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
Douglas Corporation
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.
Techprint Incorporated
Lawrence, MA | 800-225-2538Techprint is a custom designer and manufacturer of specialty graphics and printed electronic products including keyboards, membrane switches, graphic overlays, labels and much more. Total in-house capabilities and superior technical support allow us to provide a full line of high quality products including standard flat switches, hybrid rigid and flexible circuits, tactile switches and nameplates.
Marking Systems Inc.
Garland, TX | 972-475-0770Marking Systems Inc. was founded in 1970 to serve the Computer, Telecommunications, Electronics, Industrial Machine, Medical, Ad Specialty, Sporting goods, Marine, Measurement/Control and many other industries. Our specialty is providing products, including membrane switches of unrivaled quality, to our diverse customer base. Call us or visit our website today for more information.
Pacific West America, Inc.
Calabasas, CA | 866-317-0208Pacific West America, Inc. has spent the past 18 years developing high-quality membrane switches, control panels, and flex-circuits. Our team has the knowledge to make sure your membrane switch has the right appearance, lighting, and texture for your application.
King Epoxy Technology Partners (KTP)
Pomona, CA | 909-784-6305King Epoxy Emblem Technology Partners (KTP) is your go-to source for membrane switches. With our 16,900-square-foot facility, we have a broad range of capabilities such as in-house design and engineering support, warehousing, and turnkey assembly.
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.