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To Plexi or not to Plexi
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DaveMMR:
Okay, I need your help.

Originally in my CP plan I was going to forego adding Plexi/Lexan (hereon just Plexi) to save myself some aggravation and extra work.  But then I see some examples and it looks so good sometimes that I started to reconsider.

So anyway... anyone use Plexi on their CP and wish they hadn't, anyone not use Plexi and wish they had or perhaps you're glad you added/omitted Plexi?  Basically I'm looking for someone to convince me that I need it or don't need it so anecdotes are appreciated if there's one involved.

This step in my project is further down the road but I should decide soon since I have to get the proper thickness wood.  Thanks in advance.

chrisindfw:
I had the same question once... The main thing for me was my artwork.. I spent alot of time and money on it. I didnt want it to get ruined by scratches and such.

So I went with plexi. I am pretty happy. It gives it a nice look and is nice and flush with trackball.

Also, I have a very nice trick on cutting a 3" hole in plexi if you ever need it.

NoOne=NBA=:
I opted for the best of both worlds.
I printed my CP art on the backside of .010 Lexan, similar to how alot of the classic cabs were.

I've never liked the look of the plexi though, so that influenced my decision to a great degree.
The plexi in the arcades always screamed "mutilated classic cab", or "too cheap to pay for GOOD control panel art" to me.

I always loved the wraparound control panels like Star Trek, Tempest, Robotron, etc...; and all of those had the thing backprinted Lexan.
bfossett:
Not to threadjack, but one quick question, where did you get your cp printed in reverse on lexan? Is this available at most printshops? Im not quite up to this step in my cab development, but i am looking at the options...
NoOne=NBA=:
I did mine at work.
Look under "signs" in your phone book, and ask the people you call if they have a Gerber Edge.
If they do, then ask them if they print LexEdge on it.

It does have some limitations.
You can only print about 11-1/2 inches or so with it, but it will do custom cuts after printing to fit whatever shape you need.

Custom screenprinting (which is what the game companies used to do) is going to be REALLY cost prohibitive though.

There are a couple other options, if you find the right people.

1) You can have the image digitally printed on vinyl, and then overlaminated with a protective material (usually polyester).
That comes anywhere from 1-mil, up to probably 7-mil, but I don't know how many shops will stock it above 2-mil (the usual industry standard).

2) You can have larger stuff digitally printed, and then laminated with "floor graphic" covering, like what you'd see for floor ads at the grocery store.
That stuff works great, and is really tough; but, again, not everyone does it.
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