Graphic Overlays and Nameplates for OEM Equipment
JASPER manufactures graphic overlays, glass and acrylic panels, label and metal nameplates, and doming labels — every front-surface and identification part an OEM product needs, built from your artwork.
Start with the front surface that fits your part
Six ways to finish the front of a product, each built from your artwork. Pick the closest route and jump straight to it; the selection guide below helps if you are still deciding.
Custom Graphic Overlays
Flexible PET or PC printed film — the top layer of a membrane switch, with keypad graphics, embossed keys, and dead-front windows.
Learn MoreGlass Nameplates
Rigid screen-printed glass with display windows and hidden dead-front icons, for a premium, scratch-resistant front.
Learn MoreAcrylic (PMMA) Panels
Rigid PMMA panels and cover lenses — lighter and cheaper to shape than glass, with windows, coatings, and dead-front options.
Learn MoreLabel Nameplates
Flexible polycarbonate or polyester labels, subsurface printed, for durable ID, warnings, ratings, serials, and barcodes.
Learn MoreDoming Label Nameplates
Printed labels under a clear polyurethane 3D dome, for glossy brand emblems and badges that pop and survive.
Learn MoreMetal Nameplates
Etched or anodized aluminum, stainless, or brass — permanent ID that outlasts salt, solvents, heat, and abrasion.
Learn MoreA graphic overlay is usually a custom part, not a catalog item.
The same front-panel idea may call for a flexible PET or PC overlay, a rigid glass or acrylic panel, a printed label, a domed emblem, or an etched metal plate — depending on the enclosure, the surface it mounts to, the cleaning method, UV and chemical exposure, and the expected operating life.
Match the job to the front surface
If you are not sure which route fits, start with the closest one and include drawings or sample photos in your quote request. We will confirm the call before tooling.
| If you need… | Best for | Common design decisions | Start here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom graphic overlays | A membrane-switch face with keypad graphics and tactile keys. | Overlay film (PET/PC), embossed keys, dead-front windows, adhesive, connector cutouts. | Custom Graphic Overlays |
| Glass nameplates | A premium, hard, scratch-proof front, often with a display window. | Glass type, thickness, second-surface print, dead-front transmission, edge finish, adhesive. | Glass Nameplates |
| Acrylic panels | A rigid clear panel or cover lens, lighter and cheaper to shape than glass. | PMMA grade, thickness, cut/window profile, surface coating, dead-front, adhesive. | Acrylic Panels |
| Label nameplates | A durable printed ID label — warnings, ratings, serials, barcodes. | PC vs polyester, thickness, finish, subsurface print, die-cut windows, variable data. | Label Nameplates |
| Doming labels | A glossy 3D brand emblem or badge. | Polyurethane dome, base material, die-cut shape, adhesive or magnet, finish. | Doming Labels |
| Metal nameplates | Permanent ID for salt, solvents, heat, and abrasion. | Metal and alloy, marking method, etch depth, finish, mounting, compliance. | Metal Nameplates |
PET, PC, and the rest of the stack
For the flexible overlays and labels, the substrate is usually the first call. Polyester (PET) takes around 1,000,000 actuations and shrugs off chemicals, which makes it the default for membrane-switch overlays and high-cycle keypads. Polycarbonate (PC) brings a UL 94 V-0 flame rating and better impact resistance, so it earns nameplates and enclosures with flame or impact requirements. The rigid routes move to glass, PMMA, or metal; the decorative one adds a polyurethane dome.
Across all of them, our standard material stack is RoHS 2.0 and REACH SVHC compliant and carries UL 94 flame ratings, and we provide material data sheets and compliance declarations for vendor qualification. Surfaces, windows, coatings, and adhesives — 3M 467, 468, and 300LSE among them — are matched to the panel, the surface energy, and the service environment. For a deeper look, see our graphic overlay materials reference.
Graphic overlay questions buyers often ask
What is a graphic overlay?
A graphic overlay is a thin printed film bonded to the face of an OEM control panel. It labels the buttons, shows status, carries the branding, and shields the circuitry underneath from abrasion, chemicals, and moisture. JASPER builds them from polyester (PET) or polycarbonate (PC), printed by screen or digital process and backed with pressure-sensitive adhesive, with options for clear or dead-front windows, embossed keys, and protective coatings. It also heads a wider family here — glass nameplates, acrylic panels, label nameplates, doming labels, and metal nameplates.
Which route should I choose?
It comes down to the surface and the environment. A custom graphic overlay (flexible PET/PC film) is the default for membrane-switch faces and printed control panels. A glass nameplate or an acrylic panel gives a rigid front with windows or a cover lens. A label nameplate is a flexible printed ID label; a doming label adds a glossy 3D resin emblem. A metal nameplate is the permanent, rigid route for harsh environments. Send us the part and we will point you to the right one before tooling.
PET or PC?
Polyester (PET) carries roughly 1,000,000 actuations and resists chemicals well, so it is the default for membrane-switch overlays and high-cycle keypads. Polycarbonate (PC) carries a UL 94 V-0 flame rating and higher impact resistance, which suits nameplates and enclosures with flame or impact requirements. Our standard PET and PC stock is RoHS and REACH compliant with UL 94 flame ratings.
Graphic overlay reference pages for material and print decisions
Use these resources to define the overlay surface, PET or PC material, subsurface printing, display windows, adhesive backing, and dead-front icon requirements before sample approval.
Compare backlighting options before tooling
Review LED indicators, light guide film, dead-front icons, windows, brightness, and light leakage before sample approval.
Send your artwork and we will route it
Tell us the panel, the surface it mounts to, and the environment it lives in. JASPER will confirm which of the six routes fits and quote material, finish, adhesive, and lead time.
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