Decoration is important not just in home design and cookies, but in silicone keypads as well! We are well-versed in decorating our silicone injection molding for keypads and other products for a variety of clients and uses. Our graphic design process leaves nothing to the imagination, so let’s go over the many considerations that come with decoration on our end.
Getting the Graphics Right
Graphic design is a fundamental part of design and decorating. What your keypad looks like is just as important as its functionality and usage. Not only do we screen solid colors up to the edge of our flat key tops, we screen solid colors up to 0.015” on our curved key tops, right up to the outer radius’ tangent point.
Check out what else goes into our graphic design process. We are nothing if not precise!
- 0.015”: min. distance from the edge of the mat to the legend.
- 0.375”: min. radius of a convex or concave key top.
- 0.010”: min. line weight for legends.
- 0.050”: min. text height.
- 0.060”: max curvature depth (this is for concave key tops w/ min. radius of 0.375”)
- 0.060”: max curvature height (this is for convex key tops w/ a min. radius of 0.375”)
Screen Printing For Positive and Reverse Graphics
To ensure positive and reverse graphics, we use screen printing and silicone inks that are able to adhere to the silicone keypads and components during curing. What you’re left with is a long-lasting, hard-wearing graphic that can stand the test of time with standard industry use.
Visually-appealing graphics are critical in ensuring your users can interact with and enjoy the look of your keypad. That’s why we are detail oriented when it comes to incorporating the following:
- Keypad Size
- Key Top Dimensions
- Color
- Mat Thickness
- Mounting Hole
- Key Spacing
- Radii Dimensions
- Boss Details
- Actuation Force
- Legends
- Material Specifications
- Colors
Embossing and Engraving For That Unique Look and Feel
To make your product stand out from the rest, you can add embellishments such as embossing or engraving on the surface of the keys. Not only does this offer a unique look, it ensures a unique feel as well. To that end, texts or images can be added to the mold depending on your preferences, whether you want to use an engraving or embossing method. This ensures fade-free graphics over the life of the product.
We accept these formats for graphic design:
- .pdf (Adobe)
- .cdr (Corel Draw)
- .ai (Adobe Illustrator)
- .dwg (Autocad)
- .dxf (Autocad)
Other considerations of design include getting the shape and tactile qualities right so the end user is satisfied. We can also add industrial pre-coats and adhesives, as well as abrasion and chemical resistant coatings.
Want to know more about our decorating process to ensure your product looks great? Just call us today at 757-887-8488.
