Graphic Overlays - Graphic Materials
Overview | Graphic Materials | Graphic Considerations | Color System | Graphic Window | Surface Textures | Embossing | Insertable Legend | Antimicrobial Polyester (Autotex AM)
OVERVIEW
Two main families of graphic overlay materials are commonly used by GGI International:
Polyesters, (including poly blends) and polycarbonates.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS:
Polyester: Great flexural strength, very low fatigability and good chemical resistance. As a rule of thumb, GGI International recommends the use of polyester or poly blends for the graphic overlay portion of a keypad assembly.
Polycarbonate: Good workability, wide range of surface finishes and thicknesses available.
Polycarbonate is best used where flexure is not required. It is not recommended for the graphic layer of a keypad (such as over a dome) as it will fatigue over time.
CHARACTERISTICS:
The following comparative table illustrates the characteristics and the criteria of polyester and polycarbonate. As there are several selection criteria and several types of polyester and polycarbonate, the engineers of GGI International will examine your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate material for your membrane keypad's graphic overlay.
| Polyester | Polycarbonate | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Resistance | Very high | Poor |
| Chemical Resistance | High | Poor |
| Thermal Resistance | Acceptable | Good |
| Abrasion Resistance | High | Acceptable |
| UV Resistance | Available | Not Available |
| Dielectric Property | High | Good |
| Malleability | Poor | Very High |
| Flammability | Not Available | Available |
| Range of surface finishes | Average | High |
| Transparency | Average to High | High |
| Cost | High | Poor |
Note "Polyblend", a hybrid of the family of polyesters and polycarbonates, is also available. Contact us for more details.
Overview | Graphic Materials | Graphic Considerations | Color System | Graphic Window | Surface Textures | Embossing | Insertable Legend | Antimicrobial Polyester (Autotex AM)