ANTIMICROBIAL KEYPADS FOR HYGIENE CRITICAL APPLICATIONS FROM MACDERMID AUTOTYPE

Main Menu | News By Date | News By Supplier | News By Category | About Us

ANTIMICROBIAL KEYPADS FOR HYGIENE CRITICAL APPLICATIONS FROM MACDERMID AUTOTYPE
18 July 2005 - Autotype International

In any industry electronic data processing equipment needs to satisfy the various demands of the environment in which it is to be used in. This is particularly true in environments demanding high levels of hygiene, such as hospitals, doctors’ surgeries and convalescent homes, as equipment for electronic patient administration is constantly subjected to frequent contact with many different people. In addition, this type of equipment has shown to be a potential carrier of harmful germs and bacteria.

With the help of industry leading Autotex AM, the new hardcoated polyester film from MacDermid Autotype that incorporates Microban Antimicrobial protection, the Germany based company, Richard Wöhr GmbH, has developed and produced an innovative range of ABAK antibacterial keypads that are ideal for use in any hygiene critical application.

The Microban technology continuously fights the growth of microbes on the film’s surface creating a built-in active protection against harmful germs and bacteria. Furthermore, as the films are reverse-printed the decorative graphics are protected from the rigours of everyday use and general cleaning methods.

For many years now Autotex has been synonymous with quality, hard-coated, scratch and chemical resistant films. The new substrate, Autotex AM, combines these qualities with active Microban antimicrobial protection, a proven technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria, as well as fungi, mould and mildew. The revolutionary Microban antimicrobial technology is built into the Autotex textured hard coat during manufacture, ensuring an even distribution of the active antimicrobial agent throughout the texture and film surface. The result is a film that is ideally suited for any surface application in environments where it is vital to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria.

Extensive testing carried out on Autotex AM by leading international laboratories has proved that the film substrate kills a wide range of bacteria, fungi and moulds including MRSA, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia Coli and Listeria Monocytogenes.

Antimicrobial films incorporated into switches and equipment can be a cost effective weapon in the fight for more hygienic and safer environments. The benefits of antimicrobial keypads, such as the ABAK range from Wöhr, compared with conventional keypads, are fast becoming apparent and not only in the medical sector. For instance, antimicrobial touch pads can be used in food preparation and serving equipment and in any other hygiene critical environments.

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.

More News:
  • For July 2005
  • From Autotype International
  • For Plastic films