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AUTOTEX – HIGH-PERFORMANCE MATERIALS FOR MODERN TECHNOLOGIES
18 March 2002 - Autotype International
| Kienzle Systems, a company based in Neckarsulm, Germany, operates in the high technology sector developing state-of the-art processes for the manufacture of complex human interface devices. |
Kienzle's flatbed keyboards have held a leading position in the European and international markets for many years. Recent product developments include marine control panels for powerboats and motor yachts as well as rugged portable computers for use on geological surveys and expeditions. Such high-tech products require high-performance materials. In particular, devices intended for outdoor use such as in a marine environment, will be subjected to high levels of UV radiation from the sun. This would quickly deteriorate ordinary polycarbonates or PVC. So when Kienzle chose a material to form the protective outer layer of their new marine panels they opted for Autotex UV, a reverse-printable, resilient and highly UV resistant polyester film from Autotype International. Autotex UV is a high-quality textured Polyester film coated with a scratch and UV-resistant hard coat. Björn Kienzle confirmed: 'This industrial film has a uniformly textured and extraordinarily scratch resistant surface, as well as a high level of UV resistance which prevents the material from becoming discoloured or brittle prematurely. These qualities make this the material of choice for any outdoor application that is to look good and perform reliably for many years to come. In addition, the underside of the Autotype film is coated with a primer that ensures excellent adhesion of inks and lacquers. This primer also enables us to use conductive inks to screen print circuit elements and even electroluminescent displays directly onto the film.' Another device developed at Kienzle Systems is a portable computer system for use in the field during geological surveys. A GPS navigation system is incorporated into the device, and receives positional co-ordinates from 5 satellites in orbit that it then logs with the survey data in real time. The user interface for this device is provided by a rugged yet user-friendly membrane-switch keyboard, and this keyboard too is based on Autotex polyester film. The marine panels and portable PCs for geological surveys are already in production at Kienzle Systems, and are being distributed worldwide. These are just two examples of the numerous state-of-the art applications that use Autotex industrial polyester films from Autotype International. Björn Kienzle remarks: 'In order to ensure that our products meet our clients' exacting demands even in very challenging work environments we have to work with great precision. There is no room for error. Consequently, in order to maintain the high quality standards that have made our reputation, we need suppliers who, like us, strive to be both innovative and totally dependable. Autotype is the leading manufacturer of industrial films for membrane switch front plates and circuit layers, and they are the right partner for us. Autotype polyester films fully comply with our own, exacting quality standards, and due to their excellent properties these materials have become the standard substrate for all types of membrane switch applications.'
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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