Engraving service needed for switch panel

[lal Naja]

Does anyone know an engraving service that can engrave an aluminum switch panel?

Thanks.

Arthur

[Coupe Devil]

Im not local to you but you need to find a trophy house or sign / award manufacturer. Most all will have some type of small CNC machines they can help you out with.

[Argess]

Interesting you should ask. I had to get mine done to meet inspection criteria. Dyno tape wasn't going to do it for me, so I looked into obtaining switch bezels like they used to use in 60s Mustangs. But in the end, I machined new bezels large enough for engraving (had to procure specialty taps for the switch threads) only to find all the engravers (including trophy paces) said they couldn't do compound curves. I assume they meant "compound curves that small".

So I went to a sign place and they made up vinyl letters and put them on my bezels. Looks fine, but I worried about longevity. What I was thinking of doing, was to paint the bezels, then peal off the letters, then acid-etch the bezels, then remove the protective paint, then paint just the etched letters.

Another option, is to have some thin flat aluminum photo-etched (laser-etched). Would look like a washer with a tab extending out. The lettering would be on the tab. Install under your existing thin bezels. All you will see is the tab with lettering coming out below or above as required.

But, all in all, I'd check out some of the Mustang sites for the old style bezels, even if you have to buy some switchs that fit.

[Dwight]

We used a local knife whole seller to engrave a couple of stainless badges we made. They acid etch knife blades. Worked for us.

Dwight

[tcrist]

Contact any precision sheet metal shop in your area. They would know where to go. If you were in my area, I could give you info on quite a few. If you do not mind shipping them across the states let me know and I will send you some information.

Terry

[trularin]

You may want to try a trophy shop or bowling alley. Many have personalization machines. These will engrave steel of you want.

Just a suggestion.

[lal Naja]

I'm in Chicago and a couple of trophy places I checked with were not interested in the work. What I am planning on engraving it a truncated triangular piece of 1/4" aluminum plate about 10" wide at the top, 7" wide at the bottom and about 8" tall. This will house three gauges and about six toggle switches. I would like the switches identified with engraving. This plate will mount on the transmission tunnel.

I'm not opposed to sending this out of town to have the work done. So if you know a good source, let me know.

Thanks,

Arthur

[Rick Parker]

Office supply, and plastics supply sign shops often have access to the tooling for this type of small sign. They use it to make the very small plastic signs that are attached to file drawers etc.

[lal Naja]

I was motivated by all the comments & advice. So, I did a web search and found a company five minutes from home. They do laser engraving and are happy to do my project. I won't be ready for a while, as I'm working on other parts of the car, like making my sliding windows. I will report back when they do the work and post a photo.

The young man who managed the shop seemed to be most capable judging from the high quality of the samples he showed me. I think I'll be pleased. Arthur

[tcrist]

Glad you found a place. Close to you is even better. Post some pictures of it when you are done.

We have places that do laser engraving and machine engraving for us where I work (a little far from you though). You can also get some places to fill the engraving with any color of paint to make the letters stand out and match your cars color.

As a note, you could also just get your part silk-screened instead of engraved.

Terry

[lal Naja]

Originally Posted by tcrist

Glad you found a place. Close to you is even better. Post some pictures of it when you are done.

We have places that do laser engraving and machine engraving for us where I work (a little far from you though). You can also get some places to fill the engraving with any color of paint to make the letters stand out and match your cars color.

As a note, you could also just get your part silk-screened instead of engraved.

Terry

Thanks Terry, The laser engraving produced a black letter, perfect for my application and will look great on polished aluminum, so no coloring needed.

Silk screening is another option, I have owned a silk-screening business and know that is an option too, but it's not as permanent as the laser, nor as sharp and crisp.

[riojohn]

HI,

Many engraving services available in over all world,its easy to engroving a any tyoe of metals and plastics,and other materials.


Thank you...

[PANAVIA]

The local trophy shops love it when you come in with this stuff. -- they probably get bored with the regular jobs !