Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
LCD/VFD panel bezels? — Parallax Forums

LCD/VFD panel bezels?

xanatosxanatos Posts: 1,120
edited 2014-02-18 21:54 in General Discussion
I'm trying to find what I thought should be easy - a simple, slim, bezel with clear window for the LCD & VFDs I use. NHD sends you to some place called Elmwood, but their bezels have a virtual parking lot of plastic around the actual display opening... No idea why.

Does anyone have a good source for bezels that have a display window of 3 to 3.25" wide x 1 to 1.25" high, and another around 4" wide x 1" high?

Digikey only seems to have 1.8" or 2.5" wide, or 10" plus. Ebay is so littered with bezels for iPhones, laptops, Androids... that I can't even find a simple panel bezel. Jameco, Newark, Mouser don't seem to have any selection to speak of...

This should be easy...

Comments

  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2014-02-17 14:34
    Scott Edwards sells mounting kits and lexan faceplates.
    They are geared toward displays sold there but can be used for other brands

    http://www.seetron.com/mounting.html
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2014-02-17 14:34
    A couple of years ago I looked all over for bezels and couldn't find anything I liked. I ended up just cutting a hole in the box to fit. Datel used to sell matching bezels for their panel meters that were adaptable to other uses, they were around $5 each. The sizes you need seem to be a bit larger than most standard panel meters. These days would it be possible to get one custom made? Laser cut or 3D printed maybe?
  • KMyersKMyers Posts: 433
    edited 2014-02-17 14:58
    Ada Fruit has one for 2x20 I believe for around $5.
  • TCTC Posts: 1,019
    edited 2014-02-17 17:59
    Just an idea.

    I was going to use Front Panel Express for my reflow oven. Since I don't have all my fabrication tools where I live, I don't want to try cutting the plastic lid with basic hand tools.
  • Too_Many_ToolsToo_Many_Tools Posts: 765
    edited 2014-02-17 18:27
    xanatos wrote: »
    I'm trying to find what I thought should be easy - a simple, slim, bezel with clear window for the LCD & VFDs I use. NHD sends you to some place called Elmwood, but their bezels have a virtual parking lot of plastic around the actual display opening... No idea why.

    Does anyone have a good source for bezels that have a display window of 3 to 3.25" wide x 1 to 1.25" high, and another around 4" wide x 1" high?

    Digikey only seems to have 1.8" or 2.5" wide, or 10" plus. Ebay is so littered with bezels for iPhones, laptops, Androids... that I can't even find a simple panel bezel. Jameco, Newark, Mouser don't seem to have any selection to speak of...

    This should be easy...

    LOL..yes it should be easy but it won't be...no standards and everyone with a heartbeat will try to sell you something.

    FWIW...over the years I have kept a box of surplus bezels just because they are a pain to source for a hobbyist.
  • Too_Many_ToolsToo_Many_Tools Posts: 765
    edited 2014-02-17 18:29
    FWIW..if you have a good framing shop nearby, they can get you anything small to fit your needs.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-02-17 18:39
    I use 1/8" acrylic with a matte surface on the exposed side. Double sided tape holds in on the CNC, mill the outer dimension, then the cutout for the LCD, then pocket a little area for the LCD to sit inside so it sits square. I had a rear box made with a lid that is injection molded. This is the NHD with touch.
    photo 1(2).JPG
    640 x 478 - 106K
    kpfp.jpg
    184 x 349 - 15K
  • CuriousOneCuriousOne Posts: 931
    edited 2014-02-17 20:19
    Any nearby adverts/banners/etc making company will do, they have various vinyl/acryl/etc cutters.
  • xanatosxanatos Posts: 1,120
    edited 2014-02-18 13:19
    T Chap wrote: »
    I use 1/8" acrylic with a matte surface on the exposed side. Double sided tape holds in on the CNC, mill the outer dimension, then the cutout for the LCD, then pocket a little area for the LCD to sit inside so it sits square. I had a rear box made with a lid that is injection molded. This is the NHD with touch.

    That's sort of what I'm doing now - but hiring a shop to do it. They mill the case and the polycarbonate lens with a flange that is really cool - but they charge about $200 each time. I just thought that I could source about 100 bezels and saw a few simple rectangles into the boxes myself for the bezels to slip into, and save a bunch over a run. Alas... it looks like I'm stuck with the machine shop. For now, anyway, until I get my first 3D printer (anyone feeling generous?)
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2014-02-18 13:41
    Have you ever tried to contact the manufacturer of you box to see what they would charge for a custom rectangular cut out? A full on custom box would probably be way too expensive and you'd probably have to buy a thousand, but a simple mod to an existing mold might be more reasonable.
  • xanatosxanatos Posts: 1,120
    edited 2014-02-18 13:47
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    Have you ever tried to contact the manufacturer of you box to see what they would charge for a custom rectangular cut out? A full on custom box would probably be way too expensive and you'd probably have to buy a thousand, but a simple mod to an existing mold might be more reasonable.

    That actually may be a possibility. I get the boxes from L-Com - and I do think I recall something about them modding them. http://www.l-com.com/nema-enclosures-12x10x5-inch-weatherproof-nema-4x-enclosure-with-blank-aluminum-mounting-plate
  • kwinnkwinn Posts: 8,697
    edited 2014-02-18 21:54
    Take a look in the craft stores. I have used small plastic picture frames they sell for a couple of projects. Not sure you will find any as small as 3" x 1" though. I think the smallest on I found was 2" x 3".
Sign In or Register to comment.