Screen-printed graphic overlays (adhesive front films) in PC or PET
A graphic overlay, or screen-printed adhesive front film, is the printed film that covers the outer face of a device panel. It carries the graphics, symbols and operating text; it can include clear or matt windows for displays and indicators and local embossed domes on the keys; and it is fixed to the housing or panel with adhesive on the back. It has no electrical circuit: the membrane keypad with printed circuit is a different product, quoted separately.
It is made to order from your drawing. Dimensions, colours, windows and adhesive are defined with each customer.
In short
What it is: Screen-printed PC or PET film with windows and embossed domes, adhesive-backed.
What we need to quote: Drawing in DXF or AI; Colours (Pantone or RAL); Quantity.
Scope to check: Overlays are not offered for emergency-stop devices or other safety functions, nor for medical-device housings.
Product fit
Choose it if: Machinery and industrial control.; Household appliances..
Check before ordering: Drawing in DXF or AI.; Colours (Pantone or RAL).; Quantity..
Limit: The production partner provides datasheets and test reports on request..
Compare the options
| Screen-printed graphic overlays (adhesive front films) in PC or PET | Best for: Machinery and industrial control. · Check: The production partner provides datasheets and test reports on request. |
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Applications
- Machinery and industrial control.
- Household appliances.
- Instruments and measuring devices.
- Meter and electric-vehicle charging-point housings (graphic overlay only).
- Automotive interiors.
What it does in the equipment
It is the outer layer of the control panel: the user reads the functions, symbols and instructions on it. That is why the material, printing and adhesive are chosen according to the environment: cleaning agents, UV radiation, temperature and contact with hands.
The symbols and texts are defined by the customer. If you want to use a specific symbol system, you can state it in the enquiry; we reproduce the approved and signed file.
Materials and finishes
- PC (polycarbonate) or PET (polyester) face; PMMA as an option.
- Screen or digital printing; the ink can be mirror-printed on the inside of the film, so the graphic is protected beneath it.
- Clear or matt windows, local embossed domes and backlight windows.
- Adhesive on the back, with options for low-surface-energy substrates.
- Pantone or RAL reference colours.
Options
- Variable data (numbering or QR codes) from a customer CSV file.
- Archive of the signed proof, with its file hash and colour data, so repeat orders give the same result.
- Material declaration (RoHS and REACH) on request; whether it can be provided is confirmed in the offer.
- Samples to check fit and colour; conditions are stated in the offer.
Typical specifications
| Face material | PC or PET (PMMA optional) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | As per drawing |
| Printing | Screen or digital; mirror printing on the inside |
| Features | Clear or matt windows, embossed domes, backlight windows |
| Adhesive | On the back; options for low surface energy |
| Colour | Pantone or RAL |
| Size and shape | As per the customer drawing (DXF or AI) |
No generic thicknesses or minimum quantities are given: they depend on the drawing and the material and are confirmed in the offer.
What we need to quote
- Drawing in DXF or AI.
- Colours (Pantone or RAL).
- Quantity.
- Material and finish of the substrate it will be fixed to.
- Operating environment: cleaning agents, UV radiation and temperature.
- Windows, embossed domes and backlighting required.
- Adhesive type, if already defined.
Documentation available on request
The production partner provides datasheets and test reports on request. Samples or trials: conditions are stated in the offer. The material declaration (RoHS and REACH) is requested from the production partner and confirmed in the offer.
Usual references when the overlay identifies the controls of a machine: Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery (Annex III, points 1.2.2 and 1.7.3) and, for symbols, ISO 7010 or IEC 60417 if the customer specifies them. Only the name and number of each standard are given; its application and the legal responsibility rest with the customer.
The legal content of the label is defined by the customer; we reproduce the artwork the customer has approved and signed.
Scope
Overlays are not offered for emergency-stop devices or other safety functions, nor for medical-device housings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a graphic overlay and a membrane keypad?
The graphic overlay is only the printed film on the outer face and carries no circuit. The membrane keypad adds a spacer, a printed circuit and sometimes domes and backlighting; it is an electronic component and is quoted separately.
Is polycarbonate or polyester used?
Both are used, with PMMA as an option. The choice depends on the equipment, the finish and the environment; tell us the cleaning agents, UV radiation and temperature and we will propose a material.
What does mirror printing on the inside mean?
The ink is applied to the inner face of the film, as a reversed image, so the graphic sits protected under the material and withstands rubbing in use better.
Is there an adhesive for plastics that are hard to bond?
Yes, there are adhesives for low-surface-energy substrates. Tell us the material and finish of the housing or panel and we will propose a suitable one.
Can different numbering or QR codes be printed on each piece?
Yes, from a customer CSV file. The numbering rules are agreed before production.
Request a quote
Send the drawing, colours, substrate and operating environment. Business orders only (B2B). Lead time and price are confirmed in the offer.
Business orders only (B2B). Lead time and price are confirmed in the offer.