Cessna 172 Replica Production

[cjellwood]

Here is the spec for a LED display block which I am being put under pressure to authorise this week. Next will be the ADF display but I have lost the spec. Let me know if I am missing something please because this is an expensive manufacturing run



Chris

[cjellwood]

btw, all parts will be available from www.simbits.com and co.uk very soon

omg i am gonna be in so much trouble soon lol

Chris

[No Longer Active]

trouble.....but good trouble

[cjellwood]

here is a peek of the flaps mechanism which is going into production within 4 weeks, but a working prototype is being made now. It is based on the original Cessna mechanism which uses micro switches and a bendy lever. I really dont know why simkits did not do it like this.

If you have Solidworks Edrawings viewer then here is a link to the 3D file http://www.fsuipc.co.uk/img/cessna_f..._05072011.easm






Chris

[cjellwood]

Here is something that may be of help to Cessna cockpit builders. Bendix King style radio button caps that fit the existing MEC style switch bases.



Now I am trying to work out how to print on them. Hmm...

Chris

[Ronson2k9]

A couple of idea's you could use a dry transfer sheet. I'm not sure if they are as widely used as the days before digital technology but they perhaps could still be found. You could also get a custom stamps made. Then rig up a jig to make the stamp quite accurate. You wouldn't want to stamp without some kind of support. There are a ton of stamp shops out there mostly for scrap booking but should be able to perhaps make one stamp (buttons are small) that would do every button.

Design a Custom Rubber Stamp Online

You would need to make a kind of mini printing press to hold the buttons and stamp for a clean transfer. Afterward a few coats of clear should keep the button from wearing out it's stamped identifier.

Just some thoughts.
Ron

[cjellwood]

Thanks Ron,

Transfers are unreliable and expensive so not going down that route. The idea of putting them through a commercial flatbed printer seemed ideal but my recent attempt to get one from China resulted in me being ripped off to the tune of £900 by a nigerian But luckily paypal are mediating and should get a refund hopefully.

If at first you dont succeed......give up lol

Chris

[Ronson2k9]

I know that model railroad model manufacturers use a stamp process to 'paint' their equipment with. The detail in that process is easily greater then what you would need. I think a stamp is the way to go. In as much as it's not sprayed on like an inkjet would do. With a porous surface 'paper' you can get away with that because the pigment has a place to go but you're working with plastic so it won't absorb the pigment it will sit and dry on the surface. If you plan on making a ton of buttons then that process while perhaps pricey up front goes done quickly per printing and you can get white ink for printing/stamping on black.

You could make a holder for the buttons. Then put that onto a scanner and get the position of them then make your stamp template from. The holder has to of course be the same when you stamp your buttons.

The only other way would be the 'button makers' way of CNC the letters into the surface then add ink. They are most likely made with the lettering already there that is the mold they use has the letters shaped into the surface so then they just add ink and remove the excess.

However I took a look for DIY printing presses and you could perhaps build a small one that is cantilevered that would hold the stamp when stamping. A bit similar to the rudder pedal mechanism. You need to hold the stamp vertical/still while you stamp to minimize smearing. If the buttons are CNC'd first that takes out some of the guess work but adds to the time and cost.. It would also help if you know what kind of plastic the buttons are made from when selecting an ink.

Buying stuff from the orient is never something I do unless I absolutely have to / never. I've been tempted a few times but I always work hard to find a work around. I use that info though to find a better way.

Depending on how many you want to make you may want to seek out a professional printer. If you can supply the buttons then they might be able to print them cheaper then you could (all things considered).

Cheers
Ron

[webitman]

Hi chris
Can you mention where these radio buttons can be purchased from, i have searched and cant find anyone selling them.
And thanks for all this great advise your giving just what i need to help my cessna build, great info
keep it up.

Paul

[cjellwood]

Hi Paul,

The buttons are prototypes I had made pending being produced in quantity next month. If all goes to plan they will have lasered icons/numbers etched on too. If you are subscribed to this thread then you will be updated about it very soon

Chris

Hi chris
Can you mention where these radio buttons can be purchased from, i have searched and cant find anyone selling them.
And thanks for all this great advise your giving just what i need to help my cessna build, great info
keep it up.

Paul