EXTREME PERFORMANCE FROM AUTOTYPE POLYESTER FILM

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EXTREME PERFORMANCE FROM AUTOTYPE POLYESTER FILM
23 July 2003 - Autotype International

Autotype, one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of high performance coated films and chemicals for use throughout industry, has upgraded its existing Autotex UV textured polyester film to offer exceptional performance under extreme operating conditions.

Renamed Autotex XE, the upgraded film has been developed for applications where high or widely fluctuating temperatures, excessive humidity and strong levels of ultraviolet light are encountered and is ideal for both flat and tactile membrane switches and keyboards.

XE stands for Extreme Environment and typical applications for the new material are as a substrate for instrument, fascia and membrane switch panels that are used in outdoor or harsh industrial conditions. This includes point of information displays and equipment used in vehicles with large areas of glass, such as tractor, earth moving and crane cabs, where high light levels, temperature and humidity would otherwise quickly affect the operating characteristics of traditional film substrates.

Autotex XE is a polyester based film, with specially constructed hardcoat and primer layers. Unlike conventional films, however, that can delaminate, become brittle or flake under extreme conditions, the various layers in Autotex XE are formulated to resist ultraviolet light, moisture and wide variations in temperature. Previous Autotex versions could only withstand a maximum operating temperature of 40C in high humidity conditions of 80% RH. The new primer technology introduced in Autotex XE enables the film to be used at an operating temperature of 85C at a humidity level of 85% RH, without any degradation.

Conventional films without the special Autotype UV resistance go brittle and yellow very quickly when subjected to UV light. In contrast, Autotex XE is extremely resistant to the effects of ultraviolet light, extending operating life by more than 300% compared with conventional textured polyester films. In addition, the new material offers excellent mechanical and optical properties, with switch life in tactile membrane systems being tested to in excess of five million actuations.

Autotex XE forms part of the Autotex family of screen printable films, which offer superior scratch and chemical resistance and ink adhesion. They are easy to handle and process and available in a range of gauges and roll widths.

http://www.autotype.com

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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