IQS Newsroom Articles on Graphic Overlays
Graphic Overlays
A graphic overlay is the decorative front layer of a membrane switch or control panel. Graphic overlays comprise the top layer of a membrane switch application and are the interface between the user and the machine. The purpose of graphic overlays is to visually enhance a product and also advertise the company that produced the product.
Graphic overlays can be constructed of polycarbonate, polyester, or acrylic materials in a wide variety of gloss levels, textures, hardness, and gages. Each overlay may have many different colors, complex graphics, transparent windows, embossed keys, and wide variety of cut-out areas. Since they must endure operator contact, graphic overlays are built to withstand use by being printed on durable but flexible material.
Using a variety of textures in a graphic overlay delivers ease of use through a tactile experience. Printed textures also provide chemical and UV resistance, physical surface protection, and longer wear time. Overlays may also be embossed, backlit, or have dead fronts which are buttons that can only be seen when backlit.