Adding antimicrobial protection to your membrane keypad
Membrane panels are touched multiple times throughout the day by numerous people. Using a graphic overlay containing antimicrobial additives can help reduce the chance of bacteria spreading. This blog explains how designers can introduce an antimicrobial feature to a membrane panel.
Membrane keypads are a common interface solution, often used in industrial plants, medical applications, and machinery control panels. Different operating environments mean these surfaces become contaminated with dust, moisture, and bacteria; therefore, designers should look at water, chemical and antimicrobial resistant properties to enhance functionality. Medical applications predominantly require antimicrobial coating to help reduce healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs), however other industries can easily integrate these enhanced features within their membrane panels.
How does an antimicrobial protection work?
To incorporate antimicrobial properties within a membrane keypad, the overlay is made from Autotex AM, a high quality textured hard coat polyester. Microban is then evenly spread within the Autotex AM film during manufacturing. The Microban disturbs the cell wall inhibiting the growth of bacteria thus providing user protection against contamination from foreign bodies.
Why include antimicrobial properties within your design?
Antimicrobial overlays provide an additional layer of protection against the spread of germs. Especially in workplaces where machinery and control systems are shared by multiple users. If you are interested in incorporating antimicrobial protection within your design, contact one of our team for more information.