Faceplate Materials
The graphic layer of the membrane switch should not only be aesthetically pleasing, it must endure use in its environment . Since environments vary greatly, the proper faceplate materials must be chosen. Xymox has a variety of materials fully tested and categorized for almost any environment.
In most cases the faceplate for a membrane switch is printed on a polyester or polycarbonate material. Polyester is more resistant to chemicals found in industrial settings and is better suited for use with tactile feedback switches because it can withstand a greater number of activations. Polycarbonate is optically clear at any thickness and provides a crisper emboss.
At right is a description of the materials available and below is a table comparing each. For further information please call Xymox.
- Shiny Polyester
a smooth, clear plastic with excellent solvent resistance and life cyclability.
- X9214 on Polyester
a surface printed Xymox finish that is used on polyester. Has high solvent and scratch resistance and provides a velvet textured finish.
- Autotex®
a textured polyester film produced by Autotype®. Consist of a base polyester and a flexible chemically bonded UV cured textured coating.
- Autotex® UV
a textured polyester film produced by Autotype. Consists of a base polyester and a flexible chemically bonded UV cured textured coating. The coating is chemically modified to improve its UV resistance.
- Marnot® (Polyester)
a hard coated polyester film produced by Tekra®. Has high solvent and scratch resistance and is available in matte, shiny and textured finishes.
- Makrofol® EPC®
a film produced by Bayer® that is a composite of poly carbonate and DuPont’s Tedlar® film. Has superior UV and chemical resistance. Available in shiny or textured finish.
- Bayfol®
a film produced by Bayer® that is a blend of polyester and polycarbonate. Provides improved mechanical and chemical resistance versus polycarbonate.
- Shiny Polycarbonate
a smooth, clear plastic with excellent optical clarity.
- Marnot® (Polycarbonate)
a hard coated polycarbonate film produced by Tekra®. Has high solvent and scratch resistance and is available in matte, shiny and textured finishes.
- Velvet Polycarbonate
a textured polycarbonate with a highly durable surface.
- Hardcoat Polycarbonate
a shiny polycarbonate with surface hardcoat. Typically used in appliance applications due to its shiny finish.
| |
POLYESTERS |
BLENDS |
POLYCARBONATES |
| |
Shiny
Polyester |
X9214 on
Polyester |
Autotex |
Autotex |
Marinot
Polyester |
Makrofol
EPC |
BayFol
CR6-2 |
Shiny |
Marnot |
Velvet |
Hardcoat |
| Resistance to Industrial Chemicals (Acids, Bases, Solvents) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
Poor |
Fair |
Resistance to House-Hold Cleaners and
Chemicals |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Outdoor Use
(Sunlight Resistance) |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
| Optical Clarity |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
| Embossability |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Good* |
Good |
Good* |
Good* |
Good* |
Good* |
Able to Print
Selective Surface Texture |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
N/A |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
Yes |
| Thickness Available |
.005"
.007"
.010" |
.005"
.007"
.010" |
.006"
.008"
|
.006"
.008"
|
.005"
.007"
.010" |
.010"
.015"
.020" |
.007"
.010" |
.005"
.007"
.010"
.015"
.020"
.030" |
.007"
.010"
.015"
.020" |
.005"
.007"
.010"
.015"
|
.010"
.015"
.020"
.030" |
|
Good, Fair, Poor rating system based on Xymox and Manufacturer testing and data
*Not recommended for use with tactile feedback switches.
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