Chassis Lettering - What works?

[vdi_nenna]

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

 

[kuroguy]

you might look into a K&E Leroy set.

 

[Bob Richards]

I've been using the dry transfer rub on letters for decades. They are getting hard to find, but if you Google "dry transfer lettering" you may eventually find them somewhere. I spray mat finish clear over them to keep them in place.

 

[vdi_nenna]

Thanks for the ideas guys!

 

[Frank Berry]

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

 

[KatieandDad]

Have you tried photo etching. It is possible to buy iron on photo resist film and then etch the panel much as you would a PCB.

 

[chienmort]

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,

 

[grimberg]

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.

 

[marcelop]

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?

 

[vdi_nenna]

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

 

[chienmort]

After the decal is dry ( about 24 hours ) i spray it with clear acrylic. It is really tough and gives a profesional finish.

 

[vdi_nenna]

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

 

[KatieandDad]

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.

 

[Bixbacon]

Model planes

Hi Vince, the stickers that came with model planes were similar to this product from memory.

 

[vdi_nenna]

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?

 

[Kermit100]

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.

 

[vdi_nenna]

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

 

[fret]

I had Sign-a-rama print my design on to a sticker than I then applied to my chassis:

 

[jplesset]

I've used clear peel-off printable labels. Print 'em and apply...

Avery, from the office supply store. Spray over for permanant.

 

[jackinnj]

You can get a great silk-screen kit from Michael's Stores.

Barring this -- my company has a CO2 laser about the size of a VW Bug and we could blast anything you want onto aluminum or steel and it definitely won't wear off.