Panel finish combines durability with style

Membrane keyboard pioneer, Hoffmann + Krippner manufactures customised input devices and industrial PC panels to high standards of quality and design, for a diverse market. The flexx-IPC is one of the company’s core products. Featuring 49 function keys, an integrated alphanumeric keypad, and 10.4in resistive touch screen, it not only needs to look good, but also resist all that an industrial environment can throw at it, so the surface finish had to be something special.

The design brief for the flexx-IPC panel called for a striking, aesthetically pleasing surface finish, robust and durable enough to withstand everyday use in harsh manufacturing and processing environments, where panel PCs need to be protected from moisture and liquids, and even regular wash-downs. Thomas Krekeler, head of marketing at Hoffmann + Krippner, takes up the story:

“The challenge was to create a product that immediately attracts the customer’s interest on appearance. We needed an attractive metallic look and feel to the panel, one that instantly communicates to the customer that this is a quality product.

"We want our products to stand out in a crowd, which is why we look to MacDermid Autotype, as they offer new solutions that meet our specifications. Autotex Steel not only meets our quality requirements it has provided us with a new and unique finish designed for a niche market.”

Hoffmann & Krippner was an early adopter of MacDermid Autotype’s products and Autotex Steel provided just the right tactile and attractive finish it needed for this key product. Autotex Steel is suitable for use as membrane keyboard overlays, fascia panels and industrial or display graphics.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, this film is reverse printed and can easily be embossed for use with tactile membrane switches, where the material has a flex life in excess of five million actuations. Thomas Krekeler again:

“Both the product and service offered by MacDermid Autotype during the preparation of flexx-IPC was delivered to the same high standard as all the other products and services they have supplied to us during our 30 year partnership.

"As for the product, we are extremely satisfied with the results that we have achieved and have received excellent feedback from customers around the world.”