Graphic Overlays Archives - Melrose Nameplate & Label Co. | U.S. Manufacturing Solutions

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Graphic Overlays

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Graphic Overlay Design Guide

At Melrose, we have decades of experience manufacturing and delivering graphic overlays that meet the most demanding applications and requirements. In this design guide we will share our knowledge to create a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their graphic overlay solution. What are graphic overlays? A graphic overlay refers to the interface layer …

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Melrose’s New Screen-Printing Press: Leading the Next Generation of Print Innovation

Over the years, printing technology has evolved significantly, driving breakthroughs that make processes easier, faster, and more efficient. From traditional offset printing to advanced digital and technical printing, each method provides solutions suited for unique needs. Screen printing, however, remains unparalleled for projects that demand vibrant, durable results. This technique—using a mesh screen to transfer …

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Graphic Overlay Design Considerations: A Comprehensive Guide

Designing graphic overlays requires a lot of thoughtful

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Graphic Overlay Materials

Graphic overlays and second-surface printed labels are most often produced using materials such as polycarbonate or polyester. Polyester is the preferred overlay material when the overlay will flex in use (for example, in membrane switches). Polycarbonate fatigues and cracks when cycled. However, when fatigue is not an issue, we can formulate polycarbonate with a range …

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Graphic Overlays: Essential for Industrial Applications

End-users perceive graphic overlays merely as interfaces to control devices or equipment. However, from a technical perspective, these overlays are multi-featured components providing protection, visibility, and functionality to a customer’s product. The thin layer of plastic printed with text, symbols, and other graphics is popular for applications across diverse industries, including medical, automation, aviation, consumer …

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How to design an HMI system?

In our previous blog post, What is HMI? An Extensive Guide About Human-Machine Interface, we gave you a walkthrough across the spectrum of Human Machine Interface. But how do you actually design an HMI system? What are the critical steps to make sure that your HMI matches the requirements of your application? By developing a proper …

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How to pick the right graphic overlay for your project?

Graphic overlays are common in a wide range of products, starting with labels and ending with keypads and membrane switches. Before turning to a manufacturer with your application requirements, it’s good to answer a few questions to understand which type of graphic overlay will fit your project best. The truth is that a graphic overlay …

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What is HMI? An Extensive Guide About Human-Machine Interface

How are you accessing this piece of information? Is it through your mobile device or some touch gadget? Or is it using your laptop/ desktop computer? Whatever the medium you are using to access this information is simply a Human Machine Interface, aka, HMI. Anything that helps a human to communicate with machines and vice …

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A guide to graphic overlay & membrane switch finishing

Die-cutting (Digital and Tooled) Overlays, labels, and membrane switch layers (e.g., spacers, static layers, backside adhesives) thinner than .020″ are generally die-cut using steel rule dies, digital cutting methods, or class 1 die-sets. We usually cut thicker parts using digital routing, laser cutting, or water jet cutting technologies. Cutting Tolerances: .008″ is the standard tolerance …

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A guide to printing & color matching

Graphic overlays, membrane switches, labels, and nameplates can be printed using either screen or digital printing technologies. Digital printing applies to small lot quantities because it eliminates setup times for colors; it does a better job of printing and can result in shorter lead times. Screen printing is more economical for larger quantities, or when …

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