Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

[Paul Moir]

I'm putting together a custom fuse panel. The front panel in which everything is mounted is clear plexiglass. I was thinking I could paint the reverse side white, then use rub-on lettering on the front side. Hopefully a couple coats of clear coat will protect the lettering and stick to the plexi.

What I want to know is if I'm missing out on a much better way of doing this. I would love to put the lettering on the reverse side of the panel but I haven't been able to find reverse rub-on lettering. Any suggestions on how to do this better? Anyone try laminating a computer printed transparency?

I welcome any opinions at all. Thank you.

 

[tommays]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

I use a DYMO labelPOINT 200 handheld for labels and push on numbers for each wire as i have had to many problems with the tape-on numbers falling off the wires


Tommays

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

You could print your own: http://www.onlinelabels.com/material_vinyl_inkjet_labels.htm

If you wanted to apply it to the backside, you could print a mirror image and then use a double backed adhesive. We used that method for years labelling equipment. I believe 3M makes this kind of adhesive. It is very thin and has two liners, one on each side. Peel off one liner and apply adhesive to label, Then peel off second liner and apply label to panel.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

Now that is interesting, I didn't know about those. Thank you very much!
I'm not totally bent on the idea of reverse printing. Rather I'm just looking for durability.

A label maker is something I could really use, but I was hoping to be able to do some graphics and such to pretty it up. Which would be very easy to do with the weatherproof vinyl.

What would you think would work better? The inkjet version or the laser printed?

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

Well, I don't have any actual experience but my gut feel is that the laser version would be more durable. I didn't post that one because I thought there were more people with inkjet access than laser. Fortunately, I can use a laser printer at work

They have a "contact us" button, perhaps they could provide a more definitive answer assuming no one chimes in here with experience.

 

[tommays]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

We have 5 on demand 3 color printing presses for custom lables for are products

NONE of the premade sheet lables hold up well

We have tested they all have rub off problems and the glue is very limited as the better glues FUBAR the printer rollers and they really kill the laser printers because the heat and pressure pushes out the glue during printing


Tommays

 

[BobLW]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

I am doing something similar and just ordered labels from Blue Sea. They make fues panels etc but also sell the labels on their website.

http://www.bluesea.com

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

Oh, hey, do you mind if I borrow one for a couple weeks?

Thanks for the warning. This panel won't be out in the direct elements but isn't somewhere very protected from light & water either. Sounds like the sheets will hold up a while but not long enough. But I think I will try them for more protected equipment sometime.

My panel has some custom deals in it, like a LED bar-graph battery monitor which will need to be labelled as well. So don't want to use pre-made ones for that. But I may end up going down that road - I had no idea they had so many available.

 

[woody20]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

Duck tape and a black marker!
Sheesh.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?



Not after that much work!

 

[b00tstrap]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

Figure out what you want letters and graphics, then bring it to a sign shop. They can computer cut vinyl or other type stick on letters/graphics reverse or normal side up. Not cheap, but high quality....

 

[jlinder]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?

You say you are using a clear plexiglass for the mouting plate. How about using 2 pieces of plexiglass, print up a full sheet picture with labeling, and sandwich the paper between the 2 sheets of plexiglass?

Seal the edges with silicone to prevent water seeping into the paper.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Labelling a Fuse Panel, Ideas?



That's exactly what I'm going to do. Well, with just a slight modification.

Foolishly, I started with a piece of 1/4" plexi and so I really can't go any thicker without trouble. So instead of machining another piece of plexi I'll just use a piece of transparency. Photo laser paper and Super 77 adhesive or perhaps epoxy. I'll test a couple samples.