MacDermid specialist films used in control panels

MacDermid Autotype is supplying its hardcoated polyester membrane switch films to Vita-Print, which has enabled this company to achieve a 50 per cent share of the Russian market for made-to-order control panels.

Russian screen printer Vita-Print has capitalised on the resilience and reliability of MacDermid Autotype hardcoated polyester membrane switch films to build a strong reputation as a producer of control panels. Since discovering MacDermid Autotype seven years ago, Vita-Print has relied on the company to supply specialist films. MacDermid's textured polyester films have proved so effective that the Russian company has focused its energies on making the production of control panels its core business. The move has been a highly successful one, with Vita-Print currently taking a very healthy 50 per cent of the Russian made-to-order control panel market.

MacDermid Autotype has enabled Vita-Print to enter and exploit a market that it had planned to penetrate ten years ago but ultimately avoided since it felt that products available for membrane technology were not sufficiently developed to guarantee a high-quality product. Then Vita-Print discovered MacDermid Autotype and realised that, using this company's specialist films, the production of high-quality keyboards was possible.

Nevertheless, Vita-Print were resolved not to take any orders until it has ensured that it could use MacDermid Autotype alongside other components to produce a reliable product, and spent 18 months carrying out experiments, tests and training programmes. Vita-Print has now earned a deserved reputation for offering a high-quality product in a relatively new market for Russia, and continues to work with MacDermid Autotype to offer coated polyester films with a range of attributes, helping Vita-Print to keep delivering innovative products to its clients.

Vita-Print Managing Director Evgeniy Botkin comments: "There are no better materials than these for the manufacture of front panels. MacDermid Autotype offers a broad range of high-quality films with different finishes - gloss antiglare, textured and specialist films such as UV-resistant and antimicrobial coating. For example, we were the first in Russia to start using their Autotex Steel film, which enabled us to replicate successfully metal-brushed surfaces. This film is used on the front panels of high-end devices. The metallic effect is achieved by printing the mirror inks on the reverse of the film, while the front surface has been developed and coated by MacDermid to create a texture of brushed steel. There are no other specialist keyboard membrane films in existence with such an effect."

Control panels for use in challenging environments

As well as manufacturing components that offer designers attractive cosmetic options, Botkin believes that MacDermid Autotype breaks new ground and provides membrane manufacturers with products that no other supplier has attempted, opening up possibilities for control panels to be designed for use in ever more challenging environments:

"Polyester films by MacDermid Autotype are resistant to chemical action, for example, to hydrocarbon compounds such as petrol and oil. This sets them apart from polycarbonate membranes. Consequently, this is the only kind of membrane film which can be used in control panels on petrol stations or motor-car applications. Thanks to MacDermid Autotype's films' versatility we are now able to expand our range of products, including even finished items that can withstand immersion in liquid."

VitaPrint Russia is another example of how MacDermid Autotype's customer support and technological know-how has aided manufacturers of membrane switches to expand their businesses and gain an edge over their competition. For further information go to www.macdermidautotype.com.

MacDermid Autotype

Grove Road
Wantage
OX12 7BZ
UNITED KINGDOM

+44 (0)1235 771111

info@autotype.com

http://autotype.macdermid.com/

More applications
15 hours ago
Beckhoff UK and HepcoMotion’s mechatronics showcase takes centre stage
Automation technology specialist Beckhoff UK, in collaboration with leading manufacturer of linear motion systems, HepcoMotion, hosted a mechatronics showcase at MK7, the home of Oracle Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes, with several innovations from both companies on display, as well as a brand-new product reveal – the GFX-r guidance system.
16 hours ago
PPMA re-brand puts automation at the heart of UK manufacturing
The PPMA Group of Associations has re-branded and has changed its name to AutomateUK to better represent the needs of its membership and their end user customers in the ever-changing manufacturing landscape.
3 days ago
steute Technologies restructures its business fields
steute Technologies, an international technology company offering switches, intelligent sensors and wireless systems, has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its business fields.
3 days ago
Showcasing design, production and process engineering in the food and drink sect
Taking place on 1 May 2024 at the National Motorcycle Museum, Food Manufacturing Live serves the design, production, process and maintenance engineering teams across the UK food and drink manufacturing sector.
4 days ago
Understanding safety and security for the protection of human and machine
How do you master employee protection, liability protection, productivity and data protection? How do you increase your quality and simultaneously prevent manipulation on your machines? How do you protect your data and employees in equal measure? Pilz is hosting a free webinar on 15 December, 9:30-10:30 am, to address just these questions.
4 days ago
Schaffner opens new regional channels for its range of EMC solutions
EMC solutions provider, Schaffner, announces new partnerships with three distributors to further broaden the reach and scope of its product range and support services across Europe. The new agreements with Telerex, CATS and DSL Components will open new supplier corridors and enable customers to have local and faster access to products.
4 days ago
New SCARA robot transforms pick-and-place and assembly operations
ABB Robotics is expanding its industrial SCARA robot portfolio with the addition of the IRB 930. The new robot, compromising three variants capable of handling 12 kg and 22 kg payloads, has been designed to meet the demands of new growth opportunities in traditional and new markets.
4 days ago
Pilz CMSE training in high demand, as 10,000th graduate qualifies
With the CMSE qualification (Certified Machinery Safety Expert), Pilz created a completely new training programme for machinery safety in 2013. After a decade Pilz is now proud to congratulate the 10,000th graduate to successfully complete the CMSE examination.
5 days ago
New eBook offers expert insights on embedded security
Mouser Electronics announces a new eBook produced in collaboration with global semiconductor leader Analog Devices (ADI). In Embedded Security: Keeping Edge Data Safe, experts from ADI and other companies take a deep look at embedded security concepts and their importance.
5 days ago
New era beckons at UK’s largest online valve supplier
Gary Hopkinson, founder of Valves Online, a sales partner for Bürkert, has announced his retirement, planned for the end of this year. In March, the UK’s largest online valves supplier underwent a business acquisition by R&G Fluid Power Group. Gary has been assisting the transition while Valves Online is set to retain its successful business model.

Login / Sign up