Printed Intelligence by Serigraph
Serigraph has expanded its printing and in-mold labeling (IML) technology with integrated capacitive touch sensors that completely replace mechanical switches, sliders and wheels. When combined with IML, the result is an aesthetically unique and functionally robust human machine interface (HMI) product.
Current products and technologies require multiple components to create a functional interface. The combination of IML with capacitive touch sensors delivers a functional, single-piece solution that is durable and water-resistant. Multiple colors, registered backlit graphics and select textures all can be integrated into one seamless part without the cost and quality risks associated with paint or other more complex processes.
Here are some of the benefits:
Design Flexibility
- Ability to incorporate touch sensor inputs on curved surfaces.
- Easily create product portfolios with different features - IML can add/reduce features while hardware/software can simply turn
off features. (High-end vs. low-end option flexibility for OEMs)
- Selective soft-touch coatings can provide a tactile feel to identify feature locations.
- Dead-front graphics deliver a clean product look until functions are activated.
- Integrated style lines give the perception of an assembly, but with one-piece durability.
- Unique, customer-matched colors, metallic, pearlescent and other distinctive effects are available.
Durability
- Single piece design resists liquids, dirt and other contaminants.
- Products are easy to clean, especially important for medical applications.
- Coating solutions are capable of withstanding abrasion and chemical resistance requirements. (including Automotive interior requirements for DEET and Suntan lotion)
Functionality
- Intuitive user interface design, including capacitive sliders, touch input, scrolling and proximity sensing.
- HMI functionality features can be tuned to have different outputs.
- Integration of capacitive sensing technology provides active user input functionality.
- Dead front graphics provide user feedback only when activated.
Printed Intelligence by Serigraph HMI Functions/Capabilities
HMI Feature
|
Function
|
Feature
|
Application
|
|
Knob |
Rotation |
Fast or Slow Response |
Scroll through options, adjust intensity |
|
Slider |
Slide/Shift |
|
Blend (temp), change position (max, min, in between) |
|
Button |
On/Off |
Quick Response/Long Response(min. time in contact)
|
Function on/off, select option(s) |
|
Any of Above |
Proximity |
Distance tuning - Ability to use embossed button, where sensor only activated when depressed |
Auto on when user close, user approach direction (approach from left or right, may be useful for automotive climate control) |
|
Any of Above |
Safety/Lockout |
Multiple input required to function |
Useful to avoid false engagement, such as in industrial settings on equipment for safety reasons. |
Reduced Complexity
- Removes the need for separate touch sensors applied to backside of parts.
- Ability to decouple the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) from the HMI, reduce PCB size and re-package the PCB in less constrained areas.
- Reduces overall part count and potential failure modes.
- Robust manufacturing process ensures consistent product performance.
Electronics
- Connects to a PCB with z-axis compression connectors, coated zifconnectors and crimpflex
- Can be controlled by standard microprocessors such as Atmel, Microchip and Cypress
- LEDs are not directly soldered to circuits
Contact us to learn more.