Penn Elcom has unveiled a significant upgrade to its Panel Designer software, reinforcing its position at the forefront of custom AV racking solutions. The web-based platform, which enables customers to design and order bespoke 19-inch rack panels, now features enhanced DXF upload functionality that dramatically expands creative and technical possibilities for system integrators and rack builders worldwide.

The upgraded DXF capability allows users to upload their own custom cut-outs—including unique shapes, connectors and device apertures not currently available within the existing library—and seamlessly integrate them into their rack panel designs. This development builds on a platform that has already demonstrated remarkable global traction. Since its launch in 2019, Panel Designer has facilitated the manufacture of over 35,000 individually tailored panels across 65 countries, marking it as a truly international engineering collaboration.

Even prior to this update, Panel Designer offered a comprehensive library of industry-standard connector cut-outs and was widely recognised for its intuitive, no-CAD-required interface. The latest enhancements further close the gap between accessible design and high-end engineering. Intelligent Connector Guidance introduces informational icons and real-time data overlays that display precise size specifications for cut-outs, helping ensure first-time hardware compatibility and reducing costly production errors. Advanced Text Positioning brings refined padding and layout controls, enabling cleaner labelling and high-density panel configurations without sacrificing clarity. Combined with a streamlined workflow that removes the need for formal CAD training, the system significantly compresses the timeline from concept to production—an increasingly critical advantage in fast-paced touring, installation and live event environments.

Rob Platt, Sales Director at Penn Elcom, commented: “This release truly empowers customers and expands their ability and autonomy in creating individual rack panels. Completely unique panels can be designed, ordered and delivered to meet exact requirements, without needing input from anyone else.” He further emphasised that the upgrade reflects extensive user feedback, integrating suggestions to evolve an already strong platform into a more powerful, flexible and cost-effective manufacturing tool.

Early adopters have been quick to underline the impact. Dean Rowbotham from D R Guitars stated, “Panel Designer makes ordering very easy, and the quality of the products is always top-notch!”

Jack Franklin of Nomad Cases added, “The software is intuitive and precise, making it quick to create accurate, professional rack panels. A real time saver!”

Sam Robinson from Absolute Casing described it as “Simple, efficient, effective and delivered in a timely manner. It’s our go-to for custom panels,” noting that the logo upload process is “amazingly straightforward” and calling the new DXF tool “the most innovative thing I’ve seen for ages!”

Aramus Raynier of Colour Sound Experiment concluded, “Penn Elcom’s Panel Designer enables us to move from a concept to a completed working panel quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively.”