Prototyping equipment panels

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tim S
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Tim S

A recent thread on printing on odd surfaces reminded me to ask this for my
own benefit:

I could use a way to rapid prototype small (3x1 inch) equipment panels at
minumum cost and maximum ease - the problem is to put a legend on an
existing substrate[1] (which may be plastic or aluminium or steel).

[1] Stick-on foil is OK, printing directly is OK, substrate's original
finish does not need to be preserved - it merely provides rigidity and
method of fixing to case.

I came across this stuff, though it seems to not be available in the UK, but
could be got from other parts of the EU (which is acceptable).

http://www.horizonsisg.com/products/alumajet.asp

However, given I have access to a Canon inkjet with a DVD carrier tray, I
was wondering if there was another way. Thinking:

Take panel (which is about 1/16" thick - similar to a DVD), spray on a
suitable slightly porous primer, fix to DVD tray with double sided tape and
print directly.

Any thoughts, (especially as to the primer) or another way to do it? Cost is
of the essence and the prototyping nature of the work means that sending
off to a pro is not very practical as the design is being modified often...

Cheers

Tim
 
A recent thread on printing on odd surfaces reminded me to ask this for my
own benefit:

I could use a way to rapid prototype small (3x1 inch) equipment panels at
minumum cost and maximum ease - the problem is to put a legend on an
existing substrate[1] (which may be plastic or aluminium or steel).

[1] Stick-on foil is OK, printing directly is OK, substrate's original
finish does not need to be preserved - it merely provides rigidity and
method of fixing to case.

I came across this stuff, though it seems to not be available in the UK, but
could be got from other parts of the EU (which is acceptable).

http://www.horizonsisg.com/products/alumajet.asp

However, given I have access to a Canon inkjet with a DVD carrier tray, I
was wondering if there was another way. Thinking:

Take panel (which is about 1/16" thick - similar to a DVD), spray on a
suitable slightly porous primer, fix to DVD tray with double sided tape and
print directly.

Any thoughts, (especially as to the primer) or another way to do it? Cost is
of the essence and the prototyping nature of the work means that sending
off to a pro is not very practical as the design is being modified often...
Click to expand...

Not sure exactly what your required end finish is. On a recent VSS [1] project
I used printed circuit board to replace the front and rear panels on a
commercial instrument case, as that way the routing and hole drilling was
uniform and completed by the pcb-fab's NC machinery. For the labelling I
laser-printed onto Scotchmark adhesive-backed film and attached that to the PCB
panels. Don't know the Scotchmark part# unfortunately - my distributor only
carries one with the silver finish that I use.

[1] Very small scale - ten units.
 
A recent thread on printing on odd surfaces reminded me to ask this for my
own benefit:

I could use a way to rapid prototype small (3x1 inch) equipment panels at
minumum cost and maximum ease - the problem is to put a legend on an
existing substrate[1] (which may be plastic or aluminium or steel).

[1] Stick-on foil is OK, printing directly is OK, substrate's original
finish does not need to be preserved - it merely provides rigidity and
method of fixing to case.

I came across this stuff, though it seems to not be available in the UK, but
could be got from other parts of the EU (which is acceptable).

http://www.horizonsisg.com/products/alumajet.asp

However, given I have access to a Canon inkjet with a DVD carrier tray, I
was wondering if there was another way. Thinking:

Take panel (which is about 1/16" thick - similar to a DVD), spray on a
suitable slightly porous primer, fix to DVD tray with double sided tape and
print directly.

Any thoughts, (especially as to the primer) or another way to do it? Cost is
of the essence and the prototyping nature of the work means that sending
off to a pro is not very practical as the design is being modified often...
Click to expand...

Not sure exactly what your required end finish is. On a recent VSS [1] project
I used printed circuit board to replace the front and rear panels on a
commercial instrument case, as that way the routing and hole drilling was
uniform and completed by the pcb-fab's NC machinery. For the labelling I
laser-printed onto Scotchmark adhesive-backed film and attached that to the PCB
panels. Don't know the Scotchmark part# unfortunately - my distributor only
carries one with the silver finish that I use.

[1] Very small scale - ten units.
Click to expand...

I would be thinking of producing the original artwork using my printer and
using the Scotchcal system (neg-pos just like PCB resist) to produce the
finished panels.

--
Regards,
Nicolaas.

2007 Pricelessware CD now available. 600Mb of the best of the best in
Freeware. E-Mail me for details.



.... A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from
rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
 
Nicolaas said:
<
Not sure exactly what your required end finish is. On a recent VSS [1]
project I used printed circuit board to replace the front and rear panels
on a commercial instrument case, as that way the routing and hole
drilling was
uniform and completed by the pcb-fab's NC machinery. For the labelling I
laser-printed onto Scotchmark adhesive-backed film and attached that to
the PCB
panels. Don't know the Scotchmark part# unfortunately - my distributor
only carries one with the silver finish that I use.

[1] Very small scale - ten units.
Click to expand...

I would be thinking of producing the original artwork using my printer and
using the Scotchcal system (neg-pos just like PCB resist) to produce the
finished panels.
Click to expand...

Ah - not come across Scotchcal... but I have seen a process involving a
photo-resist on anodised aluminium panels and some special dye.
Unfortunately I don't have a PCB lab to hand.

I'll have a look out for the Scotchmark product (google is giving me some
information) - it may be as elusive in the UK as Alumajet foil I fear.

Delayed thanks to you both, Nicolaas and budgie.

Cheers

Tim
 
Ah - not come across Scotchcal... but I have seen a process involving a
photo-resist on anodised aluminium panels and some special dye.
Unfortunately I don't have a PCB lab to hand.
Click to expand...

Scotchcal does not require a PCB lab. Perfectly OK as a homebrew.

--
Regards,
Nicolaas.

2007 Pricelessware CD now available. 600Mb of the best of the best in
Freeware. E-Mail me for details.

.... The toilet isn't really engaged - it just shows a red flag.
 
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