What Are the Benefits of a Graphic Overlay?

A numerous type of products that we use in our everyday life has a focus on graphics. These bespoke graphics are decorative and typically used as the front panel of equipment. Graphic overlays usually act as an integral part of a membrane switch or as a customized label and can incorporate a number of features specific to products including clear windows for LEDs or cut-outs for switches.

With graphic overlay companies growing at a faster pace, overlays are significantly adopted for most types of machinery and equipment.

The Making of Graphic Overlays

The making of graphic overlays sounds much easier than it is. By using color-matched inks, the design is screen printed on to the bottom of the material. This makes sure that the image is clearly visible from the front. Usually, high-performance release liners and adhesives are then selected and added to produce an impressive graphic overlay.

Whether you need an overlay in a hot or cold and humid environment, or for an indoor or outdoor product; graphic overlays companies ensure that the graphics can not only endure the environmental conditions, but also retain their visual integrity.

Graphic Overlays are the perfect solution for a different range of applications, from security, fire, catering to instrumentation, medical, and security. They are durable, can be cleaned easily, which makes them an ideal solution for different sectors. And for the graphics that are meant to be used in medical environments, it’s essential that they should not promote the growth of contagious bacteria and can be cleaned easily.

Graphic Overlay Benefits

As mentioned above, one massive advantage with graphic overlays is that they can be easily wiped clean and are durable. Such advantages are popular with the people who know that with simple care and maintenance the product can be kept looking fresh for years to come. Embossing is just one method that can be used to make graphic overlays a bit more luxurious. They can dramatically enhance its overall look and add to the function of switches as well.

• ·         Durability

Graphic overlay companies produce graphics using amazingly durable materials. This ensures the overlays can withstand any environmental conditions they are subjected to.

• ·         Easy to Clean

UV resistant, anti-microbial, and chemical resistant materials are just some of the special substrates available. Additionally, the materials that are fully durable to detergents and petrochemicals and can be cleaned easily without degradation are perfect for environments where bacteria prevention is a must. This can include care-homes, changing rooms, restaurants, kitchens, operating theaters and hospitals to name but a few. Even substrates with built-in anti-microbial properties are available, which can not only clean but also actually kill off 99.99% of bacteria and germs that come into contact with them.

• ·         Adhesive

Graphic overlays can get attached easily to your finished product using the number of adhesives available. For adhesives particularly specifically designed for low energy surfaces or for temperatures as low as -80°C are considered as the perfect adhesive for your application. Graphics overlays with adhesive layers are easy to assemble and extremely quick, without the fuss of screws, nuts or rivets.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for printed graphics for your product, there is no better solution than an ideal graphic overlay. If the above advantages were enough to convince you, then you can take a look at our graphic overlay section to just find some more points indicating how they are beneficial. 

Whatever may be the environment or industry types, if you’re looking for a graphic overlay or membrane keypad; at Elecflex we can perfectly cater to all your product needs. Just contact one of our technical persons, either by phone 86-25-84507063 or email: sales@elecflex.com and they can guide you for the perfect solution with their knowledge and experience.

The Benefits And Functions Of PCB Keypad!

Printed circuit boards or PCB have become the quintessential components in a number of electronic devices. And this is why PCB keypads have taken all the modern appliances to a new level of success. Today one can find a dozen of complex and complicated mechanical equipments conveniently coming in small sizes. This is definitely because of the emergence of the Printed Circuit Board designs. 

So, if you are still oblivious about the myriad benefits of these keyboards and how it can help you with this business then this post is dedicated to you. Read on as I will be telling you all the benefits of these keypads that have made it the favorite in a spectrum of industries. But before we get into the benefits, let’s just look at how these keypads work. Let’s get started.

How Does A PCB Keypad Works?

 Compared to older ways a Printed Circuit Board, or "PCB," has several major advantages in the ways of building electronics. In the past days, every single component inside of an electronic device used to be connected with large wires and was placed anywhere they could fit according to the space. If you see the inside picture of a 1948 television, you can see that the process is very "messy," also a huge space is used. Compared to this, the PCBs use a different approach. On it, all components remain mounted on a board that’s non-conductive which are connected with small pathways, named as "traces." Since they are usually designed on a computer, printed circuit boards fit many components in a minimum amount of space.

Benefits of buying PCB Keyboards from ElecFlex

I am sure that these beneficial factors will help you. If you are looking to find the right product for your unit, read on to know more.

1.       You Can Make Your Own Circuit Diagram:

This is a great option for anyone to explore. Even if you are not really acquainted with software like Coral Draw or AutoCad, you can simply try and draw your design on pen and paper. 

It’s obvious that only you and your team will know about the requirements. Hence, before you place your order with any web store offering such keypads, it’s always advisable for you to provide them with a circuit diagram and take a sample. If you get the sample in place then you can easily where and how much you can order.

2.      You Can Cut Down Manufacturing Cost!

Now, if you are just starting your own venture, it’s obvious that you’ll be a bit short on cash. It’s not about bargaining for lowering the prices. But if you can do your research you can get to know excellent manufacturing procedures for lowering costs. A lot of manufacturers often manipulate certain layers on the circuit board without degrading the performance. In this way you can get a lightweight product which is at the same time very effective.

3.      Select The Design You Find Convenient

If you want to have a specific design in place then both the designer and the manufacturer must be on the same page about what’s required and what needs to be delivered. Now it might happen that you might not always have the best ideas in mind at one place. But in such situations, relying on a professional manufacture will always help you find the perfect style and look for the PCB keypads so that it can give your end product an appeal and elegance. 

In a Nutshell:

So, these are the exciting benefits that you can get from the PCB keypads. There are tons of websites offering similar products so make sure you keep these facts in mind and choose accordingly. Also, if you have any further queries about this post feel free to mention them in the comments section and I will be addressing them in the upcoming posts. Till then keep following this space for more related writings.

Membrane Keypads Or Other Keypad Variants? A Complete List

Membrane keypads are important pieces of equipment used to control electronic devices. But, the vast range of keypads and accessories available on the market makes it tough to pick the right one.

This post will take you through some of the most available types of keypads. The following list will help you know which type of keypad will suit your appliance the best.

     1.    Laser Etched Keypads

     This variety is made out of a type of clear silicon. The key-tops are then printed with silicon paint and cured. Laser etching over the paint allows it to expose the paint below. They are beneficial when there is an excess of shining light from underneath the keypad.

Expert's View: Laser etched keypads are available in many styles and colors. As per your needs, you can also get them customized from a manufacturer.

     2.    Multi-Colored Keypads

     Well, the name says it all. Isn't it? These types of keypads can have a combination of different        colors printed on the key-tops. Using an attractive graphic overlay for your membrane switches can even attract buyers!

Expert's View: As per your needs, you can provide your desired color swatches for producing a high-quality colored keypad.

     3.    Wear-Resistant Keypads

     Spraying a special type of coating after the printing process gives you wear-resistant keypads. This cover prevents the keypads from wearing and getting damaged over time.

Expert's View: Opt for this type of keypads if your appliance is bound to undergo lots and frequent usages.

     4.    Plastic Feel Silicon Keypads

     While these keypads may not give that premium look but it can serve the purposes pretty well. Made from silicon and vitalized to make it feel like plastic, they can lower production costs. The plastic feel is often brought by spraying a special epoxy coating onto the keypad tops.

Expert's View: If required, these keypads can also be laser etched. Moreover, they are available in a wide array of colors for you to choose from.

     5.    Thermoformed Keypads

     Does your machine have relatively small keys? Does your appliance have a little place left for installing the membrane keypads? Then the thermoformed keypads are all that you need. These are made by using a polycarbonate or polyester material and then thermoformed to fit over a keypad.

     6.    Touchpad Systems

     This is the best example of how controlling a device changed its course with modern technology. Touchscreen and Touchpad systems are designed for use with electronic equipment and PC systems. A touchscreen facilitates easy data entry into electronic devices. These types of screens are available in a range of formats, and they can also be resistive and capacitive.

Expert's View: Touch screen systems need the user to touch the keypad with their fingers and not while wearing gloves. If the keypad is for use at places where touchpads won't work the best, try membrane switches with colorful graphic overlay.

     7.    Decals and Membranes

     Decals and membranes are accessories designed to improve the look and feel of your keypad. Unique custom made decals and membranes can be bought or manufactured.

Expert's View: A custom membrane overlay will incorporate artwork and mechanical drawings right onto the final piece.

Where Can You Look For Buying These Keypads?

The best place to buy a keypad from is a keypad manufacturing specialist. They will have the best selection of products available on the market or can create a unique one for you. Plus, they will have trained staff who can help you to choose the membrane keypads for your needs.

How Can You Use This List?

Now that you know the different types, I am sure that this list will get you started on selecting the perfect one. While researching over the web, make a note of the pros and cons. That will help you conclude which type will suit your purposes with ultimate accuracy.

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