Author Topic: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?  (Read 3326 times)

Offline Symon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
  • Country: gb
Just thought I'd ask, in case anyone has had success, if anyone knows of a place that can reproduce machine plates/signs?

You know, the little signs that say "Grease Here" or "Use X type of oil" etc.

I suspect if there is such a service it would be expensive as they'd all be single run one-offs.

It's not the end of the world, but a few of mine are wrecked due to removal.

Edit:

For reference...this kind of thing:


« Last Edit: May 14, 2017, 03:04:12 PM by Symon »

Offline awemawson

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8966
  • Country: gb
  • East Sussex, UK
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2017, 06:37:19 AM »
Several places will etch brass plates for signs for model locos, so there is a good starting point for searching.

http://homeworkshop.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14:steam-plates&catid=18:traders&Itemid=20

I have successfully etched both copper and brass signs using press on Letraset graphics signs and ferric chloride solution as per etching PCB's.

It is possible to print a pattern using a laser printer, and with a hot iron transfer the pattern onto  flat metal as a barrier to etching (laser and photocopier  toner is carbon particles surrounded by a thermo plastic shell so you are re-melting the shell)
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline Symon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
  • Country: gb
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2017, 09:34:35 AM »
That's fantastic, man :thumbup:

I'd probably supply the files so all they'd have to do is make them their way.

They're very simple.

Offline Symon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
  • Country: gb
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2017, 03:03:48 PM »
For reference...this kind of thing:



Offline awemawson

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8966
  • Country: gb
  • East Sussex, UK
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline Symon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
  • Country: gb
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2017, 03:54:59 PM »
That's pretty dam cool :D Don't want to invest in extra kit...so it's a no go for me :lol:

But it's helping with my searching as I'm picking up perfect keywords :)

Offline Symon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
  • Country: gb
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2017, 04:03:22 PM »
Looks like Laser Etching Anodised Alu is the winner. You're a star, awemawson :thumbup:

Offline awemawson

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8966
  • Country: gb
  • East Sussex, UK
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #7 on: May 14, 2017, 04:05:19 PM »
Happy to help Symon - it's what the forum is all about


 :mmr:
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline Symon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
  • Country: gb
Re: Metal/Aluminium Printed Machine Plates/Signage - Reproduction?
« Reply #8 on: May 14, 2017, 04:07:04 PM »
:headbang: