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From: John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: poor man's decal
Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2025 12:49:14 +0100
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On 02/04/2025 04:01, john larkin wrote:
> On Tue, 1 Apr 2025 14:18:23 -0700, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
> wrote:
> 
>> I need a full-color, durable decal to label a front panel.
>> The panel is ~8x17".  I'm only looking for prototype quantities
>> (someone else can deal with production quantities and "revised
>> artwork").
>>
>> I think I can just color print the image, 1:1, laminate it
>> and use a spray adhesive to affix it to the actual panel.
>>
>> This would be a win as it would be easy to replace when access
>> to the hidden fasteners is required thereby buggering the
>> decal.  (imagine doing same with a "real" decal and hoping
>> to get such a large item off "intact" soas to leave a virgin
>> surface for a replacement!)
>>
>> I only have hot laminating capability (but could access cold
>> if there was an overwhelming reason to do so -- e.g., single-sided
>> lamination?).
>>
>> I can use a 7mil film to stand up to the mechanical abuses that
>> will be encountered.
>>
>> No idea how the colors in the print would fare, over time.
>> Nor if the film would yellow or become brittle with age.
>>
>> But, both seem like they are likely far enough in the future
>> that it would be easy to dismiss them, now.
>>
>> Anything else to consider?
> 
> We have our boxes anodized and laser the artwork. That's so much
> easier than making labels.
> 
> https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/phhyn6p5lnwyza9of9qil/B953_Right.jpg?rlkey=xuu5qclmygkruncrat6li1u3j&raw=1
> 
> I'd expect one could inkjet art onto a box too.

There are now some very impressive UV-cured colour inkjet
printers intended for printing onto aluminium and plastic
panels and boxes.  I saw some spectacular examples at an
exhibition recently.  They were boxes supplied by Hammond.
The printing seemed very durable and the colours were very
striking.  Resolution looked much better than silk screened
panels.
John