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SUN BEDS PROFIT FROM AUTOTYPE UV STABILISED FILM
04 March 2004 - Autotype International
| While UV stabilised polyester is usually aimed for outdoor applications, Amkor Electronic Panels from Ede, The Netherlands, have turned to Autotype’s Autotex XE for a range of membrane touch switches for sun beds remote controls.
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Amkor is a specialist screen printer co-developing custom made industrial labels, technical stickers and electronic panels in a range of industry sectors. Established in 1965 Amkor has been ISO 9002 certified since 1994 and has recently adopted ISO 9001:2000.
Electronic panels combine the graphical capabilities of screen printing with functional elements such as LCD displays, integrated LEDs and switches, with or without metal domes; all this at thicknesses of around 1 millimetre. The underside of Autotex film is coated with a primer that ensures excellent adhesion of inks and lacquers. Eddie Wennekes, Sales Engineer at Amkor observes: 'This primer also enables us to use conductive inks to screen print circuit elements and even electroluminescent displays directly onto the film. LEDs and metal domes are added using a pick and place robot. Especially when embossing is required, this material is our material of choice. ' For most applications, a standard Autotex film is used, but when high UV stability is key, Amkor uses Autotype Autotex XE textured polyester film. Although an indoor application, sun beds are emitting a similar amount of UV-light as the sun. 'To be able to guarantee the lifetime of a remote control, we need the long-term high quality physical properties Autotex XE can offer.' Recent sun beds, sun domes, and sun tunnels projects include top market brands such as Ultrasun, Alisun and Palm Beach. Ellen Korteweg, marketing manager at Amkor adds: 'To maintain a competitive edge, our clients need to continually improve their products. The attractiveness and user friendliness are key selling points in this segment and our digital printing capabilities offer that opportunity.' Amkor’s digital Indigo printer allows them to create full colour labels and electronic panels that can differ with each film being produced. Eddie Wennekes: 'We can add barcodes to uniquely identify a product, or print membrane in multiple languages or decorations with no additional cost. This is a great competitive advantage compared to traditional screen printing where each additional colour or change of screen adds additional costs.' About Autotex XE
Autotex XE has been specially developed for eXtreme Environments with a uniformly textured and extraordinarily scratch resistant surface, making it ideal for outdoor applications where high or widely fluctuating temperatures, excessive humidity and strong levels of ultraviolet light are encountered. Unlike conventional textured polyester films that can become brittle and yellow when subjected to prolonged UV exposure, Autotex XE has an extended operating life. This is achieved through the use of specially constructed hard coat and primer layers, enabling the film to perform at operating temperatures of up to 85°C and humidity levels of 85% RH. These qualities make this the material of choice for any UV application, outdoor or indoor that is to look good and perform reliably for many years to come.
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About: Autotype International
Specialist coating technology developed by Autotype is used for a wide range of touch and vision electronic applications, including membrane switches and for In Mould Decorated (IMD) products in the automotive, telecommunications and domestic appliances sectors.The company's expertise in precision coating technology enables it to transform and enhance the performance of films for many high technology and demanding applications. These films can provide efficient means of reproducing exacting images or offer protective features such as resistance to aggressive chemicals and be used as stable substrates in the production of key electronic or medical components. Precision graphic systems for the printing sector have enabled industrial screen printers to compete with alternative technologies in the quest for the most complex and accurate reproduction process. The company operates from three locations: Autotype International, in Wantage, England; Autotype Americas Inc. in Schaumburg, near Chicago; Autotype International (Asia) Pte. Ltd. from Singapore. From these three locations we are able to maintain worldwide coverage through experienced and dedicated sales personnel, responding in real time to the changing needs of local markets.
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