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#1
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Labeling a Chassis
I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft
Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work and find out whats the best way to label a project chassis. 73's Harry W0PIY |
#2
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On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 03:29:09 GMT, Harry Williams hath writ:
I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I've had success with air pockets by using a thin sewing needle to prick the center of the air pocket and then press the material against the background from the outer edges of the air pocket in -- towards the prick. The smearing problem _might_ be solved by apply a second layer of film over the first. Probably more pin pricking there, too.... HTH Jonesy -- | Marvin L Jones | jonz | W3DHJ | OS/2 | Gunnison, Colorado | @ | Jonesy | linux __ | 7,703' -- 2,345m | config.com | DM68mn SK |
#3
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I've printed onto overhead transparency material (large enough to
cover the whole panel), with the printing reversed, so you're looking at it through the plastic film. That protects the printing. You need to find a suitable adhesive (there are some sprays that work OK), and getting it down without bubbles I guess is just an art. You can put some thin rods under it to space it up, and start at an edge and remove the rods one by one as you work across the panel. It's a technique like people who apply veneer or laminate use. A different ink-different brand of printer-(or even better, laser printed) might solve your smearing problem if you want to keep using adhesive labels. It's distinctly more hassle, but you can make a very nice looking panel by getting it anodized and photoengraving the lettering into it. The difficulty these days is locating the photoresist. I've made several thousand panels that way, but have been out of that business for over twenty years. Cheers, Tom "Harry Williams" wrote in message ... I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work and find out whats the best way to label a project chassis. 73's Harry W0PIY |
#4
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Here are some sources for Decal Transfer Paper -- the sources were listed in
the most recent edition of "Hints and Kinks" http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/768-5000 http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/768-5020 http://www.beldecal.com/inkjet_decals.cfm http://www.beldecal.com/laser_paper.html "Harry Williams" wrote in message ... I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work and find out whats the best way to label a project chassis. 73's Harry W0PIY |
#5
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"Harry Williams" wrote in message ... I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work and find out whats the best way to label a project chassis. 73's Harry W0PIY Take a look at Letraset dry transfer lettering. www.letraset.com A really good specialist stationery shop should have it - or try asking at signwriting firms. 73 Roger ZR3RC |
#6
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In article , "Roger Conroy" wrote:
"Harry Williams" wrote in message ... I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work and find out whats the best way to label a project chassis. 73's Harry W0PIY Take a look at Letraset dry transfer lettering. www.letraset.com A really good specialist stationery shop should have it - or try asking at signwriting firms. 73 Roger ZR3RC I used the decal materials available from Micro-Mark (micromark.com) with good results. When using these I found is was important to *read* the directions, *follow* the directions, and be patient. It took two tries, but when I was finished I had an extremely professional- looking panel. BTW, I followed up with 3-4 thin coats of clear, flat Krylon spraypaint. HTH, Steve |
#7
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In article , "Harry Williams"
writes: I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft Visio to create a template for the front and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels. They look nice but I have two problems. First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to apply the label to the chassis without air pockets forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work and find out whats the best way to label a project chassis. I'm not sure what your "transparent labels" are but if they are anything like decals, I can suggest a way to keept the ink from smearing. Use a DULL spray fixative available in art stores, possibly the Michael's chain. Do a "dust coat" (very light spray) on the chassis and the labels before putting them on. Once they are on the chassis, overspray again. You might want to finish with a gloss transparent lacquer. Too heavy an initial spraying will result in the spray solvent reacting with the labels and ink. That's why I suggest Fixative...designed not to react with common art media...if used sparingly. Blair used to make such Fixative under the trade name "SprayFix." I've done that for years with art work and with printed plastic cards that go in the wallet. On chassis, I've done that on aluminum surfaces that were Alodined or Iridited or chemical-film treated, then printed directly on the dull lacquer surface with a K&E "Leroy" lettering pen using some stiff celluloid to hold the lettering guide and stylus over holes. Ordinary "India Ink" in the K&E pen. In that case the chassis surface can be sprayed to hold the lettering intact. That also works with decals of the old kind which are really a lacquer film base with printing on the lacquer film. Len Anderson retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person |
#8
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Anyone try laser etching?
We have the capability at work but I have not tried it. We use it mostly to mark tools. Tracy |
#10
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Markus Baertschi wrote:
I have an Epson Printer with the ability to print on CD-ROM's. This ability can be (ab)used to print directly on any flat surface including the aluminium front panel for projects. The result is excellent. Have you heard about the new CDROM burner that uses special blank CDROMs that you flip over after you burn the data, then the laser burns the label into the top coating of the new type CDROMs? I think it is a H-P design that is due to hit the market in the next couple months. -- We now return you to our normally scheduled programming. Take a look at this little cutie! ;-) http://home.earthlink.net/~mike.terrell/photos.html Michael A. Terrell Central Florida |
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