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Using plexi for a CP top instead of wood?
cigardude:
The concept has been done before, check out those little acrylic projects (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,110527.0.html). Basically they layered 1/8" acrylic and built up so that you can put in the screws / bolts for your joy sticks without being seen since it was sandwiched in there. No artwork like you want to do but it should be very doable.
- --- -- Top layer
xxxxxxxx Art Work
- --- -- Below Artwork
- --- -- Another layer below the artwork where the screw / bolt head might be
- --- -- Smaller concentric holes so the bolt does not go through
- --- -- Smaller concentric holes so the bolt does not go through
- --- -- Joy stick mounted
Probably not so many layers, but you get the idea.
eds1275:
I would use thick plexi (like 1" maybe?) for the control panel, artwork on top, and then a thin sheet of acrylic over that. Plexi scratches easily, acrylic does not. I don't really ever work with plexi but it might flex if your panel is wide.
CoryBee:
I've planned on doing something like this on my bartop design. Except just to light the CP art from underneath, like the marquee area.
Plexi ---------
Art xxxxxx
Plexi ---------
LEDs -^-^-^-
PL1:
If you're looking for a layer that is less prone to cracking and does a great job of diffusing illumination, try some 1/2" white cutting board like this or one of the smaller ones.
The attached photo shows a scrap of the linked 1/2" cutting board backlit by a el-cheapo 9-LED flashlight that I got free from Harbor Freight.
To see how well the board acts as a diffuser, the MDF has 2 standard button holes and the flashlight is about 3/8" from the underside of the cutting board which is resting directly on the MDF.
Scott
selfie:
Ok here we go...
Plexi = acrylic. Plexiglass is a brand of acrylic.
I stock 1.5, 2, 3, 4.5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25 and 30mm acrylic.
Granted, this is a single player CP but this has a 6mm, 1/4", top and it has zero flex.
For a 2 player CP 10 or 12mm, 1/2", is all you will need in place of the normally used ply or MDF.
Illuminating the inside of a CP is possible but be prepared to use lots of LEDs to get even lighting. Most LEDs have an effective display angle of 90 degrees. To ensure there are no dark spots a 50mm deep CP will need LEDs no more than 50mm apart. The deeper you go the less you have to use BUT you have to remember that all the buttons, joystick and wires will throw shadows that will require extra lighting to fill the dark spots. This can lead to bright spots...
I'm not trying to talk you out of it because it will look cool if you can get it right but don't assume it will be easy.