Author: Elishua West

Adhesives for Nameplates and Membrane Switch Panels

Read the published article: https://content.yudu.com/web/69r/0A42s6c/UKMAutumn2024/html/index.html?page=18&origin=reader

Cadillac Plastic is a Swindon based convertor and distributor of plastic films and filmic adhesives.  For over 40 years they have been providing customers with custom converted sheets and rolls of high-performance plastic films and filmic adhesives from major brands such as 3M, Lexan, MacDermid, Mylar, Transcontinental, and DuPont Tyvek.  Cadillac Plastic provides a bespoke solution for every application from membrane switch panels to display screens, nameplates, and durable labels, with sheeting, slitting, guillotining, laminating and die cutting at no extra cost.

The team behind Cadillac Plastic have years of experience and knowledge in the industry, providing technical support that is second to none.  For demanding, technical manufacturing applications there is no better company to offer support in finding the best solution.  A dedicated sales advisor will always ensure the most efficient sheeting and slitting patterns to optimize material yields, reducing waste and costs.

Membrane Switch and Flexible Circuits

The benefits of membrane switches include ease of cleaning, solvent and chemical resistance, sealing ability, and their low profile.  Membrane switches can be used together with other control systems such as touch screens, keyboards and back lighting.

Tactile feedback of keys can be provided by embossing the top layer or embedding metal snap domes, polyester domes or forming the graphic layer.

A hardcoated Polyester or Polycarbonate film on the top surface ensures durability whilst specialist 3M adhesives and spacer films bond the whole assembly together.

1.      Front Panel: Hardcoated Polyester Film

2.      Adhesive Transfer Tape: Adhesive Films and Tapes (e.g. 3M 467)

3.      Top Switch Circuit: High Performance Film

4.      Membrane Switch Spacer: Adhesive Films and Tapes (e.g. 3M 7956)

5.      Bottom Switch Circuit: High Performance Film

6.      Adhesive Transfer Tape: Adhesive Films and Tapes (e.g. 3M 467)

7.      Backer Board: Polyester Film; Polycarbonate Film

Choosing the Right 3M Adhesive for the Job

3M™ High Performance Acrylic Adhesive 200MP is a popular choice for graphic attachment and general industrial joining applications. It provides outstanding adhesion to metal and high surface energy plastics. This adhesive provides some initial repositionability for placement accuracy when bonding to plastics. It also performs well after exposure to humidity and hot/cold cycles.

• Up to 400⁰F short-term heat resistance

• Excellent solvent resistance

• Excellent shear strength to resist slippage and edge lifting

3M 467 (With 200MP Adhesive) Application Examples:

• Long term bonding of graphic nameplates and overlays

• Bonding metal nameplates and rating plates

• Bonding graphic overlays for membrane switches and for bonding the complete switch to the equipment surface.

• The adhesives bonding characteristics enable high speed processing of parts in the medical, telecommunications and electronics markets (medical components, durable labels, and flexible circuits).

• Bonding in lamination processes to industrial foams for rotary die-cutting of small gaskets for industrial and electronics markets.

3M 7956 (With 200MP Adhesive) Application Examples

• 3M™ Double Coated Membrane Switch Spacers are ideal for circuit separation

Why should I buy 3M adhesives from Cadillac Plastic?

Cadillac Plastic adds convenience and cost savings by supplying exactly the size and quantity you require, coupled with a short lead time – often next day. For multi-layer assemblies such as membrane switches, the overlay, heat stabilized Polyester for circuitry, spacer layers and adhesive tapes can all be purchased together in the correct size and quantity for that job.

Advantages of purchasing custom sizes and quantities:

• Cadillac Plastic converts materials from master rolls, minimising material waste and environmental impact.

• Buying no more than is required is the most cost-effective solution. Even ‘wasting’ 10-15% of a sheet is straight off the bottom line!

• When material is just the right size, the printing process can begin immediately, improving lead times.

• Materials can be supplied for specific jobs in the required quantities – this makes planning, internal tracking and allocation much easier.

• For multi-layer assemblies such as membrane switches, the overlay, heat stabilized Polyester for circuitry, spacer layers and adhesive tapes can all be purchased together in the correct size and quantity for that job.

• Purchasing ‘freshly’ converted material is better than using old, ‘out of date’ stock. This is especially important for adhesives.

ISO 9001 Quality Management Certification, held for over 30 years, is further evidence of dedication to quality and service. This is backed up by the ISO14001 environmental standard and ISO45001 for Health and Safety.

Not only does the team at Cadillac Plastic have their own product knowledge and expertise developed over many years of experience, the team at 3M are also on hand to provide help in offering solutions for ‘difficult to stick’ applications, for your evaluation. So, no matter what your project or application is, Cadillac is on hand with the appropriate product.

Cadillac Plastic is pleased to announce that Ed Giles has joined us as our new General Manager.  Ed brings a wealth of experience in substrates, adhesives, and industrial print from almost 16 years at Bex Design & Print Limited, where he was a key part of the Senior Leadership team.  His expertise in technical, engineering, and commercial aspects of the industry has been built steadily since his days studying Industrial Product Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University.  Known for his knowledge, drive, and enthusiasm, Ed has built long-standing relationships with customers and suppliers alike.  He is highly respected for his commitment to delivering practical, high-quality results that meet customer needs.

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With 20 years of front-facing customer experience, including 15+ years focused on screen and digital printing, Ed is passionate about problem-solving and building lasting relationships.  His deep knowledge of industrial films, substrates, and adhesives, along with his customer-focused approach, aligns perfectly with Cadillac’s ethos and commitment to delivering the best possible solutions and service to our customers.

We would like to thank Simon Jones for his commitment over the last 4 years in the General Manager role, as he helped Cadillac through various business transitions.  Simon will be moving to a part-time business development role, where he will continue to support Ed and Cadillac Plastic in further strengthening customer relationships and developing new growth opportunities.

The addition of Ed and the transition of Simon’s role bring even more expertise to the Cadillac Plastic team, ensuring that we continue to uphold the high standards of customer support and service that define our business.

We are excited for the future and look forward to continuing to work with you to drive mutual success. Please join us in welcoming Ed to Cadillac Plastic and wishing him every success in his new role.

Do you still purchase material in standard sheet and pack quantities?  A ‘one size fits all’ approach is rarely the most efficient or cost-effective way of purchasing print substrates and in the current business climate, greater efficiency and cost savings can make all the difference to a business. 

Cadillac Plastic provides a bespoke solution for every application from membrane switch panels to display screens and labels, with sheeting, slitting, guillotining, laminating and die cutting at no extra cost.

Advantages of purchasing custom sizes and quantities:
•    Cadillac Plastic converts materials from master rolls, minimising material waste and environmental impact.  
•    Buying no more than is required is the most cost-effective solution.  Even ‘wasting’ 10-15% of a sheet is straight off the bottom line!
•    When material is just the right size, processing can begin immediately, improving lead times.  
•    Materials can be supplied for specific jobs in the required quantities – this makes planning,  internal tracking and allocation much easier.
•    For multi-layer assemblies such as membrane switches, the overlay, heat stabilized Polyester for circuitry, spacer layers and adhesive tapes can all be purchased together in the correct size and quantity for that job.

This service combined with the high-performance films Cadillac Plastic supply, meets the stringent requirements of the Aerospace, Automotive and Medical industries.  Within the medical industry, anti-microbial films provide a safer surface for keypads and displays on equipment.  Aircraft interiors require flame retardant films and adhesives from LEXAN and 3M.  Heat stabilized Polyester films resistant to extreme temperatures are specified for automotive circuitry and labels.  We offer a comprehensive portfolio of material such as Reflex and MacDermid Hardcoated Polyester Films, Lexan Polycarbonate Films, Mylar Polyester Films, 3M Adhesives, and DuPont Tyvek.  

With such a wide range of options, how do you make the right choice of materials? 
The team behind Cadillac Plastic have years of experience and knowledge in the industry, providing technical support and product knowledge via the telephone and email, that is second to none.  For demanding applications, there is no better company to offer support in finding the best solution.  Some products are subject to a manufacturers MOQ, speak to us about your requirements.

The last customer event of 2024 was Members Day at Shelsley Walsh where enthusiasts bring their own cars for non-competitive runs on the hill.

Within our group we had an eclectic mix of vehicles, including two 1930’s Morgan 3-wheelers, a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, Lotus Elise and Mazda MX5 turbo. The paddock was full of classic and modern cars of all ages, some worth up to £0.5M!

There had been a lot of rain during the night, and we all drove to the venue in damp drizzly conditions. The first run was made in very slippery conditions, which contributed to a big ‘moment’ for John and Louise Wills in their Morgan coming out of the ‘Esses’. The official photographer captured the Morgan going up onto two wheels and then landing safely, no doubt helped by John’s motocross honed reactions! This was voted picture of the day and a story to dine out on for John and Louise.

The track quickly dried up and by lunchtime the sun was out. Mid-afternoon presented another challenge as around 100 young pheasants decided to invade the track causing a few of us to stop halfway up with horns blazing!

Everybody in the Cadillac Plastic group had a great day. For Neil and Wendy in their Morgan and Darren in his Lotus, it was their first experience of speed hill climbing. Tony and Liz in the Dolomite Sprint and John and Louise in the Morgan have attended all our Members Days and are seasoned campaigners.

It is the people that make these events, so thank you to all for attending!

Read our article published in Specialist Printing Worldwide below or on page 10: Read the Magazine | Specialist Printing Worldwide

Simon Jones at Cadillac Plastic Ltd outlines how global specialist printers can benefit from custom sizes and quantities of materials, enhancing cost savings and efficiency.

Many printers, all over the world, still purchase material in standard sheet and pack quantities. A 'one size fits all' approach is rarely the most efficient or cost-effective way of purchasing print substrates. In the current business climate, greater efficiency and cost savings can make all the difference to a business. Environmental footprint is an increasingly important consideration. The principle of 'reduction' can be applied by buying only what is required, rather than what is convenient for a distributor or manufacturer to sell.

For over 40 years, Cadillac Plastic has been providing industrial print customers with custom-converted sheets and rolls of high-performance plastic films and filmic adhesives. These are sourced from major manufacturers such as Transcontinental, Sabic, Mylar, 3M and Dupont.

Bespoke Solution

Cadillac Plastic provides a bespoke materials solution for every application, from membrane switch panels, to display screens and labels. Sheeting, slitting, guillotining, laminating and die-cutting come at no extra cost.

Advantages of purchasing custom sizes and quantities:

• Cadillac Plastic converts film materials from master rolls, minimising material waste and environmental impact
• Buying no more than is required provides a cost-effective solution
• When material is the exact size, the printing process can begin immediately, improving lead times
• Materials can be supplied for specific jobs in the required quantities, making planning, internal tracking and allocation much easier
• For multi-layer assemblies - such as membrane switches - the overlay, heat-stabilised polyester for circuitry, spacer layers and adhesive tapes can all be purchased together in the correct size and quantity for each job.
• Purchasing 'freshly' converted material is better than using old, 'out-of-date' stock - this is particularly important for adhesives
• All of the above leads to reduced inventory costs and better management of materials

Stringent Requirements

This service, combined with the high-performance films Cadillac Plastic supplies, meets the stringent requirements of the aerospace, automotive and medical industries. For example, within the medical industry, anti-microbial reflex films from Transcontinental, provide a safer surface for keypads and equipment displays

Aircraft interiors require flame retardant films and adhesives from LEXAN and 3M. Heat-stabilised polyesters and polyimide films - resistant to extreme temperatures - are specified for automotive circuitry and labels.

The industrial-print market makes up a large portion of Cadillac's customer base. Many businesses rely on the comprehensive portfolio of materials offered by Cadillac Plastic. These include Reflex hard-coated polyester films, Lexan polycarbonate films, Mylar polyester films, 3M adhesives and Du Pont Tyvek.

Making the Right Choice

The team behind Cadillac Plastic has years of experience and knowledge in the industry. As a result, they can provide technical support and product knowledge via telephone and email. For demanding printing applications, Cadillac Plastic offers support in finding the best solution. Even for relatively straightforward orders, a dedicated sales advisor will always ensure the most efficient sheeting and slitting patterns to optimise material yields, reducing waste and costs.

ISO 9001 Quality Management Certification - held for over 30 years - provides further evidence of dedication to quality and service. This is backed up by the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard and ISO 45001 for Health and Safety.

In Summary

Whether the job requires five or 50,000 pieces, the customer can purchase only the necessary amount. There is no need to buy oversized packs which leave unwanted material on the shelf.

Custom sizes are available - efficiently produced from master roll stock - thus eliminating the need to compromise with standard-sized sheets or rolls.

For complex, multi-substrate jobs, all the component parts can be bought from one supplier who can deliver the correct sizes and quantities.

Finally, expert advice is readily available on the best material for the job. This not only saves time and money, but customers will thank you for providing high-quality printed parts which meet their expectations.

Conclusion

Many customers, in the UK and across the world, make Cadillac Plastic their supplier of choice for specialist substrates. They recognise the many benefits of bespoke conversion, combined with quick turnaround of products, and short lead times. This strong position in the market makes Cadillac Plastic ideally placed to provide material wherever it is needed, as quickly as possible.

Liveo, the manufacturers of Staufen PVC, announced at short notice that they will cease the manufacture and supply of materials for the print and office markets.

We are pleased to announce that Cadillac Plastic will be partnering with Klöckner Pentaplast for future supplies of Cadoc branded Rigid PVC films. Klöckner Pentaplast is a high quality, established manufacturer of PVC and plastic materials, with a number of manufacturing sites across Germany and Europe. We are confident that this new partnership will ensure continued supply of premium quality Rigid PVC

As stocks of Satufen material are depleted, we will be switching to Cadco branded Rigid PVC Films as follows:

STAUFEN PVC MARK RESIST GLOSS becomes:

CADCO RIGID PVC FILM MARK RESIST GLOSS

STAUFEN PVC CLEAR GLOSS/GLOSS becomes:

CADCORIGID PVC FILM CLEAR GLOSS/GLOSS

STAUFEN PVC WHITE GLOSS/GLOSS becomes:

CADCO RIGID PVC FILM WHITE GLOSS/GLOSS

Please speak to the Sales Team at Cadillac Plastic who will guide you through the changes and ensure a smooth transition to Cadco Rigid PVC.

Cadillac Plastic recently had an article published in UK Manufacturing's online magazine. Read the article below to find out more about how to make the right choice in adhesive tapes.

Our Article:

The Full Magazine:

We will be publishing articles in the next 3 issues, so look out for them.

On Saturday 20th July 2024, Cadillac Plastic attended the Classic Nostalgia event at the world famous Hill Climb race event at Shelsley Walsh. 

Shelsley’s Classic Nostalgia weekend is a highlight in the UK’s motorsport calendar with the very best racing cars, vintage specials, garden party atmosphere and track action with Rally cars and cars from all eras. A relaxed meeting with lots going on away from the track too.

Simon Jones - Our General Manager - about the day:

“Our customer event at Classic Nostalgia this year did not disappoint.  We were joined by Grahame and Scott from CSI Equipment, along with Chris and Phil from Model Tech Design.

This year featured a wide selection of Group A, Group B and WRC rally cars, with Stig Blomqvist driving one of his original Audi Quattro’s.  Chris and Phil are big rally car fans, with Chris restoring a Vauxhall Chevette rally car.  They have also been involved in engineering projects for rally and F1 teams local to Bicester.

Grahame and Scott were real car enthusiasts.  It was their first visit to a Hillclimb event and they enjoyed the wide selection of vehicles being used as intended, rather than sitting in a museum.  Grahame spotted the sticker on a vintage car “Save the Planet – buy a car that lasts 100 years”.  So true in our disposable society!

We all made the (considerable) 1,000 yard climb to the finish line to see cars complete their runs, with stops along the way at good vantage points.

All in all, another great day in the company of valued customers and car enthusiasts.”

See pictures of the day below:

Featured Product: 3M™ 200MP High Performance Acrylic Adhesive

Cadillac Plastic not only supplies high quality plastic films, we also provide a wide selection of adhesive films and tapes.  We have worked with 3M for many years to provide the best product range for our customers.

3M™ High Performance Acrylic Adhesive 200MP is a popular choice for graphic attachment and general industrial joining applications.  It provides outstanding adhesion to metal and high surface energy plastics.  This adhesive provides some initial repositionability for placement accuracy when bonding to plastics, making it easy to use.  It also performs well after exposure to humidity and hot/cold cycles.

· Up to 204⁰F short-term heat resistance

· Excellent solvent resistance

· Excellent shear strength to resist slippage and edge lifting

3M™ High Performance Acrylic Adhesive 200MP adhesive is the base adhesive for a range of roll and sheet products with different adhesive and liner thickness.  Thicker liners being more suitable for die-cutting and kiss cutting applications. 

Typical applications for this adhesive type:

· Long term bonding of graphic nameplates and overlays (“subsurface” printed polycarbonate or polyester) to metal and high surface energy plastics.  These are used for aerospace, medical and industrial equipment, automotive, appliance and electronics markets.

· Bonding graphic overlays for membrane switches and for bonding the complete switch to the equipment surface.

· The adhesives bonding characteristics enable high speed processing of parts in the medical, telecommunications and electronics markets (medical components, durable labels, and flexible circuits).

· Bonding in lamination processes to industrial foams for rotary die-cutting of small gaskets for industrial and electronics markets.

Overview of 200MP Product Range: 467MP, 7952MP, 7962MP, 468MP, 7955MP, 7965MP

Contact our Sales Team for expert advice on the right 3M™  adhesive for your application.