Graphic Overlays for Membrane Switches and Control Panels:

Engineers can make revisions quickly for product changes, improvements and introductions.

You can make all kinds of overlays for meters.

Switches can be moved, colors can be changed, cut-outs and outside shapes can be modified... all instantly on a computer screen. Then prototypes can be produced almost instantly. The ironic part is that most engineers and product development managers don't know about the thermal transfer systems that can produce these products...

And if your CAD program exports one of the many popular file formats compatible with the digital printing software, you may choose to do most of the design in your native program.

Materials with different characteristics such as UV resistance, push button durability, heat fluctuation and chemical durability are available. Some materials are available for sub-surface printing and others are printed on a base material and overlaminated to protect the print.

Graphic overlays for membrane switches can have selective adhesive. This allows you to place adhesive where you want it, so it doesn't interfere with other layers of the membrane switch construction. Transparent colors are available for backlit graphics and windows. And opaque colors are standard for blocking unwanted light from showing through the graphic.

The picture above shows the design of the switch overlay below as it looks in the production software. The black outline on the right represents the selective layer of adhesive that will be cut on the integrated cutter. Graphic overlay for a membrane switch. This is a shot of the operator reaching to change the color on a single color printer shown printing the lexan graphic overlay. Close up of the digital cutter making the perimeter cut through the translucent adhesive paper backing. Peeling the paper liner off exposing the adhesive before you apply it.

Pictured below is a 15"x11" sign to go on the inside of an electrical cabinet door. The schematic was imported from AutoCad. Front side of a Membrane Switch Overlay. Back side of the overlays showing how the adhesive has been removed from the areas under the buttons. Laminating lexan to the top of a control panel before the cutting stage. Close up of the finished control panel with cut-outs that fit around the keys of the number pad.