Labeling a Front Panel

Using Arduino General Electronics
1

If you ever want to label a front panel for a project, the example below may be a way to give you a more professional look.
Use Sketchup (from Google) to draw the exact size of your panel and all your components.

  1. For each element on the panel, make a full sized component for each unique switch, LCD display, LED bezel,
    connector, etc. Include things like: mounting hole size, nuts, exterior lips etc.
  2. Draw the exact outline of your panel. Place your components on this outline. Arrange each as needed.
    Make sure you take into consideration the placement of internal items like PCBs, transformers etc.
  3. Print a 1:1 image of your finished page on a full sheet of 8 1/2” X 11” gummed label (AVERY 5165).
  4. Laminate the page you just printed.
  5. Cut the panel perimeter image out using a utility knife and a straight edge.
  6. Peel the back protector sheet with laminate off the cutout.
  7. Carefully install the cutout on the plastic/aluminum panel. You may want to drill and cut the holes in the panel first.

I have effectively used the above method for making membrane keypad overlays.

EDIT:
If you what a background color to your overlay you can always print on a coloured piece of paper.

2014-02-20_14-24-48.jpg
2014-02-20_14-24-48.jpg730×814 128 KB

KeyPad.JPG
KeyPad.JPG764×537 103 KB

Panel.png
Panel.png788×258 2.7 KB

2014-02-20_16-01-58.jpg
2014-02-20_16-01-58.jpg757×365 53.7 KB

2

Nicely done!

I find CorelDraw a powerful program to do things like this. I save a lot of money on it by staying a version or two behind. I used v8 for quite a long time, now I have X3.

3

What is nice about Sketchup is you can model each component in 3D then place you panel image on a 3D image that represents the enclosure your project is going to be mounted in. This allows you to see if there will be any encroachment of components.

I like CorelDraw also.

Edit:
Added 2nd image.
This item was made 1995 prior to Sketchup debut.

2014-02-20_16-24-48.jpg
2014-02-20_16-24-48.jpg431×556 72 KB

2014-02-21_14-10-20.jpg

4

Very good point.

5

Many PCB design packages allow you to use 3D models for the components and also import models of your box etc.

Rob

6

is also an option if you want to spend some coin.

7

Addendum to LarryD's excellent advice...

LarryD:
3. Print a 1:1 image of your finished page on a full sheet of 8 1/2” X 11” gummed label (AVERY 5165).

If you go with a different vendor / precut labels make certain they are "Permanent-Adhesive" (using Avery's term).

  1. Laminate the page you just printed.

In my experience using "food grade" labels (they are usually polyester) and laserjet printing eliminate the need to laminate.