Nice job!
I assume you use 1 color 3D print and then paint the characters? Is that the reason why they stick out about 1 mm from the panel?
Anyway, this doesn’t work for me as my “game” is to have an as realistic panel as possible. I know, this is not a functional requirement, but I just like this challenge 
No I used a Cura post processing script to do a filament change at 3mm.
Then switched to white and printed the characters. It was exciting when it worked!
It’s better than painting which can be inconsistent and doesn’t cover the text sides.
The filament change is fiddly, but with prototypes you get used to it.
When I do the ECAM panel I’ll try the public laser which the local library is getting this month, we can use it @£15/hour with help at hand.
They do have a light gray. Maybe they will send you a sample to check for proper color. You might get lucky. One of the great advantages of doing it this way is the crisp lettering. I was never happy with the results using the CNC for small (2.5mm) lettering.
BTW. That’s some beautiful work you do.
Just wondering what laser power you need. If I looked at the documentation, I guess you need CO2 laser of at least about 20W. I’m only having a 1.6W laser on my Snapmaker 2.0.
And you are right that engraving doesn’t work well. I tried this in the beginning, but quickly changed to laser engraving. I’m spraypainting my panels, and then laser engrave them. Crisp results!
Nope. The faceplate and buttons in the pic are made with my Snapmaker. Those were done with the 1.6w laser. The ones on my collective were done with the lower power laser that came with the original Snapmaker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oApXPoTs8Y&list=PLHQwplMpsMoNE5zu8_cBQcjBfQic-jOaV 11:13 shows the faceplate.