Our production process is based upon state-of-the-art, high-resolution digital printing equipment that is compatible with a wide range of materials including glass, plastic, phenolic and metals.
In addition to original manufacturer-specific dials, we also offer some dials that are more generic in nature that may well fit some specific replacement applications - especially for early battery sets and some cathedrals, etc.
Those are listed under the "Generic" category. All Rights Reserved. All prices are in USD. Occasionally you see the odd set that has been 'restored' and someone has used a strong detergent or solvent to 'clean' the glass.
You can guess what the end result is. With modern colour printing technology it is possible to produce reasonable reproduction dials onto acetate transparency film using a good ink jet printer or preferably a colour laser printer. These can then be carefully matched up at the rear of the dial glass with the original, which has the effect of filling in the damaged print. Another recent development is inkjet or laser printer water slide film paper.
You print this in the normal way and like transfers you get with model kits, soak them in water and slide onto a blank piece of glass. Perhaps this will be of interest to those who have been unable to procur a replacement dial that they need. A good copy is needed of the original dial - many times this can be provided by another member. Hello Dennis. A inkjet repro gives good results in desperate cases, but unfortunately can't render the white colour or very light tones , which by the way are widely used expecially on those dial scales that are not lightened from behind the glass in trasparency but instead from inside the glass in reflection that is: with lights placed laterally in respect to the glass.
While we're talking - I've heard that in the States there are some dial repro makers who offer a true serigraphic work real paint on glass. Do you know any? Are the prices outrageous or affordable? Anyone knows any offering the same service in the European area, perhaps?
You are correct about the inability of ink-jet printers to render a white color. I think though, that this is pertinent only when trying to create a wet-transfer decal.
Any white coloring in the graphics will simply result in a clear area on a typical sheet of wet-transfer "paper". However, if WHITE wet-transfer paper is used the result will indeed be bright white or light-colored areas where desired. In the example shown in the weblink I provided, the author required a scale that had no white areas on it so he was able to replicate an acceptable dial scale It also lighted from behind with good results.
I, myself, have had success creating white "raised-letter" decals to apply to radio cases, dial rings etc. This process uses clear wet-transfer decal paper. While the ink is still wet a white powder is applied and then heated with a heat gun. I can provide examples and more information about this process if you like.
The main point of your response however pertained to GLASS dials that have "painted on" or silkscreened graphics. There is a company here in the USA that makes and sells glass dial scales. Unfortunately, at this time they only make glass dial scales for American made radios. They have an extensive listing of approximately radio models that they produce scales for. Also, they only produce FLAT dial scales.
I have heard that their quality is high and that they use epoxy based inks for the graphics. Their website also has prices shown. Also they make mention that they can be contacted if you have any "special" needs Thanks for your article. The wet-transfer Decal Paper is a very good idea.
I'll try this methode. Here I have tried also to print a dial-scale in an ink-jet printer. The original dial was broken and a piece was missed. The missed part had to be rebuilted in "Paint Brush". This dial-scale was printed in HP ink-jet printer on a transparent film.
Afterwards ithe film was put between two glass plates. I am interested in the process that Jose used to create the glass dial scale for you.
Can you perhaps elaborate on his process? Is this a silkscreen? It would be great to be able to produce dial scales of this quality at home. Hello Mario. The example you posted seem to be the definitive solution for transparent dial scales with white letterings. Would you mind contacting the man who made it and ask if he would be so kind to share with us the technique he used to make it?
Dennis: I didn't know about the decal paper. However, I can't imagine how to make a repro dial as the one shown by Mario with it. And how well do the inkjetted inks stand some cleaning - even made with simple water? Wouldn't they dissolve immediately, if cleaned? I am thinking, in this case, about lettering for knobs, levers, switches etc. He told me he will reply soon.
Hello Marco and all,. I will try to provide some further information on the wet-transfer decals and where they might be most effectively used. A dial scale such as the one made by Jose would not be possible with wet-transfer decals. As you mentioned though, any opaque surface lends itself well to decals.
Raised-graphic embossing powders are available in many colors. I have used white, gold and red so far and I have several other colors on hand. Once the powder fuses the graphics are no longer affected by water. As with any graphic applied to a radio case, or knob etc. Below is a series of photos detailing the creation of new graphics for the dial ring on a Zenith K On the other hand, flat decals i.
Once you have used your artwork to print the graphics onto a sheet of clear decal paper the paper is sprayed with a special protective coating. This is allowed to dry for 2 hours and makes the decals unaffected by water.
Again, after application a clear overcoat is used — either brushed on locally or sprayed on as an entire clearcoat — to protect the decals from wear and tear. All in all I feel that wet-transfer decals have a useful place in our hobby.
The driver adjusts the volume in the car audio system Radio Tuner bandwidth Changing Radio Light Slanted Radio Light Closeup panel with VU meters signal indicators Driver Tuning Radio In Car Retro Radio Dial Power Switch "ON" Stereo Dials Extreme Closeup: Fingers turn the worn metal dial on an old stereo radio Man increases the volume of the music in the car.
Male hand. Close up. Static Glitch Radio Tuner Flashing Radio Dials Static Radio Dial
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