Electronics product label: Best sticker format to 'mimic' silk print? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 06:38:16 am
content: Hi all,We're manufacturing electronics devices with black aluminum enclosures (anodized).Currently, we're adding the product logos at our enclosure manufacturer via silk printing (white text, single-color logo). This looks great, but has the downside that we need to keep stock of all variants - which increases in complexity as we expand our range.We're considering using stickers instead, but have so far struggled to find something close to the silk print finish/look.Do you have suggestions for specific sticker types, formats, specifications etc. that will help achieve this look?

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 11:21:31 am
content: You might consider doing it in house, if its a little text and a logo, or even trying out a local promo items (pens mugs etc) printing shop. Labels bring their own set of bother and it might be difficult to maintain a nice appearance without going full coverage. Brother P-Touch labels do have a white on clear version, it looks pretty decent, but those printers are not exactly great at graphics or fine detail nor does it looks super professional on a front panel, unless you're a wizard at cutting and lining up, but its fine for a serial number.We make some HiFi stuff that goes in custom Aluminum enclosures, finding a single supplier that will machine, anodise and print under one roof and maintain a decent service standard is basically impossible so those parts end up going back and forth between suppliers or sometimes via ourselves to inspect and print as required. These are too expensive & complex to do in house for us although the headache sometimes suggests it could be worth it. One product is Laser Marked rather than screen printed however, it looks pretty good & turns around very quickly so you can send off in qty's as required.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 11:34:35 am
content: For in-house, I would recommend Avery Heavy Duty Laser Labels.Use the white labels, toner doesn't stick to the silver version so well.Otherwise there are a myriad of label makers out there.Personally I like lexan (polycarbonate) labels with a velvet finish.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/custom-heavy-duty-label-manufacturer-in-uk-eu/

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 11:38:55 am
content: https://www.dropbox.com/s/70py68edtigk8jf/J270%20Boss%20Laser%20Inside%20Box.mp4?dl=0

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 11:43:02 am
content: ^^ Laser marking of anodised alloy cases...

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 11:52:23 am
content: and apperently doable for pretty cheap, I think this is a ~$650 machinehttps://youtu.be/k1hj-RbDlLM

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2022, 12:15:00 pm
content: I'm pretty sure there are multiple threads on here somewhere about this model and the more common "K40" etc you find on eBay as well as the laser diode heads you can fit on 3DPrinters and cheap router engraver CNC machines so there are many cheap ways to experiment and see if you like the result.

author: SpacedCowboy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2022, 12:47:53 am
content: To mark metal, you don't really want a CO2 laser, the power required is pretty extreme because the laser just doesn't operate at the correct frequency. I have a 3' x 2' 100W RECI CO2 laser and I wouldn't try to mark Aluminium. There are coatings you can apply (spray on) to the metal, which the laser then fuses to the Aluminium but these are pretty messy and a bit hit-and-miss.Ideally you want a fibre laser [aside: why does Aliexpress's search default to "human hair wigs" when I go there ? I have never, and hopefully will never buy a human hair wig! Human hair wigs are not a part of my life choices...]Anyway, Fiber lasers are a bit more expensive - ranging from~$1k6to ~$4k for the desktop machines, though I'd be prepared to venture towards at least the middle of that range and get a 30-50W laser - in my experience, laser capabilities are ... optimistic when views through the lens of the seller.If you don't like the bundled software, there's some excellent laser software (Lightburn) which issoon to supportfibre lasers. No connection, I've just used their current product on my CO2 laser for a few years, and it's been awesome. It's even cross-platform, I run it on a Mac mini next to the laser. If you're thinking of that, then bear in mind they plan to support "Raycus, JPT, and IPG / IPG-YLP laser sources" - which to be fair covers most everything.I've been thinking of getting one if and when this back-seat project of mine ever gets off the groundDoing it yourself is of course simultaneously awesome and flexible, while being "one more thing" and a possible bottleneck. Weigh pros and cons... But even if you end up not using it - you still have a laser!

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2022, 06:55:46 am
content: Quote from: SpacedCowboy on June 02, 2022, 12:47:53 amthe examples show doesn't mark the aluminium, it bleaches the anodizing, it doesn't take much power