[simpits-tech] Engraving font

[Allen Buffington]

Yes, it is a TrueType font. It is called News Gothic Condensed.

Using a translucent white material does not produce white lettering but a
sort of milky-gray and it is very hard to see the lettering in daylight
without backlighting the lettering. On the real panels I think they used a
translucent white material with a thin coat of white paint over it and then
black paint on top. The black paint was etched away leaving the white
painted lettering. This is not possible to do using conventional engraving
techniques.
However the ultra-thin .020" white plastic I am using works very well. The
plastic is bright white and the thinness after engraving allows excellent
backlighting.

~Allen


-----Original Message-----
From: simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org
[mailto:simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org] On Behalf Of Fred Mahone
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2004 6:35 AM
To: simpits-tech at simpits.org
Subject: [simpits-tech] Engraving font

Allen,

	The font you converted is a TrueType font? I got the milspec paper
work 
that describes the actual font that is required and it is the original
font supplied by the company that made the engravers. I do not have the 
sheets here at work to give you the name. The sheet also lists TrueType 
fonts that are close to it that you are supposed to use for doing the 
drawing. I have searched everywhere for a conversion of the milspec font, 
including Agfa and have not found anything. I will do as you did and 
convert one over.

	Your panels look excellent. I have seen the different panels types
at the 
ALEA convention. They were being displayed by a company that refurbishes 
transilluminated panels. Just seeing the different ways they are made is 
fascinating. They informed me that all panels are being converted or made 
new with leds for the illumination as they are not effected by the 
vibration present. I have experimented with some leds to
see how hard this will be.

	Have you used the Gravoply that has the translucent white instead of
the 
opaque backing? This allows a more even spread of light and
is brighter than the opaque.

Fred Mahone

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Thanks!