Laser Engraving Aircraft Panels | Identification, Markings with Durablack

MR. J's WORKSHOP
Laser Engraving Aircraft Panels | Identification, Markings with Durablack
This video is about what I use to laser engrave placards on experimental aircraft panels (also called identification, markings, nameplates or labels) and why I use durablack material for engraving placards.
TOOLS USED: Epilog Fusion 50w Laser, CorelDRAW 2019
www.texasprecisionengraving.com Email:[e-mail] : / texasprecisionengraving

[@sergiomanfrini9569]

Usually Pilots are demanding so they produce great quality
Great Job
Congratulations 😊

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Thank you

[@MrTonypilot1]

Excellent professional work ! highly recommend it ! Thank you Mr J’S

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Thank for you Tony

[@allenpayne2388]

Very nice! Professional work! Keep it coming.

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Thank You Al

[@blacknass1943]

wow soo cool !

[@fabiofarinon3988]

Fantastic, what kind of material is that? Do you engrave also in acrylic cast?

[@darrellmorgan905]

Very Informative. I do Super Cub panels/avionics and sometimes RVs. Darrell Morgan Firebird Aviation, LLC

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Hey Darrell
That’s fun let me know if I can be of service.👍🏻🤠

[@mattseegers9912]

Wow ... I'm glad I stumbled across this video ... I've been searching for ideas on how to re-label the switches and breakers on my vintage Mooney. Is that something you've done before?

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

I have done a couple of Mooney panels, they were full make overs on the panel. I engrave stencil so I could airbrushed all the lettering. For more ideas on re- label you can check out my website texasprecisionengraving.com and look at the gallery at overlay switches and breakers I have done on other aircraft’s.

[@TheMikeWash]

Hey Mr. J! Nice video, and nice work. How small have you sheared blanks down to?
Trying to figure an in-house way of cutting this stuff with minimal post-processing or up-front tooling.

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Hi Mike
I have sheared down to 3/16” any way you look at it you still have to put the work. I just keep a dedicated shear for this job always sharp.

[@TheMikeWash]

@@MRJSWORKSHOP wow - thanks for writing back.
How did your 3/16 stuff wind up, flatness-wise?

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

It was pretty flat. The trick for me is to keep the 3/16 side on the table and not the drop off.
Also having another piece of material on top holding it drop flat on the table side.
Hope that helps.

[@jccbsl1]

I'm wondering why you didn't cut the perimeters using the laser instead of all that manual cutting and sanding.

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

So my laser will not cut metal but I have tried laser cutting the material with other vendors, what are the biggest problem my material has is the coating that melt on the edges went the laser cuts the material. Also try CNC milling but it’s a project on making fixture to hold the material for cutting so basically just stay using the manual tools.

[@jeffadams6407]

Quality work sir, which laser engraver do you have and which supplier do you recommend for the durablack?

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Thanks Jeff I use a Epilog 50 watt laser and I use different suppliers last time I use Johnson Plastic's I use company who have the lowest price with free shipping it varies company to company.

[@sblack48]

So the laser can’t cut out the placard?

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

No I manually cut the placards

[@BrianHAviation]

I bought my big 100 watt laser with the intention of laser marking my plane. I told the wife it was for me to make some extra cash and for her to make things for craft shows. It was $6500 including customs broker fees. Of course the first thing I did was laser my plane. I made two headset connections for the back seats so I pulled off those anodized panels and engraved them. The instrument panel was next so I did that and it got a lot of attention. I had people coming to be left and right to get things make for their plane. I'm an IA so if I do something to their plane I may see something else that can make me some extra money. I'm going to do my yacht next (No not rich. I picked up a 75ft - 5 state room yacht for $95,000) so hopefully I'll get customers from that.

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

Hi Brian
Sorry little late getting back to you. 100 watt laser is a good size laser. Don't forget being a AI there's aways missing required placards. Offer better placard's, than label makers. That will last longer and look nicer.

[@zfrenchy1716]

Are you cutting the Durablack with the laser ?

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

No cutting with a scroll saw

[@kme8134]

can they be backlit?

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

No the aluminum material cannot. but there are acrylic and plastics materials that can reverse engrave and back light