CP overlay - no plexi

[Grasshopper]

I personally prefer to not use acrylic/polycarbonate over CPs, but I have used it. If you are going to use it, and you do not want a sharp edge, the simple answer is to make a bent acrylic cover that wraps the front edge of the CP. Bending acrylic is not that hard. It can be done with inexpensive tools. It does require some planning to get right.

I have access to a wide format color plotter so acrylic allows me to have protected artwork for the cost of the paper. and my CP allows for no exposed edges, except the admin access opening, which has a flame polished radiused edge.

Interesting.

Can you elaborate on how you bend acrylic as I might be interested in using that method.

Thanks in advance.

[hulkster]

dude, just get your artwork printed on self adhesive vinyl.  thats what i did for my Mamestrosity and i havent any problems since.  no plexi, no lexan, no bending or melting...i just cut it with an exacto knife and stuck it on there like sideart.  it cost a little more for the adhesive vinyl, but i dont have to worry about smudges or anything.  check out my site to see the results if you are skeptic 

[pmc]

Lots of good info in this thread. I have one more related question cuz I want to order some stuff now...

What's the diff between Parts Express vinyl and Happ Pica? I don't need much, so Happ will have to charge me a $10 handling fee plus their reportedly outrageous shipping. If the Parts Express stuff is functionally the same, I think it's the way to go. But is it "just like" the Happ stuff?

-pmc

[nickbuol]

Happs only sells the Pica Vinyl in complete rolls.  VERY expensive!  I went with the Parts Express stuff and it works and looks great!

[RayB]

PartsExpress vinyl looks AMAZING. Though I think it only comes in 24" wide?

[nickbuol]

PartsExpress vinyl looks AMAZING. Though I think it only comes in 24" wide?

You are correct.  24" wide only.  Worked for what I needed.

[dema]

Happs only sells the Pica Vinyl in complete rolls.

[nickbuol]

I called them multiple times in the past and was told that they only sell it by the roll.

[KungFuJoe]

Would using vinyl be the best method if you have a modular cab?  I was contemplating plexi but to have to use a separate piece for each module...I wasn't so sure about that.

[KungFuJoe]

Would using vinyl be the best method if you have a modular cab?

[NoOne=NBA=]

Actually, using a reverse printed, textured Lexan, like was used on alot of the early games (Tron, Robotron, Joust, etc...), would be my first choice regardless.
It's only .010 thick, so cutting holes in it isn't difficult, but it has the art protected behind the Lexan, so durability isn't an issue.

[Havok]

Personally I don't like plexi either.

[dema]

I called them multiple times in the past and was told that they only sell it by the roll.

[nostrebor]

I personally prefer to not use acrylic/polycarbonate over CPs, but I have used it. If you are going to use it, and you do not want a sharp edge, the simple answer is to make a bent acrylic cover that wraps the front edge of the CP. Bending acrylic is not that hard. It can be done with inexpensive tools. It does require some planning to get right.

I have access to a wide format color plotter so acrylic allows me to have protected artwork for the cost of the paper. and my CP allows for no exposed edges, except the admin access opening, which has a flame polished radiused edge.

Interesting.

Can you elaborate on how you bend acrylic as I might be interested in using that method.

Thanks in advance.

At this point this is a bit off topic but anyway...

I will direct you to the monumental "Mission Control" thread. The link should drop you at about page 12. Starting at page 9 there are techniques and EXTENSIVE discussion about plastics bending. Pack a lunch

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13118.440

[pmc]

PartsExpress vinyl looks AMAZING. Though I think it only comes in 24" wide?

Thanks for the feedback Ray. I'll order some up. I need 24.5" wide so I guess I'm turning that roll sideways!

-pmc

[Grasshopper]

You can buy Vinyl from Ponyboy. Same price as Happ but possibly cheaper shipping.

[mahuti]

I have a mamemarquees cpo without any lexi / plexan and it still looks like the day I applied it. Even with lots of abuse it still looks great. Haven't seen any fading either.