panel graphics

[fum]

Hi there,

First post

I'm an audio electronics geek. I need to get graphics on the front panels, and am wondering how to go about it. I'm thinking silkscreened paint, but I know not what kind of paint, or the process to get the graphics off my computer in a way that can be silkscreened, or the equipment involved.

Here's some samples:

This is the current project I'm working on. The graphics are done, just have to get them on the panel:

http://www.shinybox.com/fetsquish/fetsquisher.jpg

Here's the graphics for a different project, to give an idea of the level of detail I'm looking for:

http://www.shinybox.com/products/ToneErector/teface.jpg

Any advice as to process and equipment involved would be appreciated. I build extremely high quality equipment, so am willing to invest in the right equipment to get good results, I'm just not a machinist ( I don't even play one on tv), so am lacking the right info.

Regards

ju

[Fibergeek]

I'm a geek too (telecom) as I read somewhere, you can't spell GEEK without EE.

What are those things? mic preamps?

Anyway.
These days laminated overlays dominate front panel graphics, but that might not look appropriate on your project. Judging by the traditional analog VU meters and metal toggle switches, you seem to want the classical '60s style on your panels.

Your panels look like brushed aluminum, are they clear anodized or do they have a plastic coating? The appropriate graphics application methods would be silkscreening or etching. Look on art supply sites for silkscreening materials.

Etching is more classy than silkscreening, and is totally impervious to handling and hard use. Look at my 1st. post which is about electro-chemical etching using a photograghic mask. I did this on steel, but it will work on aluminum with some modification.

Its located in the Electroplating Questions Forum, titled Electro-chemical Etching of Steel July 2, 2003.

[fum]

>What are those things? mic preamps?

Those would be fet limiters. Every studio should have a pair, or even a half dozen =).

Checked out your electro-chemical etch, seems like a cool way to go. I've got a busted HP bench supply that I may have to breathe some life into, as it should be able to crank out enough amps to tackle this =).

Where can I find pictures of how this works?

Silkscreening also seems like it could work. What kind of paint should be used for metal? Enamel?

Thanks for the reply!

Regards

ju

[Fibergeek]

I don't have any pictures, sorry.

Silkscreening uses special inks (paints on metal) check out the art supply sites.

If you etch, you will have to remove any clear anodize or other coating on the panels first, it won't work otherwise.