Delve Into The Amazing World Of Graphic Overlays

Graphic Overlays are widely used to provide aesthetic appeal and environmental protection to devices. These overlays can be easily laminated on membrane switches and also used in assembly consisting of discrete switches. Overlays can either be screen printed or digital printed. Screen Printed Overlays are highly acclaimed for the durability, functionality and aesthetic appeal they impart to different devices. Designer make use of Screen Printed Overlays to incorporate different features like selectively applied adhesive, light blocking ink, tinted windows, selective texture, etc. Another important application of Overlays is to make decorative panels of devices.

Understanding Graphic Overlays

• Base material

Overlays are printed on clear surface known as the base material. The printing on the surface is protected with the help of a clear film and this eliminates the need for external laminations.

• Screen Printed graphics

Before the advent of the digital technology, overlays were screen printed. Screen Printed Overlays made use of a four color process comprising of U.V. inks, pantone colors, metallic colors, etc. Exceptional opacity and consistency is obtained using Screen Printed Overlays.

• Digitally printed graphics

Digital printing offers endless design flexibility to overlays. Excellent opacity and fine color texture are some of the attributes associated with digitally printed graphics.

• Selective Texture

Screen Printed Overlays have a clear coating printed on top to provide extra protection. The panels are provided selective texture while clear windows of the product are left glossy.

• Light Block (Blocker)

Screen Printed Overlays come with blockers or illuminated displays to prevent light to enter into other restricted areas of the panel. If an overlay with light background is being applied to a dark surface then also the need for blocker arises.

• Embossing

A unique look and feel can be imparted to products with embossing of the overlay surface. Embossing techniques help operators in locating important keys quickly and improves the overall usability of the product.

• Adhesive

Adhesives play a very crucial role; they help in sticking the overlay to the product. Different types of adhesives are available depending on the type of application.

• Adhesive spacer

In order to void out spaces for keys and windows on the panel, adhesive spacers are used. These spacers help in selectively applying adhesive on different parts of the panel.

• Pre-mask

Pre-masks are used to provide surface protection to overlays in order to facilitate ease of application.

Screen Printed Overlays are versatile tools and widely used to improve the aesthetic appeal of different products.

Author is representing this article on behalf of RSP Inc., RSP Inc. is a manufacturer & supplier of products like custom membrane switch.