Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: MacDermid Autotype | Subject: Autotex XE
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 December 2003
Polyester film ousts aluminium
Performance Ink has chosen Autotex XE textured polyester film as the preferred substrate for its new and patented VersiPlate replacement product for aluminium nameplates.
Following extensive research and development, Performance Ink, a US-based printing company providing high end screen printed products to major original equipment manufacturers, has chosen Autotype's Autotex XE textured polyester film as the preferred substrate for its new and patented VersiPlate replacement product for aluminium nameplates Performance Ink specialises in the development of cost saving innovations for the OEM industry, supplying custom screen-printed labels and decals, nameplates, membrane switches and graphical overlays
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 30 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Autotype has upgraded its existing Autotex UV textured polyester film to offer exceptional performance under extreme operating conditions.
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While UV stabilised polyester is usually aimed for outdoor applications, Autotype's Autotex XE is being used for a range of membrane touch switches for sun bed controls.
Established in 2000, the company has flourished despite downturns in the US economy.
The company's patented VersiPlate system is an industry-changing product that eliminates the need for old metal plate technology.
The VersiPlate is durable, user-friendly and can be imprinted on demand with standard existing equipment.
Further reading
Film protects controls from sun and sea
A new generation of electrical control cabinets for motorboats and sailing yachts exclusively use Autotype's Autotex XE.
Surface film decorates and protects
A formable hardcoat film has has found use on a range of heart rate monitors thanks to its resistance to cracking during forming and its ability to produce a scratch-proof chemical-resistant surface.
A computer can imprint, in any typeface and character size, variable information including barcodes, dates and serial numbers.
VersiPlate has been specially designed for outdoor, industrial and other applications where maximum levels of performance and reliability are essential, and incorporates a highly durable finish that is resistant to fading, abrasion and corrosion as well as most chemicals and solvents.
In addition, VersiPlate offers considerable benefits over traditional aluminium nameplates, including lower purchase costs (by as much as 30%), improved durability and legibility, ease of customising, and allows simple and permanent application by the user.
One of the most difficult areas of nameplate application is outdoors, where resistance to temperature and weather variations is critical.
Performance Ink owner John Register explains: "Our biggest concern with VersiPlate was UV degradation.
Following considerable research and evaluation of numerous films, we ultimately specified Autotype's Autotex XE polyester film, which best suited our requirements and the challenges of outdoor applications".
Autotex XE has been specially developed for extreme conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications where high or widely fluctuating temperatures, excessive humidity and strong levels of ultraviolet light are encountered.
Unlike conventional textured polyester films that can become brittle and yellow quickly when subjected to UV light, Autotex XE has an extended operating life.
This is achieved through the use of specially constructed hard coat and primer layers, enabling the film to be used at operating temperatures of up to 85C at humidity levels of 85% RH.
Register adds: "Autotex XE forms an exceptional foundation for the VersiPlate product, enabling us to offer a simple, cost effective solution that works for customers in the toughest of applications". Request a free brochure from MacDermid Autotype ...
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