Panel etching

[ShipsWoofy]

I want to make my own power distribution panel, does anyone know of an on line etching service that I can send a design to and receive a sheet of etched aluminium back by post.

Or would they expect a cardboard mock up?

Has any one done this?

 

[Talbot]

Plenty of companies around who could do this in plastic, but dont know of a metal man who could do this.
deep smoke grey perspex would look good, or even the plastic that they etch tallies onto that is constructed of three layers of plastic with the middle layer being a different colour, they etch down to the middle layer - cant remember the name as I am having a senior momment!

 

[Blueboatman]

These guys will engrave and laser cut up to 700mmx400mm in aluminium and plastics. And work from cad emailed drawings.
www.zone-creations.co.uk

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I really want black ally with text etched down to the metal like pro panels.

Used to have a facility in work, but being MoD there is no way of getting the lads to do a foreigner or even staying official and buying one from the company.

Someone must do this, oh, and without paying the value of my boat for the privilege! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Have you used them, there site is very pretty and tells me nothing ;(

 

[Talbot]

Used to be that you could get all this sort of private work done in the dockyard as a "rabbit" job for some slight token of appreciation - a tradition that had been prevalent since well before Nelson's day, but these days its more than their career's worth to do such!

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Ships Woofy
I have made loads of panels for Vega Owners out of traffolyte. A black plastic with whiste sandwiched so when you ect teh writing comes out white, looks very professional. Also cut out the holes for fuses, switches etc. Just need a rough sketch with dimensions and away we go. Send me a PM or email to steve@albinvega.com

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I will pm you in a bit. But what is whiste?

Also, when completed can you 'set' it to prevent further scratching?

How thick is the material, is it matte (important), is there a size limit and is it stiff?

I am asking in public as others might also be interested, hope you don not mind.

 

[tazzle]

You could try Identitag - not sure what their prices are like for a one-off though

 

[ean_p]

Most decent small sign makers will do it for you....

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Will try calling Identitag and a few sign writers and report back what I find out.

Time for a mini poll.

I want the panel to last, so the choice should age well and not look like a 60's reject after 12 months, which colour scheme does any one think will last the test of time?