What is overlay in graphic design?

The graphic overlay 

The top layer of a standard membrane switch is the graphic overlay or machine graphics layer. It provides the interface between the user and your prod-ucts. When designing a faceplate there are many things to consider. Among them are visual impact, clarity of instructional text, key shapes, names,colors, and location in regard to function, ease of use, and circuit design (discussed in greater detail below). Other considerations are overlay material, embossing, display windows and cut out locations.Tapecon has complete graphic design facilities. We can create your faceplate from concept to completion quickly and efficiently using the latest graphic computer tools. We have an extensive ink lab able to electronically analyze and solve the most difficult color matching problems. We have the ability to grind our own pigments and formulate new inks, if necessary, to meet special requirements. Our complete materials lab constantly monitors incoming stocks and chemicals to ensure consis-tency. Tapecon’s quality assurance department maintains and docu-ments constant control over all production processes, guaranteeing compliance with the most stringent UL/CSA and customer standards.

Our ISO 2000 certified facility ensures our continued effort to main-tain and exceed the highest Quality Standards.Embossing the faceplate uses special tools to create raised areas on the faceplate. The embossing can be decorative, (like an embossedlogo or border) and /or functional, as on a keypad.Pillow embossing creates a raised area over the entire key or button. It lets the user “feel” the key. Tactile embossing, creates a raised dome area and gives the key a “click” feel when it is depressed. We describe this “click” as tactile feedback. Rim embossing creates a raised perime-ter around the keypad.

Windows are clear areas in the graphic overlay, not holes in the faceplates. Theyare for viewing LCD displays, LED’s, indicator lights, etc. Windows may be clear,colored, matte, frosted, textured, transparent, translucent or whatever you require. Windows usually require that the faceplate’s adhesive be removed so that it does not interfere with viewing clarity or attract dust, etc. We do this using selective adhesive created with a special steel rule die. If we cannot achieve the desired window effect using the faceplate material, we can create a cutout in the faceplate and insert a special lens. Cutouts are holes in the faceplate and switch. They may be required for displays, lenses, mounting screws, or other hardware not related to the switch. Whenever there are windows, lenses, or cutouts, the possibility exists for membrane switch design problems. If the switch’s tails or keys are located too close to the window or cutout, there may not be enough space to route the circuitry. This problem is often diffi-cult to predict before the actual circuitry is designed. There is nearly always an acceptable solution, but it involves discussion between our designers and your engineering staff.

Polycarbonate has become the material of choice in non-tactile membrane keypad panel. It is durable, easily embossed, and available is several popular textures. Polycarbonate has very good resistance to abrasion, chemicals and solvents. In very high use applications, polyester has better wear characteristics, but its more difficult to emboss. Polyester is also more resistant to chemicals and solvents than polycarbonate.

Physical design of the faceplate and the materials it is made from is dictated by your needs and the environment in which the switch will be used. The more we know about the final use of the switch, the better we will be able to make recommendations about material and tolerances.

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