First Laser cut panel

This is the first panel I have cut and engraved so the lettering can be illuminated.

Any comments would be appreciated

Glider

My Xmas present?? ;)

Looks great!!!

Very nice!

Thanks guys! the lines will need to engraved thicker I forgot how fine the laser engraves

Okay, I'll say it ... the lines (graphic lines) look a little thin. Otherwise, looks fantastic! Do you have the laser cutter, or did you have it done at a local shop? If the latter, about how much did it cost (if you don't mind)?

Okay, I'll say it ... the lines (graphic lines) look a little thin. Otherwise, looks fantastic! Do you have the laser cutter, or did you have it done at a local shop? If the latter, about how much did it cost (if you don't mind)?

I luckily have the oppotunity to use one at work. Aslong as I do it after work. My plan is to create all the panels on this.

Would you tell us what font you used? This is one of the closest I've seen to looking like the real panel (or at least like the panels in DCS, since I've never seen the real 'pit).

Would you tell us what font you used? This is one of the closest I've seen to looking like the real panel (or at least like the panels in DCS, since I've never seen the real 'pit).

The Font is just Arial Bold but i did have to play around with letter spacing and height I will post the exact size I used for you tomorrow when I can check the software.

That's very nice! :thumbup:

What laser system are you using? I ask because I am having a demo of a Universal VLS system this weekend. If it impresses, I think I'll have a new toy for Christmas! :D

I assume you'll be painting it first then engraving? Have you done any experimenting with painting it white first, then black and then just engraving black paint off? Sorry for all the questions, just very curious about the process.

That's very nice! :thumbup:

 

What laser system are you using? I ask because I am having a demo of a Universal VLS system this weekend. If it impresses, I think I'll have a new toy for Christmas! :D

 

I assume you'll be painting it first then engraving? Have you done any experimenting with painting it white first, then black and then just engraving black paint off? Sorry for all the questions, just very curious about the process.

The cutter is a LaserPro Mercury II, the good thing about engraving using a laser is that it leaves it perfectly white So no white painting should be required. As for Black I have a number of options one being painting the inside black and then reverse engrave/cut or as in the image make the spacer plate out of solid black.

Mark

Looks really good. You painted on the bottom and engraved mirror lables. Care to try the other method? Black matt paint on the top may look even better and more realistic?

By the way, here's a couple of pictures that I took at Zhuhai airshow, China. Let's reverse engineer a little bit for fun. :music_whistling:

The cutter is a LaserPro Mercury II, the good thing about engraving using a laser is that it leaves it perfectly white So no white painting should be required. As for Black I have a number of options one being painting the inside black and then reverse engrave/cut or as in the image make the spacer plate out of solid black.

 

Mark

Ah... interesting. If white paint is not needed, then that would be a huge time saver. Not to mention making it easier to create these. :)

I can't really picture what you mean by "painting the inside". Why would you not just paint the whole panel? Check out this test panel I did several weeks back (http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1021339&postcount=25). It was not on a laser but if the part had not moved (double sided tape failure) I think it would have turned out really nice. This was on white acrylic with 3 layers of paint.

I was supposed to see a LaserPro C180 demo today, but we're getting some frozen stuff on the ground today, so I don't know if I'll venture out. Also, it was only a 12watt model and I've found better deals on 30 and 40 watt machines.

Keep us posted on your panel work - I am very interested in learning from you! :D

Awesome.

can you please upload a video of the laser engraving/cutting ????

(even from your cell)

I am about to finish my CnC and i think of using either spindle ot laser.

thank you

Fantastic work

can you please upload a video of the laser engraving/cutting ????

(even from your cell)

I am about to finish my CnC and i think of using either spindle ot laser.

thank you

Fantastic work

I will up load a video as soon as I cut the next version of the Panel. I am testing a different setup, I am painting the face and then engraving through the paint, I have tested the engraving so it only engraved 2 microns deeper than the paint. It seems to work without leaving any decearnable feel to the engraving . I will re-cut the full panel once testing for fumes from the paint is completed and I will video that.

@Alex

I am really getting into making these panels, I have had one chap from Mycockpits ask me to help with an 737 console panel, So after christmas I will take a look at that aswell.

Glider

Wish you all the best. I wish I had the machine, but all I can do is looking for local companies providing CNC services.

Wish you all the best. I wish I had the machine, but all I can do is looking for local companies providing CNC services.

If all goes well I am toying with the idea of sending out some samples then doing panels for a nominal fee for people who cannot afford or gain access to machines for themselves. I dont know as of yet, I could be opening up a can of worms for myself. Once the drawing are completed for a panel I can cut 10 panels per sheet obviously depending on size quite quickly.

Glider

A can of worms or not, there's only one way to find out. lol

Don't get too hard on yourself though. Looking forward to your updates.

Great work Glider.

Nice to see a UK based person working this stuff too, if only due to the fact that if you start producing them the postage will be cheaper :)

I know nothing of CNC and I'm a pretty lame handyman too, though I'm learning slowly.

Should you start producing panels though I'd be interested.

J.