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Awesome LED Edge-lit Desktop Nameplate

Step 2Design Graphics

Design Graphics

The number of characters in chosen name will define all of the other parameters of the nameplate, so it is important to design this element first. 

1) 
Layout characters. Use a text editor or CAD software so that changes in font and size can be realized immediately. Note: Any font or handwriting style can be used. I designed my own font in CAD software, where each character was approximately 0.7in wide and 1.13in tall with 0.05in of spacing between each character.

2) 
Measure the total height and width. Record the maximum height and maximum total width of the string of characters you have laid out.

3) 
Calculate size of polycarbonate sheet. Allow for a small border around the text. On the top and both sides of the text an approximately 0.25in-0.5in border is usually appropriate. The bottom border should be a bit larger to allow the light from the LED to spread out. A border of 0.5in-0.75in would be appropriate. Add the border dimensions to the text dimensions in the previous step.

 

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Author:klbrockmann