Labeling project boxes/panels
I'm tired of setting up silkscreening for one-off or small lot
projects, and am looking for new ways to neatly label panels
(generally painted metal, sometimes bare metal or
plastic). Preferably, something that can be done on-premises without
needing to send graphics out and wait for delivery. I'd like to be
able to do layouts on a pc -- at a minimum with letters and lines,
and hopefully the capability to paste graphics, as well. I'm willing
to overcoat the labeling if necessary (preferably with a spray rather
than an adhesive film). Duty will generally be indoor, but I'd like
the labeling to survive locations that get direct sun through a window.
I'm familiar with the Dymo and Brother industrial tape labelers, but
would like something that is not so confined to available tape widths
(if I'm doing an overlay -- which I'm not in love with generally --
I'd like to overlay the whole panel). I don't know if the Scotchcal
family of products has anything useful for this. I have heard of
materials available for (laser?) printers that create water-soluble
decals, but have not run across any. I know there are heat-transfer
PC resist materials -- are there similar things oriented to panel
labeling (this would not address plastic panels, I presume)? One
potential drawback of printed solutions (where the actual toner or
ink from the printer becomes the label) may be making light-colored
labels for dark panels.
Anything else people like? I know I said I disfavor sending out for
overlays, but if anybody thinks really highly of this method, and can
identify a good vendor, I'm willing to listen.
Thanks,
Charles
There are a couple of products you should look at:
3M made something called ScotchCal. I think the line has been sold, but is
still available.
Also, the MetalPhoto process can be done in a home lab.
I also think Staples can do it fairly cheaply from your 'puter files.
-John
===============
I'm tired of setting up silkscreening for one-off or small lot
projects, and am looking for new ways to neatly label panels
(generally painted metal, sometimes bare metal or
plastic). Preferably, something that can be done on-premises without
needing to send graphics out and wait for delivery. I'd like to be
able to do layouts on a pc -- at a minimum with letters and lines,
and hopefully the capability to paste graphics, as well. I'm willing
to overcoat the labeling if necessary (preferably with a spray rather
than an adhesive film). Duty will generally be indoor, but I'd like
the labeling to survive locations that get direct sun through a window.
I'm familiar with the Dymo and Brother industrial tape labelers, but
would like something that is not so confined to available tape widths
(if I'm doing an overlay -- which I'm not in love with generally --
I'd like to overlay the whole panel). I don't know if the Scotchcal
family of products has anything useful for this. I have heard of
materials available for (laser?) printers that create water-soluble
decals, but have not run across any. I know there are heat-transfer
PC resist materials -- are there similar things oriented to panel
labeling (this would not address plastic panels, I presume)? One
potential drawback of printed solutions (where the actual toner or
ink from the printer becomes the label) may be making light-colored
labels for dark panels.
Anything else people like? I know I said I disfavor sending out for
overlays, but if anybody thinks really highly of this method, and can
identify a good vendor, I'm willing to listen.
Thanks,
Charles
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
I layout the design I want (autocad) and print it reversed 1:1 on
overhead projector film. Then I cut and mount it printed side down
with 3M Super 77 spray adhesive. The mylar film is very tough and
resistant to solvents. I use an ink jet but a laser printer should
work as well.
A similar procedure works for punch out masks.
On Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:33:26 -0500, "Charles P. Steinmetz"
charles_steinmetz@lavabit.com wrote:
I'm tired of setting up silkscreening for one-off or small lot
projects, and am looking for new ways to neatly label panels
(generally painted metal, sometimes bare metal or
plastic). Preferably, something that can be done on-premises without
needing to send graphics out and wait for delivery. I'd like to be
able to do layouts on a pc -- at a minimum with letters and lines,
and hopefully the capability to paste graphics, as well. I'm willing
to overcoat the labeling if necessary (preferably with a spray rather
than an adhesive film). Duty will generally be indoor, but I'd like
the labeling to survive locations that get direct sun through a window.
I'm familiar with the Dymo and Brother industrial tape labelers, but
would like something that is not so confined to available tape widths
(if I'm doing an overlay -- which I'm not in love with generally --
I'd like to overlay the whole panel). I don't know if the Scotchcal
family of products has anything useful for this. I have heard of
materials available for (laser?) printers that create water-soluble
decals, but have not run across any. I know there are heat-transfer
PC resist materials -- are there similar things oriented to panel
labeling (this would not address plastic panels, I presume)? One
potential drawback of printed solutions (where the actual toner or
ink from the printer becomes the label) may be making light-colored
labels for dark panels.
Anything else people like? I know I said I disfavor sending out for
overlays, but if anybody thinks really highly of this method, and can
identify a good vendor, I'm willing to listen.
Charles,
You could consider a company called Front Panel Express at
http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/
They have free software just like the PCB community but aimed at making panels
and doing engraving. I realize this is a bit over the top in most cases, but it
may come in handy at some time. Look at their examples pages to see the kind of
work.
Bill....WB6BNQ
"Charles P. Steinmetz" wrote:
I'm tired of setting up silkscreening for one-off or small lot
projects, and am looking for new ways to neatly label panels
(generally painted metal, sometimes bare metal or
plastic). Preferably, something that can be done on-premises without
needing to send graphics out and wait for delivery. I'd like to be
able to do layouts on a pc -- at a minimum with letters and lines,
and hopefully the capability to paste graphics, as well. I'm willing
to overcoat the labeling if necessary (preferably with a spray rather
than an adhesive film). Duty will generally be indoor, but I'd like
the labeling to survive locations that get direct sun through a window.
I'm familiar with the Dymo and Brother industrial tape labelers, but
would like something that is not so confined to available tape widths
(if I'm doing an overlay -- which I'm not in love with generally --
I'd like to overlay the whole panel). I don't know if the Scotchcal
family of products has anything useful for this. I have heard of
materials available for (laser?) printers that create water-soluble
decals, but have not run across any. I know there are heat-transfer
PC resist materials -- are there similar things oriented to panel
labeling (this would not address plastic panels, I presume)? One
potential drawback of printed solutions (where the actual toner or
ink from the printer becomes the label) may be making light-colored
labels for dark panels.
Anything else people like? I know I said I disfavor sending out for
overlays, but if anybody thinks really highly of this method, and can
identify a good vendor, I'm willing to listen.
Thanks,
Charles
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
I use a super permanent ink sharpie and tell anyone who asks that my 4
yo granddaughter did it...
:-)
Charles P. Steinmetz
I'm tired of setting up silkscreening for one-off or small lot
projects, and am looking for new ways to neatly label panels
(generally painted metal, sometimes bare metal or
plastic). Preferably, something that can be done on-premises without
needing to send graphics out and wait for delivery. I'd like to be
able to do layouts on a pc -- at a minimum with letters and lines,
and hopefully the capability to paste graphics, as well. I'm willing
to overcoat the labeling if necessary (preferably with a spray rather
than an adhesive film). Duty will generally be indoor, but I'd like
the labeling to survive locations that get direct sun through a window.
I'm familiar with the Dymo and Brother industrial tape labelers, but
would like something that is not so confined to available tape widths
(if I'm doing an overlay -- which I'm not in love with generally --
I'd like to overlay the whole panel). I don't know if the Scotchcal
family of products has anything useful for this. I have heard of
materials available for (laser?) printers that create water-soluble
decals, but have not run across any. I know there are heat-transfer
PC resist materials -- are there similar things oriented to panel
labeling (this would not address plastic panels, I presume)? One
potential drawback of printed solutions (where the actual toner or
ink from the printer becomes the label) may be making light-colored
labels for dark panels.
Anything else people like? I know I said I disfavor sending out for
overlays, but if anybody thinks really highly of this method, and can
identify a good vendor, I'm willing to listen.
Thanks,
Charles
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
--
"Neither the voice of authority nor the weight of reason and argument
are as significant as experiment, for thence comes quiet to the mind."
R. Bacon
"If you don't know what it is, don't poke it."
Ghost in the Shell
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLP
17850 Six Mile Road
POB 134
Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
I've used Front Panel Express a couple of times. The software is pretty
easy to use. I've done rectangular, circular, "D" holes without
problem. Last fall I finally put my David Partridge divider board in a
surplus extruded box with end panels that weren't usable as-is. It cost
just over $50 US for two different panels approx. 2x4 inches with
several holes and engraved legends in black anodized aluminum. The
result was very professional looking. They'll fill the engraving in
various colors, but I didn't have mine filled. The price seems very
reasonable to me (I live in the US) considering the difficulty of
accurately drilling/cutting/filing various holes and making durable
labels to get a nice result if you don't have a shop capable of doing it.
Alan
On 1/21/2012 4:45 PM, WB6BNQ wrote:
Charles,
You could consider a company called Front Panel Express at
http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/
They have free software just like the PCB community but aimed at making panels
and doing engraving. I realize this is a bit over the top in most cases, but it
may come in handy at some time. Look at their examples pages to see the kind of
work.
Bill....WB6BNQ
There is another company that can do good quality work. BNP Laser,
does laser engraging. It is not as nice as the routed paannels but
they only charge 50 cents per square inch for plastic and a little
more for aluminum. You get a very thin engraved sheet that can be
attached using double sided tape. They will drill pilot holes. Drill
these after attaching with the tape. Cost for 2x4 inch panel would be
$4. The Front Pannel Express panels are much nicer but at 10X the
cost
Example of the kind of stuff they do:
http://www.amplates.com/gallery/images/MATTE_ANODIZED.jpg
One experiment I want to do soon is to print out a front panel on
glossy photo paper cover the photo with some kind of glue and laminate
it to 1/8th in plexiglas. This would allow a full color panel. A
variation is to print on a water slide decal and then transfer the
decal to the back side of plexiglas. All the artwork has to be on
the same decal or you could see the edges.
On Sat, Jan 21, 2012 at 4:48 PM, Alan Hochhalter alanh137@cableone.net wrote:
I've used Front Panel Express a couple of times. The software is pretty
easy to use. I've done rectangular, circular, "D" holes without problem.
Last fall I finally put my David Partridge divider board in a surplus
extruded box with end panels that weren't usable as-is. It cost just over
$50 US for two different panels approx. 2x4 inches with several holes and
engraved legends in black anodized aluminum. The result was very
professional looking. They'll fill the engraving in various colors, but I
didn't have mine filled. The price seems very reasonable to me (I live in
the US) considering the difficulty of accurately drilling/cutting/filing
various holes and making durable labels to get a nice result if you don't
have a shop capable of doing it.
Alan
On 1/21/2012 4:45 PM, WB6BNQ wrote:
Charles,
You could consider a company called Front Panel Express at
http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/
They have free software just like the PCB community but aimed at making
panels
and doing engraving. I realize this is a bit over the top in most cases,
but it
may come in handy at some time. Look at their examples pages to see the
kind of
work.
Bill....WB6BNQ
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
--
Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California
On 1/21/12 6:21 PM, Chris Albertson wrote:
There is another company that can do good quality work. BNP Laser,
does laser engraging. It is not as nice as the routed paannels but
they only charge 50 cents per square inch for plastic and a little
more for aluminum. You get a very thin engraved sheet that can be
attached using double sided tape. They will drill pilot holes. Drill
these after attaching with the tape. Cost for 2x4 inch panel would be
$4. The Front Pannel Express panels are much nicer but at 10X the
cost
Example of the kind of stuff they do:
http://www.amplates.com/gallery/images/MATTE_ANODIZED.jpg
One experiment I want to do soon is to print out a front panel on
glossy photo paper cover the photo with some kind of glue and laminate
it to 1/8th in plexiglas. This would allow a full color panel. A
variation is to print on a water slide decal and then transfer the
decal to the back side of plexiglas. All the artwork has to be on
the same decal or you could see the edges.
you can also get a self adhesive polycarbonate film that you stick to
the printed page, then there's another thin double stick film you put on
the back of the paper, and then stick it to the chassis.