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Step 3Engrave Polycarbonate
The engraving of the polycarbonate can be carried out in a couple different ways. For the average do it yourselfer the best option is to use a Dremel high-speed rotary tool with some type of engraving bit.
1) Cut polycarbonate sheet. Size specified in the previous step. In my case this is 2in. x 10.75in.
2) Transfer the outline of the graphics. This can also be done in a couple different ways. The first, place the graphic under the clear sheet and look through it free handing the graphic onto the sheet. The second, use Grafix Rub-onz sheets (hobby Lobby or Dick Blick) to transfer the image to the top of the polycarbonate.
3) Engrave graphics. Use dremel to grind away material inside of the text you have created. Remember the area where material is removed or scuffed will shine in the light of the LED’s. Try not to mill a slot with a rectangular cross-section into the sheet. A groove with a semi-circular or triangular cross section will transmit the most light.
4) Clean edges. Remove any burs or melted polycarbonate from the sheet.
The second and slightly fancier way of engraving it is to use a CNC machine. A CNC machine is the fastest most accurate way to engrave, but requires CNC knowledge, can have high cost and can have limited availability.
I chose to have the name plate machine engraved. Since, I have the knowledge and machine availability this was the fastest and highest quality option to choose.
1) Cut polycarbonate sheet. Size specified in the previous step. In my case this is 2in. x 10.75in.
2) Transfer the outline of the graphics. This can also be done in a couple different ways. The first, place the graphic under the clear sheet and look through it free handing the graphic onto the sheet. The second, use Grafix Rub-onz sheets (hobby Lobby or Dick Blick) to transfer the image to the top of the polycarbonate.
3) Engrave graphics. Use dremel to grind away material inside of the text you have created. Remember the area where material is removed or scuffed will shine in the light of the LED’s. Try not to mill a slot with a rectangular cross-section into the sheet. A groove with a semi-circular or triangular cross section will transmit the most light.
4) Clean edges. Remove any burs or melted polycarbonate from the sheet.
The second and slightly fancier way of engraving it is to use a CNC machine. A CNC machine is the fastest most accurate way to engrave, but requires CNC knowledge, can have high cost and can have limited availability.
I chose to have the name plate machine engraved. Since, I have the knowledge and machine availability this was the fastest and highest quality option to choose.
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Mar 4, 2010. 8:49 AMdunnos
says:
tsss. cnc, you're such a show-off :P
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