Graphic Overlays & Printed Fascia Panels

Advanced production techniques allow us to produce:

• A wide variety of Polyester, Polycarbonate & PMMA finishes
• Environmental considered overlays, we do this by selecting the right materials
• Variable data applications
• RFI EMC shielding
• Overlays with anti-microbial finishes
• UV stable designs
• As well as IP65, IP67, IP68 rated
• Rim, pillow or custom embossing
• Phosphorescent (glow in the dark) graphics
• Hidden till lit applications
• Products which include braille

As we are capable of producing Custom Graphics either via Digital UV Printing or Screen Printing we can offer a very cost effective manufacturing process whether you are looking to source small or large runs. All of the Industrial Overlays we produce are hard wearing and can take the hard knocks they are likely to experience in the lifetime of the machine they are used on. We make sure the adhesives we use during manufacture make your custom Graphic Overlays adhere to your product correctly from leading suppliers such as 3M and Nitto.
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If you are looking for features that are specific to your product we can design and manufacture LED labels to suit your exacting needs. All manufactured, controlled and maintained by our ISO9001:2015 quality system. This also includes cutting your control panel overlay to a special shape, as we use varied methods of finishing such as Digital Flat Bed and Laser Cutting, should you require your Industrial Overlays to follow a contoured shape is no problem.

Should you require we can help with a rapid prototyping service using our digital and screen printing services, should you need to confirm everything functions correctly to your design, before you commit to a large production run. Should your Graphic Overlay actually be more complex and need the integration of items such as circuitry and connectors we can also help with this, but they are actually known as Membrane Keypads / Keyboards and Switches.

What colours do we offer?

We can print colours to Pantone, RAL, BS or NCS references. We can also match to Customers own colours by providing a colour match prior to production.

What shape can the overlays be?

The graphic overlays can be produced in any size or shape to match your requirements.

Do you do cutouts for connectors?

Yes, we provide cut-outs and clear windows to suit all connectors and displays

What materials can I use?

Graphic Overlays can be manufactured from Polycarbonate or Polyester. Both are available in a range of surface finishes and surface properties. Selection is based upon environmental conditions and type of use.

Do we have to send you design files?

Customark have a dedicated design team to support your Graphic Overlay products. We can design from scratch or receive your files in whatever format you have available.

Can graphic overlays be used outside?

Yes they can, careful selection of material and adhesive is required for the correct IP rating

Can you provide samples?

Yes, Customark can provide samples using our rapid prototyping service

What printing processes can we use?

We can provide either digitally printed or screen printed overlays

Can we have raised keys?

Yes, the term is embossing and if you are unsure as to what is available, there are a range of options for this process that we can talk you through.

How hard-wearing is the print?

The print on a Graphic Overlay is generally on the under-surface so it is protected by the substrate on the ‘A’ surface. This means that in general use, both styles of manufacturing have the same features. Screen printed Overlays have better wear characteristics where the ink surface is in contact with hard switches underneath the buttons compared to digital. The pigment in screen printing is much denser which then makes it more tolerant to UV degradation; although UV tolerant substrates help assist with the UV protection.

How are digitally printed Graphic Overlays different to screen printed ones?

The major difference between digitally printed overlays and screen printed ones is that with digital you can have full-colour graphics and achieve near photo finish, whereas screen printed overlays can have multiple colours too but it will be more costly as each colour requires a separate film for the production of the screens.

Digitally printed Graphic Overlays are generally suited for low volume production, this is due to a lower speed of print, therefore, more costly for higher volume. A combination of both screen and digital can work really well together too.

How do you apply the Graphic Displays?

Graphic Overlays are applied by removing the backing paper and exposing the adhesive, they are then applied to the mounting surface. Care must be taken to apply these without trapping any air or debris between the two surfaces, this will show through the ‘A’ surface and affect the aesthetic look and performance of the product. Prior to application, the Overlay should be stored in a clean and dry environment to avoid any contamination. Each adhesive manufacturer offers guidelines for application to ensure optimum performance with the bond and integrity of the adhesive layers.

What are common uses for Graphic Overlays?

• Control panels on industrial equipment,
• Keypads on medical equipment like mechanical beds
• Lift buttons
• Dashboards on transportation equipment
• Safety buttons
• Entertainment systems

To discuss your Technical Graphic Overlays requirements, contact us today on 01384 264700 or fill in our contact form below.

Materials

Graphic overlays are normally produced on Polyester or polycarbonate. There is a wide range of surface finishes available including the following:

• Gloss
• Hard coated
• Fine textured
• Soft touch
• Anti Microbial (Fine textured)

Polycarbonate and Polyester can be embossed to provide a tactile feel to the keys. Selective lacquers can also be applied to the top surface to enhance the visual and tactile feel. Optically clear windows can be printed by the application of clear lacquers onto the matt surfaces which will protect displays without impairing any detail.

For more information on available materials you can visit the following links:

• Autotype MacDermid
• Sabic

Advice can be offered regarding alternative material or finishes.

There are a wide range of adhesives available. The correct adhesive has to be specified with consideration to the environment the keypad is going to be subject to as well as the mounting surface. IP ratings of IP67 can be achieved as long as the mounting procedure is followed. We can support his with advice or application where necessary.

The adhesive can be pre-cut to avoid areas such as embossed keys, windows or LED holes.

A full range of adhesives to suit just about every application can be found here