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Graphic Overlays - Graphic Considerations

OVERVIEW: To efficiently convert from the computer file to your graphic overlay's silkscreened image, your graphic files must satisfy the following criteria:

COMPUTER CRITERIA:

  • Operating system: Mac and PC platforms
  • Vector file: Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand or Corel Draw Graphic Suite. Adobe Acrobat (pdf) and Postcript (EPS) vector conversions are also adequate.
  • Bitmapped file: logos or bitmapped images: minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Best are original PSD or TIFF formats.
  • Fonts: Include the fonts in the compressed file. If certain fonts cannot be transmitted, please convert the fonts into vector curves within the file. The PostScript 1 (Mac) and True Type (PC) types are most common.

GRAPHIC CRITERIA:

  • Colours: Each color of the membrane switch layout, including the background color, requires one silkscreening pass. The graphic overlay material is sub-surface printed. Each pass requires a color separation, an ink formulation, a screen preparation, setup and registration. Consequently, each additional color increases the production cost.
  • Thickness of non-embossed lines:
    Positive line: absolute minimum thickness = 0.5 pt (0.007")
    Negative line: absolute minimum thickness = 0.7 pt (0.010")
    Positive or negative line: recommended minimum thickness =1 pt (0.013")
  • Distance between non-embossed graphic objects: Recommended minimum = 1.5 pt (0.020")
  • Type and size of the fonts: Fonts with strokes (serifs) or those highly ornamented are to be avoided. Fonts which are too small will have to be increased in size in order to be compatible with the silkscreening process. See opposite for examples of fonts that should not be used.
  • Thickness of the graphic overlay's perimeter line:
    If this line is placed directly at the keypad's edge.
    Absolute minimum thickness = 0.035" minimum / Recommended thickness = 0.050"
  • Key size and distance between keys:
    Variable and proportional depending on the switch selection used. Please consult GGI International in order to establish the values appropriate to your graphic layout.
  • Size of the LED windows:
    If used to frame a Nicomatic Ultrathin monocolour LED:
    Round = Ø from 0.125" to 0.140"
    Elliptic = 0.140" x 0.120"
    Oblong = 0.150" x 0.110"
    Rectangular = 0.130" x 0.090"
    These are recommended minimum sizes. Sizes will vary with other types of LEDs and components.
    The GGI International team of industrial designers and engineers will recommend the appropriate embossing patterns for your specific project.

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