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Graphic Overlays are the face of your product. In
addition to being functional they must have visual impact and are
essential marketing tool. URL manufacturers some of the highest
quality graphic overlays for the Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEMs)
Graphic Overlays are high performance functional products which
enhance the appearance of your product. Both the design and visual
impact can differentiate your product from that of the competitor.
For more information about graphic overlay design, control
panel overlays or keyboard overlay, please contact us for
a quote
Material:
Typically Polycarbonate and Polyester are the material of choice for
graphic overlays. These can be second surface printed which prevents
the printing inks from scuffing and wear.
This can include:
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Embossing of keypads (functional), enhancements – Emboss around
keypads (rail), borders and logos.
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Selective hardcoat textures for matte / gloss appearances around
keypads and windows.
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Hardcoated materials and printed hardcoat textures protect graphic
overlays further from chemicals, sunlight and abrasion.
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Tinted windows for LED and LCD display panels.
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Special shapes can be die cut to meet any of your requirements.
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Translucent graphics for back lighted display panels, indicator
lights and keypads.
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Overlaminations for improved scuff resistance, outdoor performance (Tedlar),
or ability to add information (typing & writing).
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Doming for an enhanced appearance that emulates molded plastic.
Improves outdoor performance by 10 years
Design Specialists and Printing
Engineers from URL will help in the material and atheistic design of
your graphic overlay. URL can offer material and process
recommendations (screened adhesive vs. die cut adhesive) for cost
saving constructions without effecting the appearance or performance
of your nameplate, graphic overlay or panel.
Graphic Overlays with LCD Windows: Graphic overlays are commonly provided with clear windows for
viewing LCD’s.
Overlays with LCD windows are produced using gloss, hard coated,
scratch resistant polyester or polycarbonate.
Colors and window tints (if any) are 2nd surface printed (viewed
through the plastic).
The
1st surface (top surface) is usually selectively textured using
special inks in the areas where the LCD is not.
The
LCD windows can be specified with alternative gloss levels (for
glare attenuation), or with a window tint. With selection of
appropriate overlay background colors (generally dark colors).
The
adhesive or spacer is selectively applied to the back of the
overlay so as not to obscure the LCD viewing area, and to avoid
the accumulation of debris.
Graphic Overlays with LED Windows:
Graphic overlays can be produced with small clear round windows
for viewing LED’s (light emitting diodes)
These
windows can be flush with the overlay surface or embossed to
facilitate the LED’s being raised above the overlay surface
(illumination is visible at a more acute angle than if flush
mounted)
As
with LCD windows, LED windows can be tinted, or dead fronted.
Adhesive is excluded from the LED window to facilitate optimal
light transmission, and avoid the accumulation of debris.
Overlay Embossing:
Graphic overlays can be embossed using a male/female die set.
Features are typically raised .010” if embossed.
Embossing is generally done to accentuate the key area of a
graphic overlay or membrane switch. Key embossing can either be
rim (perimeter) or pillow (pad).
Embossing may also be done to raise LED’s above the surface of an
overlay, or to provide a decorative effect to a logo, or copy.
Braille can also be embossed.
Dead Front Printing
Colors for selected areas are thinned to attain a nearly transparent
appearance. The areas affected have enough color to appear the same
as the color of the rest of the overlay. Backlighting creates a
unique indicator that a particular function is running or turned on.
Some indicators, (ie. warning indicators) should remain hidden until
activated. This style of user interface design allows the visible
interface to have a clean look while still providing all of the
required functionality.
Textures
Using a variety of textures in your interface can ease use of
equipment panels. We often produce graphic overlays that have one
texture for the bulk of the surface and another texture for control
elements, delivering ease of use through a tactile experience.
Printed textures also provide chemical and uv resistance, physical
surface protection, and longer wear time.
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