Why graphic overlay are important?

There was a time when hot-shots modified pictures with stunning overlays without using software and other tools. Such talent has not lost its value. The notion of the graphic overlay is pervasive in almost every business today.

Modern-day artists apply cutting-edge techniques and tools to interpret the quality of products.   Manufacturers need a healthy promotion with corporate logos and pigmented labeling to make an instant and unforgettable impact.

Lack of critical operating information may lead to loss of business. From calculators to microwave ovens to security and health equipment, almost all of them carry a strong presence of graphics in their panels or witches.

What is a Graphic Overlay?

While manufacturing a product, every detail of the product, including labels and overlays, is essential. Manufacturers put a lot of emphasis on overlays that reflect a high-value image of their product’s intuitive branding and interface.

A graphic overlap is an eye-catching, independently printed label we usually observe on the surface of a membrane switch, touchscreen, or control panel of electronic equipment. It is also referred to as display overlay, faceplate, or nameplate since it bears its logo and name.

It is usually printed on the backside of a translucent or partially translucent material and includes imprinted buttons for superior functionality and tactile feedback. The critically printed overlay forms a well-designed and user-friendly interface produced on a robust substrate.

Besides conveying a tacit understanding of quality, the skillfully produced overlay makes the product easy to understand and use. In addition to visually interpreting the brand, this durable thin film with winning designs protects the membrane switch or control panel exposed to the exterior environment.

Purpose of Graphic Overlay

The circuitry together with membrane overlay is inadequate to create a functional switchboard. The need to label each key for accuracy establishes the need for a graphic drape. It serves two purposes depending on the use of the switch.

Firstly, it acts as an interface by conveying vital information necessary to operate the switches accurately and safely. The printing on the overlay is eye-catching, durable, and legible irrespective of the switch's frequency of use.

In general practice, screen printing and digital printing make durable and custom graphic cover functions as a perfect image for high-resolution graphics to showcase logos.

Secondly, the overlay safeguards the keys by sealing them tightly to avoid liquid or pollutants' impacts. The system's components remain unharmed due to the perfect dimensions and shape of keys to prevent infiltration after the overlay is employed. This purpose serves to make custom membrane switches made for severe environments exposed to direct sunlight or industrial chemicals.

A Brief Contemplation into the Fabrication of Graphic Overlay

As a product's frontline interface, an overlay uses three quality substrates: polyester, polycarbonate, and vinyl. All of them are extremely useful and durable, along with the aesthetic value. Their use varies according to the environment, the interface design, and its projected use in the final application.

Polyester Depictive Overlay

A polyester graphic cover has a wide use in electrical appliances, industrial and medical equipment.

Polyester can either be thermostat plastic or thermoplastic. It can endure millions of actuation, sustains harsh environments where temperature rises to 245 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is highly abrasion-resistant due to additional hard coating and can withstand exposure to industrial solvents, acids, and chemicals. Therefore, it is more rigid, much harder to scratch, more durable, and enjoys a longer life span. However, this substrate is vulnerable to flames and saltwater (when used in an outdoor environment) and has limited textures.

Polycarbonate Depictive Overlay

If the purpose is purely appearance and clearness, and the overlay would not require repeated use, polycarbonate is the appropriate substrate for graphic overlap. It compromises a more extensive range of textures, colour brilliance, finishes.

As a flame retardant, polycarbonate is more suitable for industries needing maximum safety, such as aerospace. This substrate is cost-effective as it is easier to process, die-cut, emboss and fabricate into preferred shapes.

Due to its broader thickness range, polycarbonate is the best fit for applications with marginal stretch requirements. Although highly ideal for outdoor harsh weather conditions, polycarbonate overlay is not chemical resistant.

Vinyl Depictive Overlay

Vinyl is considerably economical and convenient to customize, die-cut with a range of finishes. It is entirely appropriate for indoor and outdoor use and stands by long-term use when exposed to high temperatures, oils, or moisture due to laminating and sealant options.

It can stick to concave and convex surfaces. A vinyl graphic cover fabricated in gloss and matte finishes displays product details, warning labels, and instructions to use the specific product.

Applications and Uses of Graphic Overlay

Due to its remarkable fabrication capabilities, it offers considerable benefits to both industrial and commercial users.

Customization

The cutting-edge technologies of die-cutting, sheering, digital, and screen printing are employed to outline the graphic intersection's required shape or contour.

It enhances the product's branding as per desired specifications and makes it popular in commercial and industrial applications. Even if a product needs a more cosmetic appealing connection with the user, such as automotive parts, fitness equipment, and arcade games, etc., the graphic cover is always at its best.

Selective Appearance

Graphic cover etches several textures, grains, and hard coats selectively to evade cut-outs. The vibrant textures create distinction and gloss or matte finishes on its surface.

If required, it may comprise elements that do not require an adhesive, for example, a transparent window or safety device suitable for an LED.

Backlighting Lighting Impact

The overlay’s design makes room for a backlighting option to enhance icons' visibility on the overlay without being actively lightened. Icons can also be dead-fronted, which means they can merge into the overlay context until they are well-lit.

Tactility

Graphic cover serves a crucial double role as an interface to control the device and the ergonomic feedback of the membrane switch.

Safety of the Product  

The strength of graphic cover bears the frequency of the switch flex. Its actuation life corresponds to the emboss style and the distance it must flex to activate the switch.

The overlay is beneficial in environments when color makes the difference. For example, in an emergency, it is much easier for the operator to locate a STOP switch or button with a colorful graphic overlap to stop the machine quickly and avoid any accident.

 Abrasion Resistant

The graphic cover is resilient to rough handling it might encounter during handling. Its substrate's quality augments its inherent resistance to scrapes and abrasion without the aid of a hard coat.

Valiant against Exposure to Chemicals

The quality of overlay to deny the impact of chemicals is quite impressive. In its foundation, the presence of quality substrates shields the overlay against exposure to acids such as house cleaners, graffiti material, alcohol, and a wide range of other chemicals.

Durable

Due to the superior printing, coatings, and substrate, the overlay survives harsh or harmful environments, including heat, cold, moisture, and humidity. Its colour, fitness, and impression stand the test of time. Besides, it safeguards any surface.

Summary

A graphic overlap conveys vivacious information to end-users through the integration of LED and LCDs. The visual imprint on the overlay depicts logos, product identification, usage instructions, button functions, dials, and directives for procedure and security warnings.

A graphic overlay offers numerous options for eye-catching textures and colours, text fonts along customized shapes and cut-outs. The embossing, special effect paints, and finishing are induced on high-quality substrates to maintain stability, functionality, and an attractive appearance of the product.