Membrane Overlay Design, Importance, and manufacturer
Membrane overlays are an integral part of the membrane switch. They are basically the faceplate to the membrane switch. They define the product identity. With these layouts, user determines how difficult or easy it is to use the product.
Since these overlays hold great importance, therefore, you need to pay special heed to it. You need to understand its basics. Therefore, in the course of this article, we will talk about it in detail.
What is Membrane Overlay?
For starters, you need to understand what this overlay is? These overlays are separate plastic layers. Usually, the manufacturers use polyester for these layers. At some point, you will have to apply these overlays to membrane switches.
Sometimes people do confuse them with their cousins, graphic overlays or panel overlays. However, it is important to understand that membrane-overlays are different. The reason they differ is because of the mechanical nature of the membrane switch.
You need to design the membrane-overlay according to the design of the membrane switch. You can customize membrane-overlays as per your requirements. For instance, for tactile feedback, you can emboss them.
Likewise, you can leave room for components on the membrane switch. In case, you involve the backlighting, you need to use different lighting blocking layers. Some of these layers include fiber optics, LEDs, Electroluminescent.
In order to control the direction of the light, you can print the layer behind the overlay. When you do this, it is bound to increase the opacity. To ensure the quality of the membrane switch, you need to focus on the material of overlays.
Material Selection – Membrane Overlay
Material selection holds great importance. You can use several materials for overlays. However, manufacturers believe polyester to be the best option. It has the ability to survive millions of actuations. It is also solvent resistant, thus the perfect material for overlays.
In case, you choose some less reliable material. It will not generate effective results. There is a high probability that it might break due to repeated pushing. In addition, the material might be exposed to the sunlight.
Therefore, you need to choose wisely. A good practice is to tell talk to the overlay manufacturer. Explain them where you plan to incorporate them. Experienced overlay manufacturers such as the Keypad-FD would help you make a learned decision.
Printing Process- Membrane Overlay
The printing process that you use depends on a number of factors. For instance, you need to consider the number of colors and the type of image. In addition, you need to focus on the color callout. In case, you are planning for a solid color, use screen-printing. It is the most popular choice for solid overlays.
You can also use digital printing. With time, it has evolved and it is less expensive. Despite the lower cost, it generates the same result as screen-printing. If the user wants images containing halftones and gradient, digital printing is the best choice.
Keypad-FD has the indigo printer, thus it provides all kinds of membrane overlay solutions. They offer outstanding options. Their state of the art technology helps them, print unique serial numbers.
Importance of Membrane Overlay
Overlays hold great importance. Therefore, you need to invest in them. Below, we did highlight the advantage of overlays.
Environmental Conditions
To ensure the efficiency of the overlay, you need to use the right material. Of course, you would know about the environment you plan to install the overlay in. Discuss this with the overlay manufacturer. They will then decide the right kind of material for you.
The right kind of material will offer several environmental benefits.
Enhancing Usability
Every consumer wants usability. After all, it is the ultimate goal of an interface. Overlays do provide the facility for enhancing the usability factor. The right kind of overlay lets you effortlessly increase product facility.
You can enhance the functionality by incorporating a number of features. For instance, overlays are easier to feel. They are easier to operate and understand. Use the raised button, embossing technique in order to enhance its functionality.
Building your brand
The right kind of visuals can have a great impact on your product. Thus, you need to ensure that the membrane overlay has an aesthetic sense to it. The right kind of overlay can break or make your product.
It acts as the product’s identification. In addition, the overlay is the visual layout as well as the interface design. It helps the user understand the product. They understand whether it is difficult or easy to use the product.
Overlay Capabilities
Window Options:
- Clear LCD or LED
- Dead front
- ITO using optical clear lamination
- Smoked colors for backlighting
- Translucent Colors for backlighting
Surface Finishes:
- Velvet
- Anti-reflective
- Gloss
- Anti-microbial
Forming & Embossing:
- Finger guide
- Hydroforming
- LED, braille
- Pillow
- Rim
- Cold embossing
- Hot embossing
Cutting:
- Laser traced steel rule dies
- Laser cutting
- Tinplate high precision tools
- CNC cutting
Printing:
- Digital printing
- Screen printing
Why Buy Overlays?
There are several reasons for buying an overlay. We have listed some of them below.
Inventory Reduction
You do not have to store the overlays. Their swift production allows you to order them on demand. So, you do not have to pay the additional overhead cost of the inventory.
Easy Installation
Another great thing about Keypad-FD’s overlays is that they are extremely easy to install. You will not need the assistance of any professional. On the contrary, you can install the overlays on your own.
Customization
When it comes to customization, overlays offer endless possibilities. They are excellent for unifying different languages. Consumers need multiple overlays for a particular membrane because of different languages.
Take away
Keypad-FD has several years of industry experience. They are in a class of their own, especially when it comes to designing and developing membrane overlays. They are highly experienced and they deliver high-quality products.
Their overlays will add to the aesthetic sense of the device. At the same time, it will also provide environmental protection. With Keypad-FD, you can enjoy endless possibilities in terms of overlays.
You will have access to screen printed overlays. In addition, they offer the facility of digitally printed overlays. Choose the one that suits your product to perfection. Their wide variety of finishes, sizes, and colors make them the best overlay manufacturers in the market.