Product category:
Switches and Keyboards
News Release from: Fascia Graphics | Subject: Microban keypads
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 15 September 2005
Keypads banish bugs from hygienic
applications
Fascia Graphics can now provide electronic equipment manufacturers with the first graphic overlays and membrane keypads which incorporate built-in Microban antimicrobial protection.
Fascia Graphics, one of the leading providers of graphic overlays and membrane keypads for electronic equipment used extensively across a wide range of industry sectors (including catering and medical), is working with Autotype International to provide new graphic overlays and membrane keypads that inhibit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mould and mildew Called Autotex AM with Microban antimicrobial protection, this unique substrate has been specially designed by Autotype International for any hygiene critical surface application, where preventing the growth and spread of bacteria is essential
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 20 Feb 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Autotex AM with Microban allows Fascia Graphics to provide electronic equipment manufacturers with the first graphic overlays and membrane keypads which incorporate built-in Microban antimicrobial protection.
Microban antimicrobial technology is incorporated into the Autotex textured hard coat during the manufacturing process, ensuring an even distribution of the antimicrobial agent throughout the texture and film surface.
This effectively guarantees surface protection throughout the lifetime of the product.
Further reading
Prototyping trends in keypads and overlays
Paul Bennett, Managing Director of Fascia Graphics, discusses why businesses are demanding rapid digital prototypes.
Membrane keypads don't give microbes a chance
Superbug-proof overlays and membranes are proving to be one of the biggest developments in the medical device sector for 10 years.
Speedy prototyping wins production order
Since Fascia Graphics assisted C-Tec in the launch of three new products at Fire Expo 2007, the company has received full production orders for all three items.
Hygiene critical applications that will benefit from this unique new product include membrane switches, fascia panels, wall coverings, shelf covers and worktops.
Paul Bennett, Founder and Managing Director of Fascia Graphics commented: "Research has proven that hand contact with contaminated surfaces can rapidly transfer bacteria to other surfaces as well as individuals".
"Providing the first graphic overlays and membrane keypads incorporating this new product is a significant step forward as the issues of cleanliness and hygiene are of particular importance to electronic equipment manufacturers for the catering and medical sectors".
The new film substrate combines the proven benefits of Autotex - a tough, durable surface with an ink primer on the reverse side that is receptive to a wide range of graphic inks - with the antimicrobial properties of Microban technology.
Autotex AM with Microban antibacterial protection is also scratch and chemical resistant, and is capable of withstanding the rigours of every day usage and most aggressive cleaning methods.
Autotex AM with Microban has been extensively tested and is proven to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, fungi and moulds including MRSA, salmonella enteritidis, escherichia coli and listeria monocytogenes.
The antimicrobial protection of Microban works by penetrating the cell wall of micro-organisms that come into contact with the substrate surface and disrupting their cell functions, rendering them unable to function, grow or reproduce.
Emma Scowen, Industrial Product Manager for Autotype International commented: "For the first time, there is an antimicrobial protected, hard coated film substrate that is proven to kill a variety of bacteria that can, if not controlled, be easily spread to other surfaces and individuals, potentially causing infections".
"Using Autotex AM with Microban will not eliminate the need for general cleanliness and hygiene, but it will provide an overwhelming reassurance in terms of a constant protection against bacteria contamination". Request a free brochure from Fascia Graphics ...
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