[simpits-tech] RE: making your own PANELS

[Marv De Beque]

Use clear Plexiglas not translucent or opaque and spray paint the all sides
(top, bottom, and sides) white with a uniform coat.

Turn the panel upside down and spray paint the back and sides flat black.

Silkscreen the top layer flat black with acrylic paint.

Marv


On 1/5/04 2:50 AM, "Guy Lopes" <guylopes at citlink.net> wrote:

> Hi all. Happy new year!
> 
> This has been an area of interest of mine for a while now. I have run
> into all of the obstacles that have been mentioned. I was talking to an
> engraver about this whole process the other day. He asked if I had
> considered silk-screening as a method of making the panels. I've done
> some checking and it looks like it might be feasible.
> 
> My plan is to use a white lexan or Plexiglas material 1/4" thick. I
> would design the panel with a CAD (or graphics) program. Essentially
> lining up all of the required switch holes and other cutouts with the
> appropriate text or graphics on two different layers. I would print out
> a machining template from these files to machine the plastic, then a
> text/graphic template to send to the silk screener. With proper
> registration, they should line up perfectly.
> 
> It's my understanding that different colors could be used. Though I
> believe that separate silk-screens are used for this purpose.
> 
> After silk-screening the panel a black or gray color, the text will be
> left in the original white color next to the appropriate switch or
> control. There is a possibility that the white may not be "white" enough
> for daylight ops. Tests will show whether this is true or not. Also,
> only the flat surface face of the panel will be painted. This will
> dictate hand-painting the beveled edge and sides as well as the back (to
> contain the light).
> 
> I plan to drill/ machine appropriately sized holes in the back to
> accommodate white, blue, yellow or green LEDs of varying brightness.
> I'll use a clear silicone to affix them to the panel, then paint black
> over the back of them. My test panel may be rather large to allow
> several types of LEDs and lettering/ font combinations.
> 
> I'm in the process of trying this all out now. If you have any
> suggestions or anything else that might help my experiment, please don't
> hesitate to speak up.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Guy Lopes
> guylopes at citlink.net
> Sacramento, CA
> 
> 
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