FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Membrane
Keypad Manufacturing Transformed with Compo-SiL® Decorative Film
Silicone
Film Technology Allows for Seamless In-Mold Decoration
Hsinchu, Taiwan, July
2nd, 2024
- General Silicones Co., Ltd. (GS), renowned for its comprehensive
silicone solutions, announces an innovative application of its
Compo-SiL® decorative film in the production of membrane keypads. GS
introduces enhanced design flexibility, improved durability, and
superior hygiene into keypad manufacturing by integrating this
sophisticated silicone film with in-mold decoration processes.
Demonstrating the practicality and effectiveness of Compo-SiL® silicone
technology, GS has developed reference prototypes to aid manufacturers
and brands in evaluating the benefits silicone surfaces can bring to
their keypad product lines.
Benefits
of Compo-SiL® Silicone Decorative Film for Membrane Keypads
The integration of Compo-SiL® into the manufacturing of membrane keypads
utilizes its distinctive adhesion and bonding technology, allowing
direct incorporation of silicone-based decorative film during the
molding process. This seamless fusion with materials like PC and PET
not only enriches surface functionality but also brings the possibility
of backlit features to life, significantly enhancing user interface
design. The inherent properties of silicone—resistance to hydrolysis,
high temperatures, weather conditions, UV light, and water
repellent—ensure the keypad surface remains robust for indoor and
outdoor use in demanding environments.
For companies emphasizing sustainability, Compo-SiL® emerges as an
environmentally conscious choice over materials like PC. The lower
environmental footprint of silicone and the absence of VOC emissions
present an intriguing alternative to traditional materials such as PC
and PVC.
The decorative film
from Compo-SiL® comes in an array of aesthetic finishes and colors,
offering designers a broad spectrum of creative possibilities. With the
option for digital printing, customization extends to accommodate
diverse surface designs according to specific project requirements.
Beyond visual appeal, Compo-SiL® decorative film excels in tactile
quality, providing a range of textures from metallic and matte to 3D
pearl lines, leather, and wood finishes. This versatility ensures an
enhanced touch experience compared to conventional materials, making it
an ideal choice for applications requiring tactile interaction,
including touchscreen films.
Membrane
Keypads Solutions for Healthcare Devices
The
exceptional chemical inertness of silicone positions Compo-SiL® as a
prime material for healthcare devices necessating regular sterilization
and cleaning. Its resilience against degradation from frequent cleaning
with alcohol, disinfectants, and UV sterilization ensures lasting
durability. Additionally, incorporating antimicrobial, antifungal, and
antiviral components within silicone allows manufacturers to enhance
the benefits of their devices. Compo-SiL® has met stringent industry
standards, successfully passing ISO 22196:2011, JIS Z 2801:2012
antibacterial testing, ASTMG21 antifungal testing and ISO 21702:2019
antiviral testing. This validation underscores its suitability as the
preferred surface material for membrane keypads in critical medical
applications, such as patient monitoring systems and medical diagnostic
devices, where hygiene and durability are paramount.
Alternative
Use Cases of Compo-SiL® Decorative Film for In-Mold Decoration
The application of Compo-SiL® decorative film extends well beyond the
realm of membrane keypads, marking its presence across a diverse array
of industries including automotive, medical, and consumer products. Its
adaptability is showcased in automotive interiors, medical control
interfaces, and touch control panels for home appliances, bringing
aesthetic fluidity and enhanced tactile response to a multitude of
surfaces.
Exploring
Compo-SiL® Potential Across Industries:
- Automotive:
Enriches
interior aesthetics with applications in trim, door panels, dashboards,
center consoles, and more, elevating the user experience with
sophisticated touchscreen panels and decorative lighting components.
- Medical:
Provides reliable
solutions for hospital control panels, bedside controls, patient
monitoring devices, and wearable technology, ensuring cleanability and
durability in sensitive environments.
- Consumer
Products: Enhances
the functionality and appeal of home appliance panels, offering
intuitive touch control interfaces that blend seamlessly with modern
home aesthetics.
- Human Machine
Interface (HMI): Empowers innovative HMI designs with backlit
capabilities and clear touch buttons, optimizing user interaction
across various devices.
Integrating digital printing and customizable textures, along with
Compo-SiL®'s commitment to environmental sustainability and reduced VOC
emissions, establishes it as an ideal choice for brands and OEM
manufacturers aiming to infuse their product lines with innovation.
This versatile decorative film meets the evolving demands of modern
manufacturing and aligns with global sustainability goals, making it a
forward-thinking choice for future projects.
For more information, contact the Compo-SiL® sales team at [email protected]
or visit www.compo-sil.com.
About
General Silicones
General Silicones (GS) was founded in 1970 in Taiwan and is now
represented worldwide – including in Europe, China, Japan, and
South-East Asian countries. GS is a major distributor of silicone
materials and an active silicone products manufacturer with ISO 9001,
IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 certifications. The company has manufacturing
plants in Hsinchu, Taiwan; Wujiang, China; and Bac Giang, Vietnam. With
decades of experience, GS provides a wide range of silicone products
for many industries, including medical, automobile, consumer products,
electronics, and IT. For more information about GS, please visit www.generalsilicones.com.
For more information on Compo-SiL®, please visit www.compo-sil.com.