pilot lights.

Quite a few printing shops are able to accept artwork via email and the panel overlay is ready in a day.

 

On Jon's Imaginarium there are articles about using commercially made printed circuit boards as panels (very cheap from JLCPCB, Electrow and many others). You get accurate panel cutouts and holes and silkscreen artwork.

Alternatively, there's also an article on using Rowmark Colorcast Acrylic for commercial-quality panels. This material is 3mm thick clear acrylic with a thin color layer on the back. Your artwork, labels, etc. are laser-engraved from the back, cutting through the color layer. Then those areas are filled with acrylic paint to create labels and artwork visible through the panel.

PCB Panel on Commercial Enclosure




PCB Panels on Lego Frame Enclosure (awaiting laser-cut panels for top and ends)




Rowmark Colorcast Panel – it can also be illuminated using LEDs behind engraved areas.