[Amps] Labeling panels

[Jim Barber]

Vic,

Front panel marking was at least one of the things I wanted to be able 
to do when I recently bought a large-format laser engraver. There is a 
metal-marking compound called CerMark that can be used to put a dark, 
permanent mark on the metal at whatever resolution the machine supports. 
(in my case 1000 DPI)

I also have a CNC router/mill to engrave lettering with which
I then fill with enamel. That method takes more time, but is somewhat 
more durable. It also allows the use of color(s), which the laser 
process does not.

I mention these because you'll get very high quality results, and you 
could probably find a local business that does one or both of the above. 
Most larger engraving shops have the equipment, at least.

73,
Jim, N7CXI

Vic K2VCO wrote:
> What's a good way to label an unpainted aluminum panel? It has a 'satin finish' thanks to 
> an orbital sander, which really has covered a multitude of sins.
> 
> I looked into custom engraved adhesive-backed plastic plates. There are a number of 
> companies that will make them, and they would look great. But they are about $4 each, and 
> I'd need about 12 of them, not counting the bandswitches (I admit to having separate grid 
> and plate bandswitches) which would need 6 each!
> 
> One possibility is printing on 'transparency' stock with my laser printer. But I don't 
> know how I would attach labels made out of this stuff.
> 
> Another is to print on transparent sticky labels. Has anybody done this?
> 
> I need a process that would work well on an already-built amplifier...I should have done 
> this before assembly, but I didn't.
> 
> By the way, does anyone have a chart frame like the ones used in BC-375 tuning units or 
> similar that they want to part with?