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Graphics FAQs for Customized Enclosures
Polycase offers three graphics methods, including digital printing, pad printing, and laser marking, each with its own advantages depending on project requirements.
Digital printing is full-color, also referred to as CMYK, printing that sprays ink directly onto the enclosure and cures it with UV light. Software precisely controls tiny ink droplets to reproduce detailed, photo-quality images with multiple colors and gradients.
Pad printing uses a silicone pad and an etched plate to transfer one color at a time onto a single enclosure. Pad printing is ideal for simple graphics or logos that do not have gradients and for parts with uneven or curved surfaces.
Laser marking uses a focused beam of light to permanently alter the surface of the enclosure or remove a surface coating, creating high-resolution text, graphics, or functional markings. This process is ideal for light colored plastics and powder-coated metals and does not compromise the structural integrity of the material. VIEW THE ANTICIPATED RESULTS GUIDE HERE
A printing template is available in the "Downloads" section of product pages that indicates the eligible areas for pad and digital printing. Laser marking is also eligible in these areas, plus additional surfaces. These include, but are not limited to, areas close to hinges, flanges, and other non-traditional surfaces that printing methods cannot reach.
Our engineering team will determine the best method for your project once you have ordered your quote. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Yes. Polycase uses durable, scratch-resistant ink for digital printing on our plastic enclosures. The ink provides excellent adhesion and scratch resistance, making it difficult to remove without physically scratching the plastic surface itself.
Internal crosshatch adhesion and tape testing showed no ink removal. Additionally, testing conducted in accordance with UL 61010-1, Section 5.3 (Durability of Markings), showed no observable loss of legibility, smearing, or fading.
Our digital printing services provide durable, high-quality markings for custom electronic enclosures, including logos, labels, and other printed designs.
Yes. Polycase uses acrylic-based, UV-cured ink for digital printing on our plastic enclosures. While the ink is not formally classified as UV-resistant, it offers resistance to UV exposure and is suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications.This type of ink is commonly used in the sign and banner industries, where printed materials are frequently exposed to sunlight and outdoor conditions.As with any printed material, some fading may occur over time. Color fading typically begins after 2–3 years in outdoor environments and 3–5 years in typical indoor environments, depending on exposure and environmental conditions.
Vector based artwork is required. This includes, but is not limited to, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and .pdf or .eps files.
(ACCEPTABLE ARTWORK FILES CHART/ PDF HERE)
Colors will be printed per your electronic artwork file. Artwork should be designed for the CMYK color space. If a PMS color value is requested, the CMYK equivalent will be printed. There may be a color shift in the process depending on the specific spot color. Black, red, and white are the available colors for keypad printing.
When printing is ordered, graphic file(s) with fonts converted to outlines or curves is suggested. If not converted, any fonts that are used should be sent along with the graphic file(s). If a font is not provided Polycase will use Arial.