Product category:
Electronics Manufacturing Materials and Consumables
News Release from: MacDermid Autotype | Subject: Autotex XE
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 09 March 2004
Sun beds profit from UV-stabilised film
Amkor Electronic Panels has turned to Autotex XE for a range of membrane touch switches for sun-bed remote controls.
Although UV stabilised polyester is usually aimed for outdoor applications, Amkor Electronic Panels from Ede, The Netherlands, has turned to Autotype's Autotex XE for a range of membrane touch switches for sun-bed remote controls Amkor is a specialist screen printer codeveloping custom made industrial labels, technical stickers and electronic panels in a range of industry sectors
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 17 Oct 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Established in 1965 Amkor has been ISO9002 certified since 1994 and has recently adopted ISO9001:2000.
Electronic panels combine the graphical capabilities of screen printing with functional elements such as LCD displays, integrated LEDs and switches, with or without metal domes; all this at thicknesses of around 1mm.
The underside of Autototex film is coated with a primer that ensures excellent adhesion of inks and lacquers.
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Eddie Wennekes, Sales Engineer at Amkor observes: "This primer also enables us to use conductive inks to screen print circuit elements and even electroluminescent displays directly onto the film.
LEDs and metal domes are added using a pick and place robot.
Especially when embossing is required, this material is our material of choice".
For most applications, a standard Autotex film is used, but when high UV stability is key, Amkor uses Autotype Autotex XE textured polyester film.
Although an indoor application, sun beds are emitting a similar amount of UV light as the sun.
"To be able to guarantee the lifetime of a remote control, we need the long-term high quality physical properties Autotex XE can offer".
Recent sun beds, sun domes, and sun tunnels projects include top market brands such as Ultrasun, Alisun and Palm Beach.
Ellen Korteweg, Marketing Manager at Amkor adds: "To maintain a competitive edge, our clients need to continually improve their products.
The attractiveness and user friendliness are key selling points in this segment and our digital printing capabilities offer that opportunity".
Amkor's digital Indigo printer allows it to create full colour labels and electronic panels that can differ with each film being produced.
Says Eddie Wennekes: "We can add barcodes to uniquely identify a product, or print membrane in multiple languages or decorations with no additional cost.
This is a great competitive advantage compared to traditional screen printing where each additional colour or change of screen adds additional costs".
Autotex XE has been specially developed for extreme environments with a uniformly textured and extraordinarily scratch resistant surface, making it ideal for outdoor applications where high or widely fluctuating temperatures, excessive humidity and strong levels of ultraviolet light are encountered.
Unlike conventional textured polyester films that can become brittle and yellow when subjected to prolonged UV exposure, Autotex XE has an extended operating life.
This is achieved through the use of specially constructed hard coat and primer layers, enabling the film to perform at operating temperatures up to 85C and humidity levels of 85% RH.
These qualities make this the material of choice for any UV application, outdoor or indoor that is to look good and perform reliably for many years to come. Request a free brochure from MacDermid Autotype ...
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