Light Box Systems

Shadow All Your Tools in One Photo

Lay your tools on a back-lit grid, take one picture and send it to us. We turn it into a precision-cut FOD shadowboard that fits your drawer exactly.

  • The original tool-shadowing light box, since 2009
  • 3 sizes to fit any drawer
  • Quotes usually the same business day
Tools laid out on a light box grid, ready to be photographed
What Is a Light Box?

The Simplest Way to Capture Tool Outlines

A light box is a back-lit grid you lay your tools on, exactly how you want them to sit in your drawer. The LED lighting makes every outline sharp and clear, so one photo from your phone or camera captures everything we need.

PlaSteel AZ created the original light box for tool shadowing in 2009. Since then, we've refined the design side by side with some of the biggest names in aerospace and defense.

  • No tracing outlines by hand
  • No design software to learn
  • Works with a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera
Choose Your Light Box

Three Sizes for Every Shop

Each model is built for a different drawer size and way of working. Not sure which fits? Call us and we'll help you choose.

NEWShadowPad slim light board

ShadowPad

25" × 17" grid

Ultra-slim and lightweight. Ideal for small to medium drawers.

  • Plug in and start shadowing in seconds
  • Easy to store when not in use
  • One-touch LED power
  • Optional battery pack for wireless use
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Smart Box light box inside a rugged SKB case

Smart Box

32" × 22" grid

Compact and portable, built inside a rugged military SKB case.

  • Edge wheels and tow handle for easy transport
  • LED lighting with a self-standing canopy
  • Compact for easy storage
  • Works with your smartphone or camera
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Commercial light box with storage drawer and canopy

Commercial Light Box

40" × 30" grid

Our largest grid, for big drawers and trays.

  • Includes a WiFi-enabled camera
  • Use your smartphone to preview and shoot remotely
  • Built-in storage drawer
  • Heavy-duty locking casters
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How It Works

Easy as 1, 2, 3

From empty drawer to finished shadowboard, without cutting a single piece of foam.

Measure Your Drawer

Measure the width (left to right) and depth (front to back) of the drawer you want shadowed. We build the board to this size, and we'll send you an order form to keep track.

Lay Out Tools & Take a Photo

Arrange your tools on the back-lit grid exactly as you want them in the drawer, then take one photo. For drawers bigger than the light box, take two (left half and right half).

Submit Your Order

Send your photos and order form with your choice of material, thickness, layer colors and quantity. Add extras like finger slots or labels. We handle the rest.

From Photo to Tray

See the Process

Tools photographed on a light box
1. Your photo
→
Digital shadowboard layout traced from the photo
2. Our layout
→
Finished FOD shadowboard tray with tools
3. Your finished tray

What happens next: email your photos and order form to your PlaSteel AZ representative, who can also give you a secure upload portal for large batches. We'll send you a quote, usually the same business day. Once you approve it, your order goes into production.

Ready to Start Shadowing Your Tools?

Tell us about your drawers and we'll recommend the right light box.