Why WeProFab Polycarbonate Overlay

Weprofab manufactures different kinds of polycarbonate overlay and one of the well-known provider of polycarbonate overlay in China for more than 20 years now. If you are looking for a polycarbonate overlay for your business or for your other applications, Weprofab offering our high quality and high standard of polycarbonate to tyou.

Weprofab polycarbonate overlay is one of the well-known choice for usage that requires elevated mechanical strength and better viewed transparency. It is used to protect enhance the graphically switch of the assemblies. The polycarbonate overlay has great solidity with corrosive chemical resistance, and can resist stains, heat, flames, and laceration.

Our polycarbonate overlays can be used for control panels. It can be applied and used for different industry applications like electronics industry, automotive and marine industry. Also can be used for different machines and equipment for business, industrial, appliances, and even in fitness and health equipment.

Weprofab polycarbonate overlay equip superb impact resistance and its finishes may expand its durability. Many fonts as well as the designs are obtainable even your company logo. It is cost-effective that provides precise information to machinery and other devices to simplify the equipment operation. Also you can see them everyday in gasoline pumps, Automatic Teller Machine or ATM, and in medical equipment.

The best thing about our polycarbonate overlay is that all shapes can be customize and die-cut designs. It can stand even in a raspy weather conditions. The data, serialization and barcodes are unlimited in every polycarbonate overlay. Different colours can be used.

In Weprofab, we are dedicated and knowledgeable in providing excellent and quality services and products to our valued customers in order to meet their specific requirements and achieve customers satisfaction.

Aside from polycarbonate overlay we also manufactures control panel overlay, front panel overlay, die cut overlay, arcade overlay, and many more.

If you have questions regarding our polycarbonate overlay, just contact us!

Polycarbonate Overlay: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Polycarbonate overlay refers to a film material with printed graphics acting as visual indicators for a wide range of human-machine interfaces.

Often, this film material is available in different designs and varieties depending on numerous factors.

This guide explores several aspects of polycarbonate overlay, such as major types, features, advantages, applications, choice factors, etc.

As such, it becomes easy for you to grasp viable information to help you mostly in decision-making process as far as purchasing is concerned.

What Are The Major Types Of Polycarbonate Overlay In The Market?

polycarbonate overlay

Essentially, polycarbonate overlays are quite several in the market today.

Of course, the popularity is due to efficiency and reliability this material exhibits in its various applications.

Thus, it means you can find them in different designs and styles to suit various applications and user preferences.

Even so, the specific type of polycarbonate overlay depends on the particular application.

Simply put, these materials are designed for specific wide-ranging applications.

But the most common ones from WeProFab that you can easily find in the markets include the following;

Polycarbonate Graphic Overlay

The design of this material is to protect electronic devices, remote control graphics, and signage among others, from abrasive materials.

polycarbonate graphic overlay

It is a suitable option since it can endure various unfavorable environmental conditions.

Polycarbonate Dead Front Overlay

You can use it on different electronic devices purposely as anti-scratch, waterproof and aesthetic features.

polycarbonate dead front overlay

Brushed Polycarbonate Overlay

It is quite unique and has a relatively brushy-surface finish, and is ideal for protecting and enhancing efficiency of various electronic components.

brushed polycarbonate overlay

Digital Polycarbonate Overlay

The design of this material features seamless integration with digital features of a specific device to improve efficiency and protect component’s surface.

digital polycarbonate overlay

Polycarbonate Panel Overlay

It is suitable for control panels of various machinery and devices used in different applications.

At WeProFab, you can also get custom polycarbonate overlay materials depending on your application demands.

polycarbonate panel overlay

The commonly available ones include the following;

• Embossed sticker polycarbonate overlay
• Waterproof polycarbonate overlay
• Polycarbonate Lexan overlay

What Makes Polycarbonate Overlay Better Than Other Options?

Numerous factors make polycarbonate overlay stand out among its competition, such as follows;

Economical

Ordinarily, polycarbonate is one of the most economical materials that offer solutions for overlay needs.

In essence, it is cost-effective to use in different applications, which require functional features such as LED windows and touch control.

Lightweight

Polycarbonate is naturally a lightweight material but exhibits excellent strength features.

This makes it quite convenient to use since it hardly adds any significant weight to the respective application.

Versatile

Essentially, polycarbonate overlay makes it easy for you to decorate it using several options.

You may use full-color graphics, dead front or backlit graphics, or clear color windows, depending on what suits your preference.

Besides, you can use various enhancement options such as 3D effects among others.

The bottom line is this material gives you as many options to customize it accordingly.

Long-Lasting

Often, artwork and graphics are applied to the backside or second surface of this material.

It leads to natural protection for the copy and graphics.

Also, the base material has a natural resistance to abrasions, heat, and chemical compounds, thus quite durable.

Supply Options

You can supply polycarbonate overlays in single die cuts or strips of multiple parts.

Moreover, you can supply families of parts in knitted format for faster and convenient assembly.

Polycarbonate material is available in different surface finishing such as high gloss clear and velvet texture among others.

What Is The Ideal Thickness Of Polycarbonate Overlay?

Technically, the most suitable thickness of polycarbonate overlay is dependent on different factors.

An ideal thickness size should provide excellent efficiency and reliability as far as the particular application is concerned.

In essence, it is imperative to establish the specific application you want to use with the material to figure out the ideal thickness.

For instance, automotive dashboard would require a polycarbonate overlay with a thickness of about 1-2 mm.

On the other hand, this may vary in different applications, such as control panel overlay applications.

Nonetheless, the most appropriate polycarbonate overlay thickness is based on the specific application.

Can Polycarbonate Overlay Crease Easily?

Not at all.

Inherently, polycarbonate material used for making this overlay component is quite strong and resistant to environmental factors.

It has a solid molecular structure arising from strong bondage of such molecules during manufacturing process.

Besides, various strength-enhancing additives are usually integrated into the material during manufacturing.

The essence is to reinforce the overall strength of this material to make it resistant to unfavorable environmental and mechanical conditions.

Thus, this overlay material can hardly crease easily when subjected to ordinary conditions.

How Do You Size Polycarbonate Overlay?

There is no definitive size of a polycarbonate overlay material.

In essence, it depends on the specific dimensions of the particular applications you are using it on.

You can find polycarbonate overlay in a wide range of sizes, making it easy for you to find one that suits your specific application.

Ordinarily, polycarbonate overlay is flexible material; hence you can easily size it by cutting to get the right dimensions.

Mostly, CNC cutting is the most appropriate technique for sizing polycarbonate overlay due to guarantees precision.

Moreover, this method is quite faster and convenient to use in sizing polycarbonate overlay.

Polycarbonate Overlay Is Available In How Many Colors?

You can find polycarbonate overlay in as many colors as possible.

Simply put, there is no limit to the specific color as far as polycarbonate overlay is concerned.

What happens is that polycarbonate material used for making overlay is relatively soft.

Therefore, you can easily infuse different colors into the surface material to ensure you attain the specific one that meets your demands.

Ordinarily, this is imperative because it shows you can broaden your choice options when choosing an ideal color for your application.

Thus, you can find this material in more than 50 primary, secondary and tertiary color shades.

Besides, you can find polycarbonate overlay in mixed colors or blended colors such as rainbow finish.

Of course, this is advantageous, especially when your application requires polycarbonate overlays with specific or multiple color hues.

Can Clear Polycarbonate Overlay Fade Over Time?

Not necessarily, but it depends on quite a lot of factors.

Intrinsically, polycarbonate material is transparent in its natural form.

And it permits a significant amount of light to pass through, making it one of the clearest thermoplastic materials.

However, whether it can fade or discolor over time varies based on different aspects surrounding the actual material used.

For instance, since polycarbonate material is available in different grades of up to 20 variations, the exact grade would determine whether it fades.

High-quality polycarbonate material grade hardly fades since it has a solid and intact molecular structure difficult to break down.

On the other hand, polycarbonate overlay made from low-quality grade is likely to fade over time since its molecules tend to break down quickly.

Another important determinant of whether this material can fade over time is the UV additives added.

Often, fading is common due to ultraviolet radiation attacking the surface material and weakening the molecular structure.

If the material is coated appropriately using a reliable and efficient UV additive, it becomes difficult to break its molecules.

In a nutshell, whether a clear polycarbonate overlay can fade over time is dependent on many factors, including the above-mentioned ones.

What Are The Main Specifications Of Polycarbonate Overlay?

A typical polycarbonate overlay material exhibits plenty of features making it quite outstanding.

Some of these specifications are as follows;

Incredible dimensional stability – It hardly deforms nor changes its shape or dimensions even when exposed to high-temperature conditions.

Highly versatile – You can use polycarbonate overlay in different applications and attain the desired results.

Non-corrosive – Polycarbonate overlay has excellent resistance to chemical compounds thus can hardly react nor corrode the surface material.

Lightweight – It is extremely paperweight, given that the thickness required for many applications is quite thin.

Abrasion-resistant – Mostly, the surface material of this component repels scratches from abrasive objects or aggressive handling.

Outstanding tear strength – You can hardly tear this material easily, making it a suitable choice for most applications where pulling is a major concern.

Heat-sealed – It can never allow air to pass through it, which ensures it maintains the ambient application conditions.

Waterproof – Moisture can never permeate through the surface of polycarbonate overlay; hence suitable for applications where moisture containment is a concern.

Is It Possible To Polish Polycarbonate Overlay?

Yes.

However, you must be specific about the type of polishing technique you are using on this surface material.

Since the wall thickness of a typical polycarbonate overlay is quite thin, an ideal polishing method would be flame or vapor polishing.

Flame polishing entails exposing the overlay material to heat or flame.

The flame or heat allows the material to melt slightly, leading to tension and smoothening of the surface.

However, you must be meticulous when it comes to flame polishing polycarbonate overlay for best results.

Alternatively, you may consider vapor polishing, which involves exposing this material to a specific chemical vapor.

This chemical vapor triggers surface flow and enhances polished surface finish.

In a nutshell, you can polish polycarbonate overlay, but it is imperative to ensure you use the right technique appropriately.

How Safe Is Polycarbonate Overlay?

Exceptionally safe.

This material hardly emits any toxic fumes irrespective of the chemical compound in contact with.

It implies it does not pose any health hazard to you or any other users.

Besides, this material is non-reactive even when exposed to high-temperature conditions.

Therefore, it is safe to use in various applications.

Does Polycarbonate Overlay Crack?

Not easily.

Ordinarily, polycarbonate overlay has a softer surface material.

However, the surface material is made of solid molecular bonds that cannot crack easily.

Besides, it is shatterproof, making it one of the most robust thermoplastic materials to consider for various overlay projects.

How Do You Make Polycarbonate Overlay Scratch-Resistant?

Since polycarbonate surface material is quite soft, it means it is susceptible to scratches from abrasive objects or aggressive handling.

However, you can use several ways to prevent scratches from forming on the surface material of polycarbonate overlay.

Some of these techniques include the following;

Integrating anti-scratch surface coating – You can use an aftermarket coating sheet and apply it on the surface of this material to prevent it from scratching.

Lamination – Ideally, you may go for a laminated polycarbonate overlay material since the laminating component protects the actual overlay material from abrasive objects.

Can You Reuse Polycarbonate Overlay?

Yes.

Polycarbonate material used for making overlays is highly recyclable.

In essence, you can fully recycle used polycarbonate overlay rather than dumping them in landfills.

Recycled polycarbonate overlays have same properties that non-recycled or virgin material contains.

Once recycled, you can reuse the overlays in same or other applications.

Of course, this is beneficial because you prevent incidents of depleting natural resources when deriving polycarbonate material.

Furthermore, it saves on cost since it implies you can reuse the material and still attain similar desired results.

Which Industries Can You Use Polycarbonate Overlay?

Typically, polycarbonate overlays are used in a wide range of applications across various industries.

The most common ones include the following;

• Manufacturing industries
• Automotive sector
• Aviation industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Security sector
• Banking sector
• Medical industry
• Retail industry
• Electronic household appliances

How Do You Determine The Price Of Polycarbonate Overlay?

When buying polycarbonate overlay, several factors come into play as far as actual cost is concerned.

Some of these factors include the following;

Type of polycarbonate overlay – Often, these materials are available in different designs and styles. Thus, the actual price is often based on the specific type of material.

Specifications – Polycarbonate overlays feature different design specifications, which in the long run, determine the actual purchase price.

Quantity – The number of polycarbonate overlay pieces you are buying also plays a fundamental role in determining the actual price.

Mostly, the more the volume, the higher the discount and vice versa.

Material quality – Ordinarily, the superior the material grade, the costlier the price, and the inferior the material, the cheaper the cost.

Manufacturer – Different manufacturers price these materials differently based on various factors such as brand positioning in the market.

What Are The Viable Alternatives To Consider In Place Of Polycarbonate Overlay?

Essentially, you can use several options in place of polycarbonate overlay.

However, the most suitable alternative depends on the type of application you are using it on.

Nonetheless, some of the commonly used substitutes to polycarbonate overlay include the following;

Polyester

It makes thin, durable, and cost-effective overlays.

This material is lightweight and resistant to tears and chemical substances.

Vinyl

It is quite flexible and cost-friendly, thus a suitable choice mostly for caution and warning overlays.

You may, however, need to over-laminate it, especially if you have to use it in outdoor applications.

What Are The Possible Causes Of Yellowing In Polycarbonate Overlay?

Mostly, it arises due to overexposure of this component to excessive sunlight for long.

Often, sunlight emits harmful UV rays, which attack the surface of this material, penetrate and weaken the molecules.

Once the molecules become weak, they break down, leading to yellowing of the surface material.

Thus, it would be ideal if possible to avoid overexposing polycarbonate material to intense sunlight.

Another possible cause is use of substandard polycarbonate material to make these overlays.

Low-quality material, in essence, has a weak molecular bond, which easily breaks down when exposed to various harsh environmental conditions.

As such, when subjected to unfriendly or aggressive conditions, the surface material tends to yellow.

Besides, poor quality manufacturing during manufacturing process of polycarbonate overlay may lead to yellowing.

How Durable Is Polycarbonate Overlay?

Ideally, a typical polycarbonate overlay is quite durable and can last for several years without showing worn-out signs.

But in many instances, the actual durability is dependent on the specific application conditions.

Different applications are subjected to various environmental and mechanical conditions.

Some conditions are moderate, whereas others tend to be more aggressive, and this determines whether the material can last for long.

Another durability determinant factor is the actual quality of polycarbonate material used for making the overlay.

Ordinarily, a high-quality polycarbonate overlay material will last for long since it has specifications, which can endure different conditions.

Also, the surface enhancement treatments applied to the polycarbonate material influence the overall durability.

For instance, applying an anti-scratch coating, anti UV treatment, and generally laminating the surface material enhances its durability.

It is the reason you’ll find polycarbonate overlay with properly treated surface material tend to last for long.

Again, the workmanship quality integrated during manufacturing process plays a significant role in determining actual durability.

In essence, this material can last for a long, but in most instances, the durability depends on the above-mentioned aspects.

What Are The Shortcomings Of Polycarbonate Overlay?

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate overlay is that depending on specific design, it can be relatively costly.

However, it guarantees quality, which makes the cost worthy.

For any questions or inquiry about polycarbonate overlay, contact us now.