Creation of Slates

[idadd4]

I was wondering what type of material and printer I would need to print onto PVC Dive Slates.

I'd like to be able to purchase the plastic and create a slate with my own information.

Thanks for any help.

 

[lowwall]

What sort of information?

I suspect you'll find it much cheaper and easier to use an alternative such as printing on paper or cardstock and then laminating or using wetnotes.

 

[Sebek]

I was wondering what type of material and printer I would need to print onto PVC Dive Slates.

I'd like to be able to purchase the plastic and create a slate with my own information.

Thanks for any help.

divelogs.com offers custom printed slates, it may be simpler to order one than to print your own.

 

[lowwall]

divelogs.com offers custom printed slates, it may be simpler to order one than to print your own.

Good idea. I recently looked into what it would take to print plastic cards, like ID cards. It ain't cheap.

 

[Larryjd1]

I created my own custom size 3 sheet (6 page) wetnote from PVC sheets I bought on Amazon and printed formulas I wanted on 2 of the pages using waterproof paper from a Fedex printing store.

I formatted the formulas to optimize the page size in Word and then had the Fedex office print the info on waterproof paper for a total cost of $1.99. I glued the waterproof paper to the PVC sheet and then sealed the edges with clear nail polish as well as a coat on the formula print.

I've only used them in fresh water cave diving, but it holds up well and easily replaceable by gluing a new sheet on top or swapping out a new or different PVC page.

Here are the sheets (4 for $19) I purchased from Amazon and then cut down to the " x " size I wanted:
ABS0920 4pcs 2mm Thickness 200mm x 250mm White ABS Sheets 9.84'' x 7.87'' x 0.079''

The 2mm sheets were a good compromise to keep the thickness and weight down, as while they have some flex on their own, the pages can flip completely with the rings binding them which makes it very sturdy regardless of which page you are using.

 

[Larryjd1]

Here are page samples:

 

[divingdayz]

Just ask a print shop to put the text on a clear sticker and stick to your slate. You can easily replace or change the infromation by getting new stickers. Happy diving)

 

[Umuntu]

Good idea. I recently looked into what it would take to print plastic cards, like ID cards. It ain't cheap.

There are small companies that make small plastic ID Cards.

A few years ago I had some small ID tags made for my dive gear with my name, emergency contacts and DAN Insurance number. It was inexpensive if I recall. I attach them with a zip tie to my inflator hose.

The company is in the UK. I will look for their details and share if you are interested.

 

[tursiops]

I created my own custom size 3 sheet (6 page) wetnote from PVC sheets I bought on Amazon and printed formulas I wanted on 2 of the pages using waterproof paper from a Fedex printing store.

I formatted the formulas to optimize the page size in Word and then had the Fedex office print the info on waterproof paper for a total cost of $1.99. I glued the waterproof paper to the PVC sheet and then sealed the edges with clear nail polish as well as a coat on the formula print.

I've only used them in fresh water cave diving, but it holds up well and easily replaceable by gluing a new sheet on top or swapping out a new or different PVC page.

Here are the sheets (4 for $19) I purchased from Amazon and then cut down to the " x " size I wanted:
ABS0920 4pcs 2mm Thickness 200mm x 250mm White ABS Sheets 9.84'' x 7.87'' x 0.079''

The 2mm sheets were a good compromise to keep the thickness and weight down, as while they have some flex on their own, the pages can flip completely with the rings binding them which makes it very sturdy regardless of which page you are using.

So they are ABS and not PVC? OK.

 

[lowwall]

There are small companies that make small plastic ID Cards.

A few years ago I had some small ID tags made for my dive gear with my name, emergency contacts and DAN Insurance number. It was inexpensive if I recall. I attach them with a zip tie to my inflator hose.

The company is in the UK. I will look for their details and share if you are interested.

I looked at having a shop do them first. But I will eventually need a couple hundred and the total cost was higher than I was willing to spend. These aren't going to be exposed to the elements, so I gave up on my idea of making relatively permanent cards and had my business card printer make me 500 on card stock. I'll replace them as needed.