OUTSTANDING LEVELS OF HANDLEABILITY

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OUTSTANDING LEVELS OF HANDLEABILITY
19 November 2002 - Autotype International

Autotype has added AUTOFLEX Autoform™ G180M, a formable hard-coated polycarbonate film with superior levels of handle-ability and excellent cosmetic consistency and quality, to its extensive product range.

The new film is ideal for robot handling as it does not stick when stacked for robotic feeding. Automated processing is further enhanced as there is no protective laminate to remove prior to printing.

Designed for in-mold decoration (IMD), AUTOFLEX Autoform™ G180M comprises a hardcoated high-gloss first surface and a matt second surface supplied without protective laminate, to provide excellent slip characteristics when handled. The matt second surface becomes completely transparent when back moulded with PC resin.

The new film features a coating designed to allow shallow formability by thermoforming or pressure forming, while retaining its outstanding chemical and abrasion resistant properties to provide a scratch-resistant durable surface.

The film is printed on the underside, formed and trimmed to the shape required and then injection moulded on the reverse to give the required bulk and rigidity. AUTOFLEX Autoform G180M has a thickness of 180µ.

Ideal for the lens market, applications for AUTOFLEX Autoform G180M include mobile telephone and pager lenses, phone housings, home appliance fascias, electronics fascias and heater controls found in the automotive industry.

Richard Townsend, Product Manager IMD at Autotype, said: 'Traditionally lenses were moulded from impact modified PMMA resin which lacks surface hardness and scuff resistance. Cosmetic defects and waste could also be introduced by using a spray or dip coating method.' He continued, 'Using IMD allows the lens to be coated exclusively on the front surface leaving the back free to accept adhesives, inks or resins. Finished coating quality is of a superior standard and the hardness is excellent.'

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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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