Hi Everyone,
Aside from using a permanent marker to label audio functions on a chassis, what have you tried?
I tried the following:
- Laser toner transfer from photo paper, like PCB trace. Not dependable, uneven transfer.
- Laser toner transfer from paper. Doesn't transfer.
- Laser toner transfer from paper via acetone. Works, but can smear very easily.
I might resort to this: ALPHABET LETTER METAL PUNCH STAMP SET - Highlands Upper Case x 2mm - Sunsetcrystals
Was looking at decals, but haven't seen many that were clear backing or that can be done with a mono laser printer.
Dry rub-on, then painting with a sealer would be nice, but can' find dry rub-on letters any more.
Please share your successful chassis lettering techniques here!
Thanks,
Vince
Aside from using a permanent marker to label audio functions on a chassis, what have you tried?
I tried the following:
- Laser toner transfer from photo paper, like PCB trace. Not dependable, uneven transfer.
- Laser toner transfer from paper. Doesn't transfer.
- Laser toner transfer from paper via acetone. Works, but can smear very easily.
I might resort to this: ALPHABET LETTER METAL PUNCH STAMP SET - Highlands Upper Case x 2mm - Sunsetcrystals
Was looking at decals, but haven't seen many that were clear backing or that can be done with a mono laser printer.
Dry rub-on, then painting with a sealer would be nice, but can' find dry rub-on letters any more.
Please share your successful chassis lettering techniques here!
Thanks,
Vince
I've used Front Panel Express to create panels and labels. Quality is great.
Front Panel Express: Front Panel Design Software and CAD Conversion Service
Front Panel Express: Front Panel Design Software and CAD Conversion Service
Laser decals can be bought from Make your own decals using laser water-slide decal paper. in the UK but I think they will ship overseas too,
A few months ago I was looking for dry transfer letters and found this web site:
Make Your Own Dry Transfer Decals and Instant Printed Circuit Boards!
It appears to be a legitimate company since Mouser and Digikey carry their products. I am planning to try it next time a place an order with either company, but it might take another 3 months or so for me to finish my current project.
If you decide to try it, please share your results.
Make Your Own Dry Transfer Decals and Instant Printed Circuit Boards!
It appears to be a legitimate company since Mouser and Digikey carry their products. I am planning to try it next time a place an order with either company, but it might take another 3 months or so for me to finish my current project.
If you decide to try it, please share your results.
I was going to try the laser printer heat transfer and etch but you say it didn´t work unfortunately. What metal were you transfering to? I read glossy paper transfers the ink better, also you should use highest quality printing setting so the printer uses more ink, did you try this?
K&D- I thought of that, but unsure about how accurate I can make it.
chiemort- not sure about this method. It's basically a sticker.
grimberg- this looks promising.
marcelop- I was trying to transfer to brushed aluminum. Worked great on copper. Made the Zen 9 boards with the laser toner to photo paper to copper blank PCB.
I tried with 1200 dpi. The max on my laser printer.
I was going to try to use parchment paper cut to 8.5x11 inches. See if the toner is released easier. I would try wax paper, but afraid it might melt in the fuser.
Thanks,
Vince
chiemort- not sure about this method. It's basically a sticker.
grimberg- this looks promising.
marcelop- I was trying to transfer to brushed aluminum. Worked great on copper. Made the Zen 9 boards with the laser toner to photo paper to copper blank PCB.
I tried with 1200 dpi. The max on my laser printer.
I was going to try to use parchment paper cut to 8.5x11 inches. See if the toner is released easier. I would try wax paper, but afraid it might melt in the fuser.
Thanks,
Vince
I'm going to try this outfit. It looks easy enough. Laser Waterslide Decal Paper
Less than $1 a sheet. Worth a try.
Will let you know how it turns out and post pics.
Thanks
Vince
Less than $1 a sheet. Worth a try.
Will let you know how it turns out and post pics.
Thanks
Vince
Before you spray any form of laquer on it, I'd do a quick test. Some of these decals are easily dissolved by the solvents used in aerosols.
Was thinking of using a bottle of clear nail polish with a brush applied to only the decal and minimal surrounding area.
Is there anything better or safer for the decal?
Hey,
I too have looked at this subject previously. Try searching "letraset" on google. Its a dry rub on transfer which i found still available fairly cheap in the uk on fleabay.
I have used this and if you want i can provide photos of the amplifier i tried it on.
I just ordered the wet decal sheets, but would like to see your work. I think this one aspect of chassis builds thats missing. Not everyone can afford or wants laser ethching. Most of the gear I built is in fact built and I'm not taking it apart to have it professionally labeled. Seeing other people's work is inspirational. Post your pics here.
Vince
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