[time-nuts] Labeling project boxes/panels

[WB6BNQ]

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 at febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.