What is Graphic Overlay & Custom Label?

A graphic overlay  ( also label or control panel overlay )  is the outermost layer of an electronic device , serving as the primary interface that users directly see and interact with. While non-conductive, it acts as the  " face "  and HMI   ( Human-Machine Interface )   of the product. Through high-precision screen or digital printing , it perfectly showcases branding logos, button colors , text instructions , functional icons , and clear display windows .

Graphic overlay can serve as the top layer of a membrane switch assembly or be applied directly onto the rigid housing of an instrument. Functioning as a branding identification tool , a critical component of the tactile feedback system , or a decorative cosmetic layer , it seamlessly integrates and enhances the overall product aesthetics .
The Gold Standard for High-Frequency Use. PET is an exceptionally flexible thin film engineered for tactical keys and membrane switches. It offers an elite flex life capable of enduring over 1,000,000 press cycles without cracking, wearing out, or losing elasticity. It also boasts remarkable chemical resistance against aggressive industrial cleaners and solvents.
Maximum Cost-Efficiency. PC is a highly transparent film that offers outstanding optical clarity and impact resistance at a very competitive price point. Because its flex life under repetitive button bending is shorter than PET's, it is the ideal, budget-friendly choice for flat industrial faceplates, static warning plates, or control panels without tactile domes.
Offers excellent light transmittance and crystal-clear visual transparency. Acrylic is a rigid thermoplastic famed for its excellent light transmittance and crystal-clear visual quality. Highly resistant to warping, it can not be used for mechanical flex buttons. Instead, it is the ideal protective cover forcapacitive touch switches and display windows, offering a lightweight, shatterproof alternative to glass.
Perfectly suited for demanding outdoor environments. Glass offers unmatched surface hardness, scratch resistance, and long-term durability, making it perfectly suited for demanding outdoor environments and heavy industrial sectors. Unlike plastics, glass will never degrade, yellow, or warp when exposed to extreme thermal changes, intensive chemical cleaning, or harsh weather conditions.

≥ 1,000,000 times / Excellent
Excellent
Anti-microbial, Anti-UV
Higher
Harder to emboss
About 50,000 times / Poor
Vulnerable
Basic hard coating / UV coating
Low
Excellent

Excellent light transmittance, cost-effective, lightweight, and shatterproof.
Anti-scratch hard coating (up to 3H-5H+).
Medium; significantly improved after anti-scratch hard coat treatment.
Excellent toughness; does not shatter easily (safer).
Low / Affordable; even with hard coating, it is cheaper than glass.
Capacitive touch switches, indoor meters, and appliance panels.
Extreme hardness, scratch-resistant, and perfectly suited for outdoors
Supports AG (Anti-Glare), AR (Anti-Reflection), and AF (Anti-Fingerprint).
Extremely high; inherently wear-resistant (6-7H+).
Brittle; requires chemical or thermal tempering to prevent shattering.
High; especially when tempered and optically coated.
Outdoor EV chargers, automotive displays, and luxury touch screens.

How to Choose

•Tactile Keys / Buttons ➔ Choose PET:Ideal for mechanical press keys due to its1,000,000 flex life, high fatigue resistance, and optional anti-microbial / anti-UV coatings.
•Non-Button Labels / Overlays ➔ Choose PC:Perfect for stationary branding labels or graphic faceplates without flexing requirements, making ithighly cost-effective and cheap.
•Indoor Capacitive Touch ➔ Choose Acrylic (PMMA):Best for indoor touch panels, offering excellent light transmittance and shatterproof safety, upgraded with an anti-scratch hard coating.
•Outdoor Capacitive Touch ➔ Choose Glass:Perfect for outdoor environments with unmatched scratch resistance, supporting tailored coatings like AG (Anti-Glare), AR (Anti-Reflection), and AF (Anti-Fingerprint).

We use Cookie to improve your online experience. By continuing browsing this website, we assume you agree our use of Cookie.