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Graphic Overlays

CSI Keyboards uses copper flex circuitry in the majority of our custom keypad designs due to its excellent dielectric strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance and flexibility. Copper flex, also known as Kapton circuits, have become the superior choice over printed silver especially for outdoor applications. A printed silver circuit can be replaced with a copper and polyimide construction with minimal additional cost. Copper flex circuitry construction designs offer a significant advantage over printed silver.

Copper Flex membrane switch panels are produced using polyimide (Kapton) as the base material. Copper flex keypad switches are manufactured by laminating a thin sheet of copper to a flexible film substrate. The copper is then chemically etched away, leaving the copper traces. An additional layer of polyimide is laminated to the circuit leaving the gold contacts exposed.

There are a number of elements to consider when designing your graphic overlay:

Substrates:

  • Polyester
  • Polycarbonate

Surface Finishes

  • Velvet
  • Gloss
  • Anti-reflective
  • Anti-microbial

Adhesives:

  • 3M 467 or 468 
  • 3M 300LSE
  • 3M VHB Foam

Printing:

  • Screen printing 
  • Digital printing

Window and Lenses:

  • Clear LCD or LED
  • ITO using optical clear lamination
  • Dead front
  • Smoked as well as translucent colors for backlighting

In-House Embossing & Forming:

  • Pillow, rim, finger guide, LED, braille
  • Cold and hot embossing
  • Hydroforming

Cutting:

  • Laser traced steel rule dies
  • Tinplate high precision tools
  • Laser and CNC cutting