Labeling switches and panels

[Paladin]

I know that there are premade labels for Paneltronics out there that one can buy but I find that few actually reflect what I really want them to say.
This being said, has anyone found a good and yet not horribly costly means to label their panels and switches that also looks good? Do those newer Dymo label makers work? I've heard they work for wiring bundles but I wonder if they stay put and look good on a panel?

What have you guys done that worked for you? Any pictures?

-Dave

[NJT 5573]

If you want them nice how about having a trophy shop engrave them.

[Tim Strommen]

I've always thought using engraved tags was very "Navy"...  but do it your way (you may be rather fond of the Navy... )

Modern car manufacturers use silk-screening to do instrument clusters and control labels (this is how they did the white paint you see on your turn signal arms of your daily-driver...)  I had a major gripe with how Gillig laid out the dash on my bus (see pic below), they put the darn speedo right behind the steering column!!!  Needless to say the dash is currently ripped out and I'm building a new dash from scratch that is more appropriate (and not made of ABS).

I liked the font that was used for my Toyota pickup's instrument cluster, and I found that it was "Eurostile Demi" (which I purchased online pretty cheap).  I also wanted to get the same icons and logos that were used in vehicles from major-manufacturers, so I blew "a huge wad of cash" and bought the ISO 2575-2004 collection from the ISO webstore (this is the 2575-2004 plus 3 ammendments, for about $400).  This way I could dump the icons into Adobe Illustrator and lay out a complete dash board with different silk-screen layers, to create silk-screen masks out of.  I had explained a while ago how to do some cool lighting effects with LEDs and plastic (as a light pipe), with silk screening to get the graphics applied to the display surface.  The effect I'm looking for is like the "Star Trek the Next Generation" control surfaces - black glossy touch surfaces that the displays magically dissapear into when off or unused (however it won't quite be as flashy and useless... or all CG ).


I seem to remember a thread a few months/years ago (I can't keep track of time on these boards...), where someone had obtained icons in decal-form from a plastic supply shop - but I don't have the thread number handy.

Hope this helps,

-Tim

[Tom Y]

Dave, I had mine made at a trophy shop. They used black pastic with a white back so I could put lights behind after the engraving. Not sure how well the lights will work.  Tom Y

[JackConrad]

We used a Brother P-Touch label maker. Biggest down side is that they cannot be back lit. Label tape comes in many different color combinations (base color/letter color) and widths.  Jack

[Skykingrob]

Tim
I would like to pm you to find out how you are making your new dashboard.

Rob
91 LeMirage XL
Missouri

[jmblake]

I just ordered a switch panel for my new dash from Custom Instrument Panels, It is 6"w x 16"L with 12 switch cut outs and the engraving done the price was $120.00 + another $50.00 for the back lighting this doesn't include the switch's, kinda pricey but it will match my dash. Jason

[BG6]

I know that there are premade labels for Paneltronics out there that one can buy but I find that few actually reflect what I really want them to say.
This being said, has anyone found a good and yet not horribly costly means to label their panels and switches that also looks good? Do those newer Dymo label makers work? I've heard they work for wiring bundles but I wonder if they stay put and look good on a panel?

I don't know your panel, but if it has windows for labels, you can do them with your laser printer.

The new Dymo-type labels wear out after a while, but they are easy to redo, or you can coat them with clear nail polish and they last forever.

[Cary and Don]

I bought an older engraving machine like the trophy shops used before they all went to computers.  I can make labels like crazy and sell the engraver when I'm done.  The machine and all the letter sets ran about $500.  These older machines hold their value so I shouldn't loose much when I sell it. The machine can do a pretty large panel, 8" by about 11". 

Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340

[zimtok]

You could use your computer to print to DECAL paper.

http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/2.htm

You should be carefull with anything you use because if you plan on using a clearcoat over the label it may interact with the ink.


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