Industrial Keyboard Lexan Overlays Custom Icon And Graphic Design For Control Panels And Equipment

 Industrial Keyboard Lexan Overlays Custom Icon And Graphic Design For Control Panels And Equipment
 

Understanding Lexan Overlays for Industrial Keyboards

Lexan overlays (made from durable polycarbonate sheets like Lexan™ by SABIC) are protective, customizable covers used on industrial keyboards, control panels, and equipment interfaces. They shield against harsh environments like dust, moisture, chemicals, and heavy use while allowing for custom icons, graphics, and legends to enhance usability. These overlays are backlit-compatible, UV-resistant, and often feature tactile domes or membrane switches for reliable input.

Key Benefits

• Durability: Withstand temperatures from -40°C to 85°C, abrasion, and impacts without fading.
• Customization: Tailored icons (e.g., arrows, settings, or industry-specific symbols) and graphics improve operator efficiency in sectors like manufacturing, medical devices, oil & gas, or automation.
• Aesthetics and Functionality: Translucent for backlighting; can include braille, multilingual text, or anti-microbial coatings.

Design Process for Custom Icons and Graphics

1. Conceptualization: Define requirements—e.g., panel size (standard 19" rack or custom), key layout (QWERTY, numeric, or function-specific), and icons (use standards like ISO 7000 for universal symbols or custom SVGs for branding).
2. Software Tools: Use vector design software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or free alternatives like Inkscape to create high-resolution graphics (300 DPI minimum). Ensure scalability for printing on Lexan (0.010"–0.030" thickness).
3. Material Prep: Lexan sheets are screen-printed with UV-cured inks for sharp, fade-resistant results. For backlit designs, use selective masking to control light diffusion.
4. Prototyping: Produce samples via digital printing or silk-screening. Test for tactile feedback and environmental compliance (e.g., IP65/IP67 ratings for water/dust resistance).
5. Integration: Laminate over membrane switches or embed in control panels. For equipment like CNC machines or HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems, align with PCB layouts.

Example Custom Design Ideas

• Control Panel for Machinery: Overlay with icons for "Start/Stop," "Emergency Halt," and speed controls; graphics showing workflow diagrams.
• Medical Equipment Keyboard: Hygienic design with antimicrobial Lexan, icons for patient data entry, and color-coded sections for quick navigation.
• File: Custom Icon Set for Industrial Overlay

If you'd like a visual example, such as a generated image of a sample Lexan overlay design for a control panel, let me know a specific prompt (e.g., "a backlit industrial keyboard with custom gear and arrow icons") and I can create one.

Sourcing and Manufacturing

• Suppliers: Companies like Nameplates for Industry, ID Plates, or QuadMed offer custom services. For DIY/small runs, check Alibaba or ThomasNet.
• Cost Factors: $50–500 per unit depending on complexity, quantity (MOQ often 100+), and features like LED backlighting.
• Standards: Comply with RoHS, UL, or NEMA for safety in industrial settings.

 
 
lexan overlay spec :
 
Material

• Common materials include vinyl, polyester, polyimide (Kapton), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films.
• The material needs to be durable, chemical/solvent resistant, and able to withstand temperature extremes.

Adhesive

• Pressure-sensitive adhesives like acrylic or rubber-based are common.
• The adhesive must have strong bonding strength to adhere securely to various surfaces.
• It should also resist peeling, lifting, and degradation over time.

Thickness

• Typical sticker thicknesses range from 2-10 mils (0.002" to 0.010").
• Thicker stickers are more durable but may impact conformability to uneven surfaces.

Size & Shape

• Industrial stickers come in a wide range of standard and custom sizes.
• Common shapes include rectangles, squares, circles, ovals, and die-cut custom shapes.
• Size is selected based on the specific application needs.

 
 
Other photo show :

 
FAQ:
Q1. What information will I have to provide for price?
A:To offer the exact price, we hope customers could inform us the material, specification as thickness, size, with adhesive or not, how many colors for printings, contact details, quantity required, Size and Shape with artwork files.
 
Q2. What is your terms of payment?
A:T/T 50% as deposit, and 50% before delivery. We'll show you the photos of the products and packages before you pay the balance.
 
Q3. How about your delivery time?
A: After the engineering drawing is confirmed, the sample will be completed in 5 days, and after the sample is confirmed, the mass goods will be completed in 10 days.The specific delivery time depends on the items and the quantity of your order.
 
Q4. Can you produce according to the samples?
A: Yes, we can produce by your samples or technical drawings. We can build the molds and fixtures.
 
Q5. What is your sample policy?
A: We can supply the sample if we have ready parts in stock, but the customers have to pay the sample cost and the courier cost.
 
 
Q6: How do you make our business long-term and good relationship?
1. We keep good quality and competitive price to ensure our customers benefit ;
2. We respect every customer as our friend and we sincerely do business and make friends with them, no matter where they come from.