Hajime Posted June 24, 2021 Share Posted June 24, 2021 Hello, I'm planning to build a Viper-like ICP / UFC panel, but I already see 2 issues. Over and over again I browse the Internet to find out, how to make buttoncaps with labelling which are transperent to led light. How do you make them? Do you print the shape of the button cap in a transparent material in a resin-printer, paint it and engrave the label with a laser? I noticed that often the button caps are sitting lose on top of the pushbuttons and are only kept in place by the springforce of the button and the guide of the panel? Is that a satisfactory method? I am an absolute beginner to the "mechanical" side of panel building, so I appreciate your help. Greetings Hajime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinc_Vega Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 (edited) Hello, in principle you got it. But my panels mostly are layered. First layer is a backplate (2 mm transparent plexi glas), holding the mechanics in place. Second layer is of (4 mm) transparent acryl, to enable backlighting. Last layer is white plastics, covered with black foil or paint and engraved. The small button caps can be placed within the middle acrylic layer, that is thick enought to hold them. My caps are CNC milled or printed in white resin. To enable backlighting of the buttons they are painted in grey and CNC engraved. Pushbuttons are available with built in LED, e.g. from here: https://pcflights.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=46_48&product_id=360 Edited June 25, 2021 by Vinc_Vega Regards, Vinc real life: Royal Bavarian Airforce online: VJS-GermanKnights.de [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No1sonuk Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 You don't need it to be a resin printer either. I've had success with the one indicator lens I printed on my Ender 3 Pro in transparent PLA, painted black and laser engraved. It was an experiment that worked first time, and I've not had the chance to continue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogan Sheridan Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 (edited) On 6/24/2021 at 3:28 PM, Hajime said: Hello, I'm planning to build a Viper-like ICP / UFC panel, but I already see 2 issues. Over and over again I browse the Internet to find out, how to make buttoncaps with labelling which are transperent to led light. How do you make them? Do you print the shape of the button cap in a transparent material in a resin-printer, paint it and engrave the label with a laser? I noticed that often the button caps are sitting lose on top of the pushbuttons and are only kept in place by the springforce of the button and the guide of the panel? Is that a satisfactory method? I am an absolute beginner to the "mechanical" side of panel building, so I appreciate your help. Greetings Hajime you should really checkout http://www.thewarthogproject.com and see what he has done. it is beyond awesome, and he has several videos on how he made his UFC for the A-10C along with the MFDs. this guy is a genius!! Edited June 27, 2021 by Dogan Sheridan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agrasyuk Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 (edited) I cast buttons with epoxy resin, paint (several layers) and then engrave. sits on top of buttons as you described. there is some freeplay but I think the outcome is indeed satisfactory .I had a good attempt propping the buttons forward with small pieces of sponge/foam to avoid rattle while not blocking the LED but don't have any pictures. Good luck! Edited June 27, 2021 by agrasyuk Anton. My pit build thread . Simple and cheap UFC project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hajime Posted July 2, 2021 Author Share Posted July 2, 2021 I was on vacation so I was not able to answer. Sorry for that. Thank you for your ideas, if I have something to show, i will post it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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