Question about engraving Radio Dials

[Buzz239]

I'm kind of in a quandary. I need to engrave, chemically etch or laser cut three types of radio dials. These dials (see attached) are not made any more and when you find them everyone wants a premium price for them. The dials were originally made by National Radio, who is now defunct. I can cut the blanks and when finished I can drill the appropriate mounting holes and fill the lettering. I guess the question is; what's the least expensive method to go with? I need a run of 100 each. Any help would be appreciated.



TNX, Buzz

[One of Many]

You could make your own custom stamp and press these markings.

Numberall has an array of options for the number blocks which are not to badly priced. There are other steel stamp outfits that will do custom stamping blocks out of solid.

I have yet to see any software that would do this type of stamping die, but I'd imagine a decent cam package could handle it with a bit of finese.

DC

[neilw20]

A correctly shaped engraving tool will have no problem making these dials.
Machining time may be acceptable, depending on the target price.
Mount them on a centre hub. Hold them down securely. You can make these on a CNC. If put into a CAM program, machining time can be estimated readily.