sarg314(at)comcast.net
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 Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:32 pm Post subject: laser etched labeling |
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A couple of months ago I described a panel labelling method that is used
by my employer frequently to label dark anodized aluminum panels for
rack mount electronics. Basically the device is an X-Y plotter with a
0.003" wide laser spot instead of a pen. It explodes the dark anodized
layer off the aluminum exposing the bare aluminum beneath. Looks good
and is VERY tough and permanent. I decided to have my panel labelled
that way. Trophy shops and machine shops often have these laser etching
machines.
I had a lot of bad luck along the way getting the job done (see below),
but I finally got it and have attached a fairly hi-res close-up. I
think it looks terrific. Cost is by the area of the rectangle that
encloses all the labels. At $0.50/sq in. I paid about $250 which,
frankly, was more than I was expecting.
Problems:
The trophy shop that does all the work for my employer is competent but
was very busy. They kept it for 3 weeks and then told me that their
laser plotter had become erratic and they didn't want to do any one of a
kind panels till they got their new plotter delivered in Jan.
Second person I took it to kept it 1 week and then had a serious medical
problem and gave it back to me untouched.
Third outfit was another local trophy shop but they were unaccustomed to
making panels. They kept it 3 weeks, and actually plotted it, but they
botched the job. I had to have it re-anodized (which the guy did for
free in 2 days.)
In desperation I called the first trophy shop again. Fortunately, the
plotter operator there told me she was leaving that shop and going to
work for a local machine shop. Another 2 week's delay and finally it
got done. She did a great job.
So, if you decide to do this,
1- have them make up a sample plot on a piece of scrap to see if you
like it, and
2- take it to a shop that is used to labeling panels, not soccer trophys
for 10 year olds.
It took 9 weeks and I became so desperate I found myself working on,
gasp, fiberglass! Ugh!
--
Tom Sargent, RV-6A
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