dsulli Posted January 31, 2002 Share Posted January 31, 2002 Has anyone spent any time applying decals. I'm sure there are some shortcuts/tips I'm not aware of like - how to fit a decal to a particular area, orientation, etc. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpowers Posted January 31, 2002 Share Posted January 31, 2002 sometimes it helps to create a thin slab that is the correct size and apply the decal to it. We do this when we are representing flat overlays or overlays that are bent at a 90 degree angle. For the 90 degree version we use to very thin slabs, each with their own copy of the decal. Sometimes the decal tools a a little cranky on sheetmetal or complex parts so we use the above method to make it easier. When you place the decal, go to smart paint properties/settings and size the decal before you drop it. Make sure you are comfortable with the move decal tool on the smart paint tool bar. It looks like a red balloon with a yellow star on it. Activate this feature and use the triball to move it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dlalonde Posted January 31, 2002 Share Posted January 31, 2002 I use preliminary or final artwork from our graphics artist to simulate the silkscreening that will be done on the final product. The trick is to set the transparency to see-through and choose the color within the decal image to make transparent (usually the background, which should be black or white). JPG files are fine for general visualization, but high resolution TIF images are cleaner looking when zoomed in and for large renderings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dlalonde Posted February 1, 2002 Share Posted February 1, 2002 Some examples... Screenshot4.jpg BiColor.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dlalonde Posted February 1, 2002 Share Posted February 1, 2002 Gpowers suggestion is excellent. Particularly if you will be applying a lexan label to a part. Draw the label, project the graphics onto it... Another technique involves importing the decal graphics via dxf to a sketch and making an extrusion. Place the extruded artwork against the part and set the 'paint' thickness to perhaps 0.001" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsulli Posted February 1, 2002 Author Share Posted February 1, 2002 Great suggestions, everyone! That screenshot4 image is awesome! I will definitely be practicing these tips. Thanks again! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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