Printed graphic overlays are the ideal choice for custom machine control panels.
Designed to keep information clear and easily understood, fascia panels can be produced in a number of different ways depending on their use.
At QPS Print, our wide range of print equipment (plus membrane products to use) guarantee to make sure your graphic overlays start off in great shape and stay usable for longer.
High quality and ultra durable regardless of any heavy-handed operator!
Designing Graphic Overlays
Whether its your first membrane panel project or your one hundredth, we know every requirement is different.
Thankfully, we have people who have worked on overlays for use in many industries. We’ll know how to keep the costs down and quality high.
If you need assistance in putting together the artwork and design for the panels, talk to our creative team.
Some fascia panels need to put clarity of information first and be ergonomic in use. Others need to convey the manufacturer’s brand and style.
Get in contact if you’re unsure as to how your panels need to be presented, and we’ll work with you to get it right.
Graphic Overlay Printing
Our preferred production choice is to print on the reverse of a clear or ‘frosted’ mark resistant substrate.
If your fascia panel is for information only and infrequently touched, we’d recommend a PVC film.
For a printed membrane panel that is going to be used regularly – buttons, switches, a keyboard or dials – tough polycarbonate is a more durable choice.
We print on the reverse of both of these products so the image is safe from scratching regardless of whether its polycarb or PVC.
The printed graphic is viewed through the base product making for a longer lasting, whilst still optically clear, finished panel.
Even constant use can’t make a mark on the image.
There are technical data sheets available for all the materials we can print on to and for the inks that we use.
Get in touch to discuss if your requirement is quite specific.
We can produce graphic overlays for use in temperature extremes, with increased chemical resistance or for panels that will get constant use and abuse.
Our production department will source the right material for you. Just let one of the team know the panel’s intended purpose and we’ll do the work in finding the best solution.
While production will source the right material, our design creatives can assist with making sure what goes on the product is exactly as required.
Areas that need to show LEDs or information screens are left clear.
If needed, our design department can make sure your image file has all the right info in place and ready for production.
Alternatively, for a more opaque fascia, white ink can be overprinted behind the entire membrane.
Having a complete screenprint facility as well as digital UV printers, QPS can work alongside your team to find the most cost effective solution for control panel overlays.
Does your switch panel require only spot colours? We can make up the screens using your artwork and produce by screen printing.
Need a full-colour image for your membrane keypad? Then, printing digitally using UV curable inks will create fascia overlays with impact.
Both technologies can print on the reverse of the substrate. Whether it’s screen print or digitally manufactured, your finished panels will be completely scratchproof and their instructions can’t be worn away over time.
Fascia Panel Finishing
After the panels are printed, QPS can finish the membranes ready for installation.
Need a self-adhesive coating applying? We can hand them over to our finishing department to laminate a backing film to the fascia’s reverse.
Many of the overlays we produce are shipped out with an adhesive applied. It makes for a much simpler final in-house application.
Different adhesives have different purposes.
We have adhesive films that can create a strong bond between the graphic overlay and panels that are textured or dimpled.
There are specialist adhesives that work more effectively with low surface energy substrates. Our experienced production team will guide you to an optimal end product.
Finishing doesn’t end with a self-adhesive being applied.
Fascias can be trimmed with straight or radius corners.
We have a number of platen machines that can punch out an accurate, repeatable shape over hundreds or even thousands of graphic overlays.
Our digital flatbed cutter can trim panels down to size quickly and effectively if something a little more intricate is needed.
Custom printed graphic overlays from QPS:
- Use the right material for your intended end use
- And utilise the right print technology for your end application
- Vibrant, scratch proof and super durable
- Can be produced as cost-effective prototypes or full production volumes
- Are available in virtually any size and many different thicknesses
- Can incorporate your brand, logo or any bespoke design detail
- Perfect for industries including aviation, automobile, engineering, telecom, electronics, security….and more
For information on other services QPS offer, have a read through these posts on museum wayfinding and signage, tile sample display boards and window graphic solutions.
Got a graphic overlay requirement? Talk to us on 01782 413789.
