Picture of my direct toner labeling approach

[Chico]

Here is a pic (I hope) of an EA Tremolo build I just completed.

The labeling approach I am trying to implement is still a work in progress, but I am getting close.

It is a direct transfer method where the toner is transferred to the box without using stickyback or other clear sheets.

[Chico]

OK:  That did not work :oops:

Lets try this.  for now, check out:

http://freewebs.com/audiodiy/index.htm

[Xlrator]

Nice look of those!! Good color choice, it goes well with the chickens and creams!!

[nightingale]

nice choice of circuits to build too...

[DaKurt]

jepp, nice...how much does it cost to build such a pt-80 or the tremolo? Is it hard?

[Leftrights]

...work in progress, but I am getting close.

It is a direct transfer method where the toner is transferred to the box without using stickyback or other clear sheets.

Looks really good.  How did you do it?  I'll take a half baked idea if it looks that good.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

In theory, there should exist some kind of transparent adhesive (or clear tacky paint) that would let you put a tonerprinted plastic sheet on it face down, and have the toner preferentially stick to it.
But however the illustrated boxes were done, congratulations!

[Chico]

This approach may not be anything new to y'all, but it worked well enough that I thought I would pass it along just in case.  

I did not come up with the idea, I learned about it from a guy named Frank Miller. His company is called Pulsar www.pulsar.gs

I purchased a specialty paper called TTS (toner transfer system) paper and a clear TRF foil (toner reactive foil) from Pulsar.  The paper is about 15 bucks for a package of 10 sheets, about the cost of PNP.  The Clear TRF was also about 15 bucks (I think) but it comes in a 200 foot roll.  (The TTS paper also works really well for making PCB, but I will post more on that separately)

Basically, I laser printed my labels onto the TTS paper.

I might try to do a photoessay of this approach for my next build if anyone is interested.



Cut a piece of the clear TRF foil, laid it over the label, and passed the combination through a laminator. (You could also use an iron)

I dropped the label and clear TRF into a dish of water. The TTS paper and clear TRF roll up, then unfolds. When it unfolds, the clear TRF releases from the TTS paper and the toner is transfered to the clear TRF foil.

I patted the water off the clear foil, then applied one QUICK and EXTREMELY LIGHT dusting of temporary fabric adhesive (also purchased from Pulsar) to the toner side of the clear foil.

I pressed the foil down over the painted enclosure and peeled the clear foil back 180 degrees over itself.

A quick wipe with goo gone removed any remaining residue (most tries, there was no visible amount of residue), and I had successfully transfered the toner to the enclosure.

This works (in theory) with color as well as black toner, but I have not tried it yet. Apply your favorite protective overcoat and you are done!

This approach takes practice, but the results look good when you get the hang of it because the toner is adhered directly to the box.  


Has anyone else had any experience with these products or similar techniques?