Panel labelling question

[Ripthorn]

How do you guys do labels for your amps? I have some waterslide decal paper that I am thinking of using. I would make one decal for the entire front panel (it would be two pieces since it is too wide), but I am wondering what program would work best. I have A9CAD(like AutoCAD, but can't import the font I want) and I also have Microsoft Publisher. Other ideas?

[Tubetastic]

BNP lazers (nameplate manufacturer) mention using "CorelDraw" software - but that is specific to them.

BNP Lazer link

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[paulster]

I've been a CorelDraw user for years and it's great because I can give Jeanne at BNP files ready for her to load straight into her laser software without needing any conversion.

It can also export and import AutoCAD formats so I can get my chassis laser-cut from the same source files.

[sliberty]

+100 for Jeanne at BNP - worth every penny, and Jeanne is wonderful to work with. The results make my crappy builds look very professional

[Ripthorn]

I had never heard of bnp, but after browsing their site, that looks like a great way to go. Thanks for the tip guys.

[murphyterence]

On the project I am currently working on I am using a 3mm copper panel that is being engraved by the local trophy shop. Once the engraving is completed I plan on filling the lettering in with Sterling Silver and polishing the panel. I have used engraved plexiglass as well and painted the lettering...

[M Fowler]

I use Frontpanelexpress for engraving anodized aluminum.

Mark

[Aurora]

This is an interesting topic for many, I think..
Not necessearly laying out a panel for laser or CNC engraving - for this purpose, there is a lot of programs around - and even MS Word can be used, limited to the fonts available- just set up a page size large enough.

Of more interest to many ( I think) are methods to make the panel itself.
There are no BNP or the likes available in my area......

So - what other ideas have you, to either do the actual lettering of the panel?
We have Dymo lables - not looking good.
Transfer lettering - no wear resitance.
Water decals - wear resistance?
Engraving - not available to everyone.
Printed foils - must be split if printer is not large enough.
And so on.... new ideas, anyone...????

[M Fowler]

I think you answered it yourself You use what you have available but protect it with clear plexi glass if you can get ahold of that or clear vinyl sheets (document protector) anything to prevent the wear as you said. Many have used both decals and simple printer sheet covered by clear.

Mark

[Aurora]

Actually - I was more like fishing for ideas to be shared...

As for myself, I have laser printers and color inkjets at home, and we have a huge HP Designjet at work, a small CNC mill ( just large enough for panels, but temporary OOO ) - and a classical manual pantograph engraver.........

I'll also do some testing of panel etching á la PCBs. We do a fair amount of prototyping and in-house production of "one-and-two-of's" - i.e. single units and very small series of various electronic this-and-that's........

[glasman]

Here is an example of a panel that was made by a local company here for me. He is looking for additional work (retired).

It is plexi glass, reverse laser etched, filled and painted.

Preferred format is Coreldraw.

[img328]http://www.glaswerks.com/media/showman/show1.jpg[/img]


Another method is to take a PDF file to your local Kinkos store and have them print it on self stick vinyl. Really nice for prototyping.

Gary

[glasman]

An example of a kinkos vinyl panel.

[img:994:96]http://www.glaswerks.com/images/matchbox.jpg[/img]

[Aurora]

No Kinko's here either

How are these vinyl prints holding up against wear...??
Hmm .... reverse printing and stuck on the back of a piece of plexi....???

[FunkyE9th]

I use dry transfers (http://www.minute-man.com/acatalog/Nume ... abets.html) and then put several layers of clear coat. It works! And you can get them in white letters. Good luck trying to find a printer that prints white.

[glasman]

No Kinko's here either

How are these vinyl prints holding up against wear...??
Hmm .... reverse printing and stuck on the back of a piece of plexi....???

The Vinyl wears very very well. I have been using it on footswitches with excellent results.

The Showverb picture is etched plexiglass. It is laser etched on the back side with the text etched in about 1mm. The panel is completely painted black on the back side, them etched with the laser and repainted with white paint to get the lettering to stand out. It give a nice 3 dimensional look to the panel.