I am looking into the initial design of a project I am working on as a hobby. I would like to use a development kit with an integrated LCD such as the 32F469I-DISCOVERY. I would like to include this screen flush mounted in a durable (read outdoor, non submersed) and professional looking faceplate.
I have access to a low power laser cutter or CNC machine but am unsure the best method to achieve a good looking product.
My initial thoughts are to use an aluminium face-plate and find thin (1mm?) acrylic stock that can be glued/bolted to the back of the face-plate as a window, with some kind of optical adhesive/fluid between the window and the LCD but this seems an overly fiddly and complicated process.
What suggestions to people have for a good method of taking an arbitrary LCD and panel mounting it in a robust and visually appealing manner.
Best Answer
A technique that I have used in commercial designs is to adhere an acrylic or polycarbonate thin film to the front of the panel, covering the entire panel. All graphics are printed on the back side of the film which is then covered with water-clear double sided 3M adhesive and attached to the panel. The adhesive can be die cut to leave larger windows for displays.
This yields a professional looking, waterproof panel and the color graphics are completely scratch proof.