Front Panels
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:13 am
There has been much discussion in the past on the tech side of this business, including components, boards, technology and theory.
Many excellent, and smart, circuit designs and boards are made, I am sure by some members of this board, in one and two quantities. Unfortunately they just get stuffed in a 'Bud' box with stick on labels. Since the outside appearance will be seen and appreciated, by more people than the ingenious circuitry inside, this does not do the project justice.
So, how about sharing some ideas and comments about panel fabrication and labeling options so we can clean up our act? Let's limit it to techniques that can be reproduced without special equipment or technology.
I'll kick it off...
Years ago I started (dating myself again) with 'decals', and the dreaded transfer letter sets. Today we have CAD software, color printers and media that was unheard of years ago.
I often use CAD software for the panel design using colors and graphics. Be sure to use accurate centering points for all holes and cutouts. Print to card stock, then hot laminate using one sided adhesive pouches (often called sign pouches) for the finished front panel. They are tough and water proof.
Be sure to print out a copy on plain paper, attach it to the project panel to use as a drilling template. I use a water base adhesive, like Elmer's or tightly tape it with clear tape. After the holes are center punched and drilled align and stick the panel graphics in place. I use a light box to help locate the hole centers. Carefully cut out the holes in the laminated sheet; A pointed scalpel or Exacto works well. Mount the parts through the panel and laminated graphics and everything lines up, even dial scales and switch markings. If your printer will print a solid black background, do a panel with white lettering on black, reminiscent of the bakalite engraved panels of yesteryear. Spray clear lacquer, not acrylic on the sheet before laminating and it will darken the black background. Using this method, one or a hundred, all look the same.
There are decal sheets that you print with a laser printer. Cut out, soak and stick. Chemicals are also available that make the clear boundary of the decal disappear.
Now it's your turn.
Len
Many excellent, and smart, circuit designs and boards are made, I am sure by some members of this board, in one and two quantities. Unfortunately they just get stuffed in a 'Bud' box with stick on labels. Since the outside appearance will be seen and appreciated, by more people than the ingenious circuitry inside, this does not do the project justice.
So, how about sharing some ideas and comments about panel fabrication and labeling options so we can clean up our act? Let's limit it to techniques that can be reproduced without special equipment or technology.
I'll kick it off...
Years ago I started (dating myself again) with 'decals', and the dreaded transfer letter sets. Today we have CAD software, color printers and media that was unheard of years ago.
I often use CAD software for the panel design using colors and graphics. Be sure to use accurate centering points for all holes and cutouts. Print to card stock, then hot laminate using one sided adhesive pouches (often called sign pouches) for the finished front panel. They are tough and water proof.
Be sure to print out a copy on plain paper, attach it to the project panel to use as a drilling template. I use a water base adhesive, like Elmer's or tightly tape it with clear tape. After the holes are center punched and drilled align and stick the panel graphics in place. I use a light box to help locate the hole centers. Carefully cut out the holes in the laminated sheet; A pointed scalpel or Exacto works well. Mount the parts through the panel and laminated graphics and everything lines up, even dial scales and switch markings. If your printer will print a solid black background, do a panel with white lettering on black, reminiscent of the bakalite engraved panels of yesteryear. Spray clear lacquer, not acrylic on the sheet before laminating and it will darken the black background. Using this method, one or a hundred, all look the same.
There are decal sheets that you print with a laser printer. Cut out, soak and stick. Chemicals are also available that make the clear boundary of the decal disappear.
Now it's your turn.
Len