They are printed, embossed or otherwise marked with shapes that correspond with commands. Because of the wide extent to which graphic overlays are used throughout industry, commerce and in consumer products contexts, graphic overlays are very important to the proper functioning of all kinds of industrial, commercial and consumer electronic utilities. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
ALUDEC USA
Eden Prairie, MN | 800-806-6113Our membrane switches are known for their high-quality and affordable prices. We work hard to find the precise parts that will work with your every need. It is our goal to create a relationship with you that is beneficial to both parties.
JN White
Perry, NY | 800-227-5718JN White is an ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR-certified manufacturer of membrane switches, graphic overlays, and custom labels. We nimbly handle projects big and small and have the uncommon ability to translate what our customers need into high-quality, high-precision outcomes.
ECI Technologies
Watertown, CT | 800-853-5617ECI uses a co-designing approach to work collaboratively with our customers, and to create aesthetically pleasing and mechanically functional products. Our graphic overlay capabilities include computerized color matching, backlighting, window tints, rapid prototyping, and many more. Whether your application is in the medical, industrial, or military, our team of experts will develop a graphic overlay that is built to last.
ALMAX
Kirkland, WA | 888-211-6325With over 30 years of experience, ALMAX is a leading manufacturer of membrane switch assemblies, printed/flexible electronics, and interactive technologies. Our engineering and manufacturing capabilities are implemented and trusted around the globe, and we're proud to offer our clients a complete range of services that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Rapid Keypads
Cape Coral, FL | 239-558-8810Custom capacitive touch keypad and graphic overlay design service specializing in rapid prototypes. Superior to membrane switch, our sub surface touch and proximity sensor technology can communicate via USB, Serial, SPI, I2C and other custom communication protocols. With our rapid prototype service you can have a custom touch keypad, electronics and graphic overlay in 5 days or less!
Hallmark Nameplate, Inc.
Mt. Dora, FL | 352-383-8142We are a membrane switch manufacturer who also produces product ID nameplates, graphic overlays, printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies. You can order nontactile and tactile switches or metal domes if you desire. Hallmark Nameplate has capabilities in electronic contract manufacturing also.
Graphic Overlays - Douglas CorporationIn industrial settings, graphic overlays allow professionals to give commands to their equipment. Automated machine tools, shipping and handling equipment and all kinds of other electronic devices used in industrial processes involve membrane keypads and keyboards, all of which must be marked in some way in order to be useful.
Graphic Overlays - Douglas CorporationThe same is true for a host of commercial utilities like telephones, cleaning equipment and door access control systems. In homes, membrane keypads can be found on many kinds of domestic utilities like dishwashers, ovens, food processors and even on children's toys.
Membrane keypads offer several advantages over individual key-based keyboards and keypads. Because there is no separation between keys on a membrane keypad, there is less opportunity for collection of dirt or exposure to spills. Many membrane keypads' graphic overlays, because of their composition, are naturally resistant to contaminant exposure.
Graphic overlays can be constructed of polycarbonate, polyester, acrylics and many other materials in a wide variety of gloss levels, textures, hardnesses, 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.
Graphic overlays can also be used in tandem with tactilely-enhancing switches. Such tactile switches involve the incorporation of a plastic or metal dome beneath the overlay, which, when depressed, offers resistance and (in some cases) an audible confirmation of keystroke registry. Printed textures also provide chemical and UV resistance, physical surface protection, and longer wear time.
Overlays may also be backlit or have dead fronts, which are buttons that can only be seen when backlit.
