Tank badge

[bigguy]

I've designed a tank badge I'd like on my bike. (See bottom of post) I had a friend, years ago, who had a process to chemically etch parts out of a brass plate for model tanks. does anybody here know of such a process. I know there are places to have stuff like that done, but so far it's been about $300 per side. I'm hoping to do it myself for much less than $600. If I can get brass plates, I'll have them chromed.

[big turkey]

What about one cylinder.

That is a good lookin design.

What do you want to make it from, i. e. steel , aluminum , plastic.

Truck Racer does stuff out of steel and the like.

Just a thought.

Big Al

[big turkey]

Oops did not read your whole post.

Brass it is then.

Big Al

[bigguy]

Oops did not read your whole post.

Brass it is then.

Big Al

It's cool Big Al. Ultimately I want it shiny. I just got stuck on brass because that's what my friend used. Steel would be better, but I assume more expensive.

[Psychotic Bovine]

http://www.ehow.com/how_5020608_etch-brass-copper-jewelry-making.html

link on how to etch brass.

[Big Rig]

I would look for a cyntered metal prototyping house...you would need to send them a specific file type, but the turn around would be rather quick and they could have the made in SS and have the electropoiched to a high sheen.

I will see if I can get you a link. You can also google rapid prototyping in your area.

[czuch]

Then make a bunch and sellem.
Thats a real cool design.

[bigguy]

Thanks czuch. Which brings up a point. If any of you, good with your hands, types want to make and sell these ... my price for the design are the badges for my tank.
The wings are generic, the lady is my  wife (sans glasses and maybe a few years)
The only possible copyright issue might be the helmet. I cop .... uh I mean drew inspiration from some anime looking poster for it.




http://forums.demigodthegame.com/359193

[Kymbo]

maybe find a company that does water jet cutting and etching
Our Water Jet Part II

[bigguy]

Got the tank badges in last night.



Here is a couple of shots of me holding it up to the tank to get a feel for how it will look when mounted.




Mounting them on the saddle bags is also an option.

[Big IV]

Excellent.
Nice personalized maiden head. Cool.
I like them on the bags too.

[Walküre]

Look great!

So, how were they done? Who did them? How thick are they? Chromed brass? Etc? Etc?

Inquiring minds want to know...curious because I home-etch all my own circuit boards, and the maidenhead shouldn't be too much different...these are done with common muriatic acid, peroxide, and a laser printer. Nothing else.









And done...




I would think that etching the maidenhead would be very similar, depending on thickness, etc. I also have a buddy who has a CNC (computerized) router, that does very similar, and could make something up, also.

What a "niche" market!!

R

[bigguy]

Look great!

So, how were they done? Who did them? How thick are they? Chromed brass? Etc? Etc?

Inquiring minds want to know...curious because I home-etch all my own circuit boards, and the maidenhead shouldn't be too much different...these are done with common muriatic acid, peroxide, and a laser printer. Nothing else.

I would think that etching the maidenhead would be very similar, depending on thickness, etc. I also have a buddy who has a CNC (computerized) router, that does very similar, and could make something up, also.

What a "niche" market!!

R

They are .060" thick mirror stainless steel. I had them done by a guy named JD Steinmetz at J D Customs.
I sent him a clean line drawing of what I wanted. I told him to keep the pattern because some other folks might like it.

[Walküre]

He does nice work! Nice and crisp, even in the very fine lines. How are they held on? Super strength double sided sticky tape?

Thanks,

R

[bigguy]

He does nice work! Nice and crisp, even in the very fine lines. How are they held on? Super strength double sided sticky tape?

Thanks,

R

I'm still chewing on that. I need to find a professional adhesive. I'm assuming I can find something at AutoZone/Advanced Auto/O'Reilly's.
Also, right now they are FLAT!!! I've got to figure out a way to gently mold them to the shape of the surface they're going on.
Fall back plan is to use wax or clay pressed to the surface to form a mold for a cement positive that I can use in conjunction with a rubber mallet. I'm open to less dramatic suggestions.