Labelling/marking aluminium sheet to create new switch panel

[CPD]

I have sourced aluminium sheet to form a new switch panel and was trying to work out the best way of labelling the 12 switches that will be mounted. How would you do it ?
Thanks as ever ....

 

[Bodach na mara]

I did this many years ago for a stereo front panel using Lettraset. That was for an indoors application and even there I had problems with letters rubbing off. I will be very interested in other solutions.

 

[VicS]

How would you do it ?

I have a Dymo embossing label maker. I'd use that but it would not be everyone's choice

 

[aquaplane]

Discussed not long ago:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?341488-Instrument-labels&highlight=brother+label+machine

but I think you are wanting something more like a bespoke pannel and I can't remember the name of the usual recommendation.

 

[Boo2]

I did this many years ago for a stereo front panel using Lettraset. That was for an indoors application and even there I had problems with letters rubbing off. I will be very interested in other solutions.

When I was an electronics tech we used to make up odd bits of kit in die cast boxes with Letraset labels. Trick is to varnish over the Letraset after applying it, looks quite good if you paint the box black then apply white Letraset then varnish the whole lot. Bit slow though if you'ver got a lot to do.


Boo2

 

[NickRobinson]

I have sourced aluminium sheet to form a new switch panel and was trying to work out the best way of labelling the 12 switches that will be mounted. How would you do it ?
Thanks as ever ....

I used Microsoft Publisher and made a small doc which perfectly fitted the panel and the pitch of my switches.
I set the background to black and used white arial as the font.
Printed on a laserjet (for max blackness, but inkjet almost as good) on photopaper, laminated then guillotined to fit. Glued on using spraymount.

Looked really good when boat sold three yrs later

Nick

 

[whipper_snapper]

I I have made nice panels by sending a template to a sign writer who produced a marked-up thick plastic sheet, this can be stuck on top of aluminium or anything else - I used a wooden box with roughly hacked-out sections to accommodate the breakers and LEDS

 

[dunmor]

i had little plaques engraved which they use on trophies loads of colours and really cheap on e bay.

 

[cindersailor]

I did this last year by spray painting the panel in black and then, once properly dry, using a Rotring stencil (see http://www.technicalpens.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=151) and a sharp point (I used a drawing compass) to scratch off the paint to reaveal the aluminium beneath. I was quite pleased with the resut.

 

[ianj99]

If its no larger than A4 size, then buy a pack of Avery polyester laser A4 labels available in white:-

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/blank-adhesive-magnetic-labels/4847027/

and silver: http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/blank-adhesive-magnetic-labels/4425936/

Then design with Word, Paint or a dtp program and print with a colour or B/W laser, stick to the pre drilled panel and carefully cut away where the holes are.

Theses labels are very tough and the printing does not rub off unless you use a pan scrubber and is also waterproof and resistant to many solvents - eg wd40, switch cleaner etc.

They aren't cheap but I use a lot of the white ones so am willing to supply however many anyone wants at cost + postage (don't use the silver ones) I am also willing to print them on my colour laser for a few pence more if you have done the artwork in Word, pdf, jpg format.

 

[MoodySabre]

Alan

I have a Dymo label printer that prints flat tape - black on white or white on black. Let me know if you'd like me to post a sample to you.

 

[jwilson]

Any sign maker will print anything you can produce on computer onto tough stick-on waterproof plastic film - the graphic you give can be any colour including photos. I use Coreldraw but there are lots of similar graphic programs. Last time I did this I think about a 15" square printout cost about £10. The film used is similar to that used for external hull stripes and names on many modern boats.

 

[prv]

Put the aluminium in the stock pile and get some laser-etched plastic board. Can't remember the name of it but the laser-etcher will supply it anyway. Different core and face colours are available, but I prefer white on black:

http://s1168.beta.photobucket.com/u...0-84A4358E2F43-2977-000005729F5A249B.jpg.html

That was about 40 or 50 quid from Andrews and Arnold, an Internet and telecoms company who for some reason also do small-scale laser engraving on the side.

Pete

 

[Chalker]

Talk to your local Timpsons, the high street shoe repairers and key cutter.

They made a panel to my drawing with white lettering on black panel. Letters are engraved through the black to the white underlay.

About 6" x 12" for 4 circuit breakers, three instruments and a switch, all lettered. £40 and very professional looking.

 

[CPD]

Some great ideas. Many thanks all.