[time-nuts] Labeling project boxes/panels

[David]

I layout the design I want (autocad) and print it reversed 1:1 on
overhead projector film.  Then I cut and mount it printed side down
with 3M Super 77 spray adhesive.  The mylar film is very tough and
resistant to solvents.  I use an ink jet but a laser printer should
work as well.

A similar procedure works for punch out masks.

On Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:33:26 -0500, "Charles P. Steinmetz"
<charles_steinmetz at lavabit.com> wrote:

>I'm tired of setting up silkscreening for one-off or small lot 
>projects, and am looking for new ways to neatly label panels 
>(generally painted metal, sometimes bare metal or 
>plastic).  Preferably, something that can be done on-premises without 
>needing to send graphics out and wait for delivery.  I'd like to be 
>able to do layouts on a pc -- at a minimum with letters and lines, 
>and hopefully the capability to paste graphics, as well.  I'm willing 
>to overcoat the labeling if necessary (preferably with a spray rather 
>than an adhesive film).  Duty will generally be indoor, but I'd like 
>the labeling to survive locations that get direct sun through a window.
>
>I'm familiar with the Dymo and Brother industrial tape labelers, but 
>would like something that is not so confined to available tape widths 
>(if I'm doing an overlay -- which I'm not in love with generally -- 
>I'd like to overlay the whole panel).  I don't know if the Scotchcal 
>family of products has anything useful for this.  I have heard of 
>materials available for (laser?) printers that create water-soluble 
>decals, but have not run across any.  I know there are heat-transfer 
>PC resist materials -- are there similar things oriented to panel 
>labeling (this would not address plastic panels, I presume)?  One 
>potential drawback of printed solutions (where the actual toner or 
>ink from the printer becomes the label) may be making light-colored 
>labels for dark panels.
>
>Anything else people like?  I know I said I disfavor sending out for 
>overlays, but if anybody thinks really highly of this method, and can 
>identify a good vendor, I'm willing to listen.