Panels - WIP

[pitbldr]

Well, I've gotten a fair amount done on my initial panel designs. I am to a point where I'll starting trying to make these on the CNC and tweak the design and build process as needed. I still have a few of these that are not complete as I could not make out text in a few areas.

 

These are obviously not 100% accurate, but I am going more for functionality than hardcore realism. If these turn out anywhere close to the previews, I'll be very happy! :)

 

Here's a few images of the panels so far. Feedback (corrections :music_whistling:) are appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mercury]

Good Luck with the pit man. Your initial design looks great so far.

[pitbldr]

Thanks! :D

 

I hope to try creating a few of the panels by next week. I'll post some pics if I do.

[4c Hajduk Veljko]

Keep us updated!

[pitbldr]

Not much to report yet. I ran a "test panel" to try out several fonts to see what looked best and worked for the size needed. Right now, the largest text I have on any of the panels is .2". On some panels I had to use .15" text to fit the words in the right place.

 

I am forntunate enough to have a TechShop nearby that has a laser engraver that I want to try. I expect it will do a much more precise and cleaner job than my CNC.

 

I am also working on the method for back lighting these which will play a part in how I design them. I think I've come up with a good idea, I just need to get the electronics to test it.

 

Here's a couple pics of the test panel.

 

 

Crude lighting to see the effect...

 

[Flim]

Hey man, good job!

 

I have a laser myself and IMHO contrast is more important then backlighting. I see that you tested the white acrylic, looks great while backlit, but does not have good contrast. If you want to make it easy, use .030 Or .062 engravable

plastic along with a .25 clear acrylic layer underneath. Then glue together , paint flat black , and lastly laser engrave. This is the easiest and best method I have found. Btw, the panels are still backlitable.

Edited April 28, 2010 by Flim

[stelios2000]

can you please explain how you made them backlighted ?

thanks

[stelios2000]

Great stuff

will you make them at CnC ???

if you do can you please post here the gcode ?

i am finishing one CnC and dont know yet how to make 3D objects and gcode.

So if you want please post them here

thank you anyway

stelios

[pitbldr]

Thanks for the tips Film! This was a scrap piece of acrylic I had laying around, so it's what I used. I was thinking along the lines you suggested about using a thinner piece on top. I think I'll go ahead and order some to try your method out. By the way, what type of laser machine do you have? I'd love to buy one for myself, but it's not in the budget right now.

 

Stelios - if you mean how I lit this for the picture, I just put a small light behind it. If you're asking how I made the panel, this is a piece of translucent plexi glass, 1/8 inch thick. I painted the top with several layers of black paint and then engraved the text, using my CNC. I have a long way to go before the panels are finalized, but I'll get in touch with you when I'm done.

[y2kiah]

Hey man, good job!

 

I have a laser myself and IMHO contrast is more important then backlighting. I see that you tested the white acrylic, looks great while backlit, but does not have good contrast. If you want to make it easy, use .030 Or .062 engravable

plastic along with a .25 clear acrylic layer underneath. Then glue together , paint flat black , and lastly laser engrave. This is the easiest and best method I have found. Btw, the panels are still backlitable.

 

Did you test with the #2447 color (milky white translucent)? Would the #7328 color be a better option, which has lower light transmission but is a more solid white and would have better contrast. Flim, what type of "engravable plastic" are you talking about exactly? Just a thin layer of acrylic?

[pitbldr]

I am fairly certain the piece pictured above is 2447. I have some 7328 on the way and also ordered some 222-402 engraving plastic (http://www.delviesplastics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DPI&Category_Code=Rowmark_Value_Mattes). Is this the type of material you were referring to Film?

[y2kiah]

good source on that 222-402 pitbldr, that stuff is cheap! I'm still hoping the 7328 will engrave nicely, to avoid the extra step of bonding 2 pieces. What kind of paint do you guys recommend? I've read somewhere that flat black model paint (like Testors) works well, but that stuff usually comes in small quantity bottles, and by the time all the panels in a pit are painted, you will go through a LOT of bottles. Any other suggestions?

[pitbldr]

The testors paint is what I've been using so far, so I'd like to hear some ideas on this as well. I've been applying 3 coats of paint then 3 coats of 'clear coat'. It works very well, but you're right... small bottles will mean going through a lot of them!

 

As long as the acrylic is cast and not extruded, I don't expect any problems with engraving it. The cast acrylic cuts much better and does not melt as quickly.

 

The 7328 I've ordered will be here the 30th... I have so many tests to run! I'll post results as soon as I have them.