A solid aluminum front faceplate with the design cut directly into the face on a 3-axis mill. Three designs are cut in blind relief and three are single-point engraved. Every plate is bead blasted and clear anodized.
Machined designs are made in small production batches and finished before they are listed, so the plate you order is already on the shelf.
Machined in Sanger, Texas from aluminum bar made in the USA. Imported magnets.
Fitment
Compatible with Valve’s Steam Machine, every storage size. Same chassis, same panel.
- Mounting: magnets, tool-free, no modification to the machine
- Fit: sits flush with the chassis front face
Specifications
| Alloy | 6061-T6511 aluminum, precision bar |
| Thickness | 6.5 mm at the face |
| Panel size | 156 × 126 mm |
| Mounting | Magnets, pre-installed, tool-free |
| Machining | Machined on a 3-axis mill |
| Finish | Hand deburred, bead blasted, then clear or black anodized |
| Engraving | Engraved with a fiber laser (laser designs and custom artwork) |
In the box
- One faceplate, magnets already installed and ready to fit
- A protective bag with edge protectors
- A thank-you card
Nothing else: no loose parts, no tools needed.
Installing it
- Power the machine down and unplug it. Not strictly required, but it is a good habit and it keeps you from bumping the power button.
- Grip the original front panel at both sides and pull straight out. It is held by magnets and releases with steady, even pressure.
- Set the original panel somewhere safe. You may want it back.
- Line the new plate up where the original sat and let the magnets take it. It should pull itself the last few millimeters.
- Check it sits flush all the way round. If one corner stands proud, lift it off and reseat rather than pressing it down.
Finishes
Bead blasted, clear anodized. The finish on every machined design and every clear plate. An even satin surface with no directional grain that hides fingerprints and shows machined relief clearly.
Color note. Anodized color varies slightly between production batches. That is inherent to the process. If you are matching a plate to one you already own, tell us before you order.
Care
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. For fingerprints, a slightly damp microfiber cloth is enough.
Do not use solvents, alcohol, abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. Anodizing is hard but it is a surface layer, and abrasives will dull it permanently.
The finish does not need waxing, polishing or sealing.
Questions
Do I need tools? No. It is held by magnets, in and out by hand.
Is it heavier than the original panel? Yes, noticeably. It is solid aluminum rather than molded plastic. The magnets hold it without trouble.
Can I put the original panel back? Any time. Keep it in the box this shipped in.
Why are machined designs in stock while laser designs are engraved to order? Machined designs take real time on the mill, so we run them in batches and keep finished plates on the shelf. Laser designs are engraved onto an anodized blank when you order. Either way, the plate ships within 2 business days.
What if the design I want is sold out? Leave your email on the product page. We will tell you when the next batch is ready.
Can I send my own artwork? Yes. Choose Custom on the black or clear faceplate and upload your image. You see a preview right away, and we email a final proof before anything is engraved.
Are the magnets included? Yes, they come installed in the plate. Take it out of the bag and fit it.