Transparent plastic - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

lesmw0sec · 9th Aug 2023, 2:59 pm

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as thin & flexible transparent sheet which can be printed on using a laser printer? I am thinking of see-through dials, etc. If so, can anyone suggest what it is called?

mickm3for · 9th Aug 2023, 3:22 pm

Hi i have used
Clear Acrylic PLEXIGLASS Perspex Sheet to make dials etc, i dont know if you can print on it. Its shiny on both sides and in a range of thickness Ebay etc Mick

G6ONEDave · 9th Aug 2023, 3:25 pm

Transparent film in A4 and possibly other sizes in both plain and adhesive backed, is available from stationers and online for ink and laser printers. You will probably have to buy a pack of 10 minimum sheets. It was also used for overhead projectors in square sheet form.

Dave

Boulevardier · 9th Aug 2023, 3:29 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesmw0sec

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as thin & flexible transparent sheet which can be printed on using a laser printer? I am thinking of see-through dials, etc. If so, can anyone suggest what it is called?

Try googling "acetate sheet"? - sort of stuff used for older overhead projectors, and laser-printable. That is assuming it wouldn't be too flexible.

Mike

Goldie99 · 9th Aug 2023, 3:34 pm

Try Googling 'transparency films for laser printers', we were laser printing colour 'slides' for every presentation 25-30 years ago... there's a transparency setting in most laser printer settings.

Somewhat similar, but much thinner, materials can be used for laser printed water-slide decals as well, but David's the expert there ("David G4EBT").

Alan

lesmw0sec · 9th Aug 2023, 4:36 pm

Thanks folks - so it would seem that a suitable material is available. I did not want to mess up the printer!
I would normally engrave on perspex, but want to do some graphical stuff which would be a pain to engrave.

buggies · 9th Aug 2023, 6:17 pm

The stuff I used for the Sussex valve tester build is no longer available - but you might mind something similar. Letraset Safmat Self-Adhesive Printing Film A4. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Letraset-Sa.../dp/B000U4HE2S

As it was only A4 in size had to split the front panel into two pages (you can see the join...).

stevehertz · 9th Aug 2023, 7:12 pm

You print onto clear plastic, adhesive backed A4 sheet and then stick it onto the glass or perspex dial scale.

9th Aug 2023, 2:59 pm	#1
lesmw0sec Octode Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Carmel, Llannerchymedd, Anglesey, UK. Posts: 1,457	Transparent plastic Does anyone know if there is such a thing as thin & flexible transparent sheet which can be printed on using a laser printer? I am thinking of see-through dials, etc. If so, can anyone suggest what it is called?

9th Aug 2023, 3:22 pm	#2
mickm3for Heptode Join Date: May 2015 Location: Chatham, Kent, UK. Posts: 889	Re: Transparent plastic Hi i have used Clear Acrylic PLEXIGLASS Perspex Sheet to make dials etc, i dont know if you can print on it. Its shiny on both sides and in a range of thickness Ebay etc Mick

9th Aug 2023, 3:25 pm	#3
G6ONEDave Octode Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Owston Ferry, North Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 1,534	Re: Transparent plastic Transparent film in A4 and possibly other sizes in both plain and adhesive backed, is available from stationers and online for ink and laser printers. You will probably have to buy a pack of 10 minimum sheets. It was also used for overhead projectors in square sheet form. Dave __________________ Quote "All is hyperthetical, until it isn't!" (President Laura Roslin, Battlestar Galactica)

9th Aug 2023, 3:34 pm	#5
Goldie99 Heptode Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boston, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 947	Re: Transparent plastic Try Googling 'transparency films for laser printers', we were laser printing colour 'slides' for every presentation 25-30 years ago... there's a transparency setting in most laser printer settings. Somewhat similar, but much thinner, materials can be used for laser printed water-slide decals as well, but David's the expert there ("David G4EBT"). Alan

9th Aug 2023, 4:36 pm	#6
lesmw0sec Octode Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Carmel, Llannerchymedd, Anglesey, UK. Posts: 1,457	Re: Transparent plastic Thanks folks - so it would seem that a suitable material is available. I did not want to mess up the printer! I would normally engrave on perspex, but want to do some graphical stuff which would be a pain to engrave.

9th Aug 2023, 6:17 pm	#7
buggies Heptode Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Lothian, UK. Posts: 751	Re: Transparent plastic The stuff I used for the Sussex valve tester build is no longer available - but you might mind something similar. Letraset Safmat Self-Adhesive Printing Film A4. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Letraset-Sa.../dp/B000U4HE2S As it was only A4 in size had to split the front panel into two pages (you can see the join...). Attached Thumbnails __________________ George

9th Aug 2023, 7:12 pm	#8
stevehertz Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK. Posts: 8,650	Re: Transparent plastic You print onto clear plastic, adhesive backed A4 sheet and then stick it onto the glass or perspex dial scale. __________________ A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever..