The graphic overlay is often the product designer’s first choice for a durable, attractive, cost effective method of product marking, labeling, or decorating. Graphic overlays are not just the top layer of a membrane switch fascia. They are also used alone to overlay discrete switches, or seal out dust and dirt from LED & LCD displays and label connections or controls in all types of products. The wide range of surface textures available on graphic overlays allows them to seamlessly integrate with the texture of the injection molded plastic enclosures, or painted metal chassis.

Graphic Overlays are easily embossed, with domes, logos, or Braille for the visually impaired. Since graphic overlays are a thin film material, they are easily die cut or laser cut to almost any shape imaginable. This also allows them to be wrapped around curved product surfaces. All this, combined with the ability to choose from a variety of laminated adhesive backings, makes graphic overlays one of the most attractive, durable, and versatile ways to enhance any product design.

Graphic Overlays & Control Panels – Choices and more choices

While a graphic overlay may seem simple – and it is – there are a lot of options available when specifying them. If you don’t have the interest or time to learn all about graphic overlays, the engineering staff at Precision Graphic Systems will be glad to discuss your product requirements, make suggestions, and furnish samples if needed.

If you’d like to learn more about graphic overlays and how to specify them, read on. We will discuss some of the options available, and at the same time try to give the product designer some guidance about when to specify a particular material or processing method.

Since the cost of any material going into a product assembly is a concern, we will point out areas along the way where a product designer can help keep the cost down without sacrificing performance, or the visual appeal of the graphic overlay.

If there’s a term you’re not familiar with on our web site, please click on it for a popup “glossary of terms” page. If you already know what you want and simply need a quotation, then go to our Contact Page.

To find out more about specifying graphic overlay control panel graphics, and how they are manufactured, read our “Graphic Overlay & Control Panel Design Guide”.