| |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
We are often asked how we make good-looking front panels to finish off our projects; to give them that "professional" look.
There are several ways to do this, mainly depending on how long you want the label to last. Front panel artwork is usually available at www.siliconchip.com.au/Shop/11.
This is arguably the cheapest and easiest label but its long-term life is not guaranteed, nor is it really suitable for outside use.
Simply download and print the label onto ordinary (bond) paper, then hot-laminate it with a suitable laminator and sleeve (laminators are regularly available in the $20-$30 range these days and sleeves are very cheap).
Cut the label, with sleeve, to the size required and glue it in position. We generally pass the label through the laminator a couple of times when cut to get the best bond possible.
For a more professional and longer-term label, you can print the front panel artwork onto an A4-sized Avery "Heavy Duty White Polyester - Inkjet" sticky label that is suitable for inkjet printers or a "Datapol" sticky label for laser printers. Cut out the holes and display opening with a sharp craft knife.
Labels are available from www.blanklabels.com.au or averyproducts.com.au. The first of those also has instructions and interesting information.
For Avery labels see: www.averyproducts.com.au/blank-labels/rectangle-297x210mm. For Datapol labels, see siliconchip.com.au/l/aabx
(Avery also have "Heavy Duty White Polyester - Laser" labels. We haven't tried them but we think they might be even better than the above, and they are available from OfficeWorks for both inkjet (www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/avery-1up-inkjet-heavy-duty-labels-10-sheets-ave936067) and laser printers (www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/avery-1up-heavy-duty-laser-labels-white-10-sheets-av959096).
Many Silicon Chip projects have available high-precision laser-cut which can be used, for example, to replace the standard lids on jiffy boxes.
The project will generally mention (eg, in the parts list) if such labels are available — you can also browse the siliconchip.com.au/shop page.
There are many other panel possibilities available including professionally printed panels using a purpose-designed inkjet printer (eg, onto a suitable base). Some kit set suppliers include such panels in their kits.
