Bex Design has the experience and capabilities to design and manufacture precision machined fascia panels and graphic overlays.

Graphic overlays can be produced for membrane keypads that may include, led indicators, hidden till-lit areas and also standalone graphics without switch functionality. Fascias are produced by either screen or digital print methods dependant on requirements/ batch size.

Graphic Overlay Processing Screen and Digital Printing, are the most common printing methods for graphic overlays. Screen Print has the ability to reproduce exact colour matches, with exceptional stability and opacity on various media.

Digital Printing is the most suitable method if the print quantities are relatively small, the design has fine tonal gradients or full colour images (1220 dpi). Benefits of digital printing are low cost set ups and quick turnaround of product.

Bex Design has the experience and capabilities to design and manufacture precision machined fascia panels and graphic overlays. Graphic overlays can be produced for membrane keypads that may include, led indicators, hidden till lit areas and also standalone graphics without switch functionality. Fascias are produced by either screen or digital print methods dependant on requirements/ batch size.

Digital Printing is more appropriate for graphic overlays if the number of colours increase above three or four. Digital Printing is also suitable if the print quantities are relatively small, the print design has small dimensions and there is a need for quick turnaround.

This process is idyllic for fine tonal gradients and full colour images involved in the artwork. Lithographic Printing can print exact colour matches such PMS (The Pantone Matching System) as well as fine detail.

Our multi-functional digital cutting system achieves outstanding levels of cutting precision combined with a rapid output. Products finished on this system include, Traffic Signs, Displays, Point Of Sale items, industrial fascia graphics, gaskets and insulators, traffolyte and nameplates, plus many more. With this system we can also undertake routing and engraving for items such as Machine Badges and Edge Lit Signs. If you would like to find out more about our digital print rapid prototyping or digital cutting services or if you have a specific silk screen requirement, please call our sales department 01249 821 127 or email us on sales@bexdesign.co.uk

Pantone Systems
Bex Design matches the desired colour and creates a colour swatch using the process and substrate material to be used in production. The care of the match to a PMS colour is influenced by the substrate on which the colour is printed, also the density of transparent material.

Process Control
is accomplished by comparison in a control D65 light booth, however under most circumstances a careful visual comparison of the colour chip and the production part is sufficient to assure good colour control. Full daylight, variable daylight and incandescent is also used for comparison and colour verification.

All clients bespoke custom or corporate colour formulas are stored in our unique computerised data base. These can be recalled for repeat orders, therefore colour levels remain consistent.

Overlays with LCD windows are produced using gloss, hard coated, scratch resistant polyester or polycarbonate. Colours and window tints are 2nd surface printed and the 1st surface (top surface) is usually selectively textured using specialist inks. The LCD windows can be specified with a choice gloss levels (for glare attenuation), or with a window tint, these are selectively applied to the back of the overlay so as not to obscure the LCD viewing area.

Graphic Overlays with LED Windows

Graphic Overlays can be produced with small clear round windows for viewing LED's. These windows can be flush with the overlay surface or embossed (raised higher than the overlay surface) to house the LED's. As with LCD windows, LED windows can be tinted, or dead fronted. The adhesive is excluded from the LED window to facilitate optimal light transmission, and avoid the accumulation of debris.

Materials used for Graphic Overlays /Industrial Fascia Graphics

Vinyl is a strong, flexible, low cost material, supplied with an adhesive backing and is available in clear format and a variety of solid and metallic colours. Printing can only be applied to the top surface of the material, which is exposed to chemical tarnish or abrasion. Over-laminating or over-printing with a clear, hard coat lacquer will enhance the protection printing. Vinyl is an ideal choice of material for labels and decorative trim, which is unlikely to be exposed to extreme environmental conditions for large periods of time. Bex Design finish the material in either Gloss, Semi-gloss, Matt and Mark resistant texture.

PVC is a tough, low cost material, which is available in clear/ transparent and a range of colours. Clear material can be reverse printed and over-laminated with an adhesive film suitable to meet application needs. This production method protects the printed images from abrasion. PVC is also available with a textured mark resistant surface, which improves the materials resistance to light and mechanical abrasion. Bex Design can finish PVC in Gloss, Semi-gloss, Matt and Mark Resistant texture.

Polycarbonate is a versatile durable material with an outstanding optical transmission, mechanical properties and thermal stability and is produced in a broad range of thickness and surface finishes, these are available with impregnated antimicrobial surface protection. Polycarbonate is the ideal material for use in overlays and fascias where machining, non-functioning embossing and display windows are design requirements.
Bex Design can finish Polycarbonate in Gloss, Semi-gloss, Matt, fine and velvet textures are available with hard surface coatings, Flame Retardant and UV Stability.

Polyester is a resourceful material with excellent optical transmission, chemical resistance, thermal stability and flexing capabilities. Polyester is available up to 250 microns thick and is the ideal material for overlays used in food hygiene, static areas, and as a resistance to chemicals. Polyester can be finished in Gloss, Semi-gloss, Matt and fine texture available with hard surface coatings, UV stability, and with Antimicrobial Protection.

Digital Cutting overlays, labels, and membrane switch layers thinner than 750 microns are generally die-cut using steel rule dies, digital cutting-routing is more common for low volume/prototyping and also cutting thicker materials up to 10mm.

Digital cutting methods, require no tooling investment, they have a quicker construction time than cutting with steel rule platen tool and do not incur a lead-time delay whilst the tool has to be manufactured.

Embossing- Hydro Forming is used to emphasise the key area of a graphic overlay or membrane switch. Key embossing can either be rim (perimeter) or pillow (pad). Embossing may also be done to raise LED's above the surface of an overlay, a decorative effect to a logo, and writing in Braille for specialist items.