Graphics FAQs for Customized Enclosures

Polycase offers several graphics methods, 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.

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.

The ink used in the digital printing process is UV cured. The adhesion / scratch resistance of the ink on the plastic is excellent. The ink cannot be scratched off of the plastic without mechanically scratching into the plastic itself. Internal cross hatch cut and tape testing resulting in no ink being pulled up after testing was completed.

Furthermore, after internal testing according to UL Standard UL 61010-1 (Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use, Section 5.3, Durability of Markings), there was no observable degradation in legibility, smearing or fading of the printing after performing the test.

The ink used in our printing process is acrylic based; UV cured, and is an ink system that is used for labels. It's not labeled as UV resistant because it reacts with, and is cured by UV light. However, the ink can be exposed to UV rays. The ink is commonly used in the sign and banner industries which endure heavy UV exposure. As with any ink, the color will fade over time. You may start to see fading in 2-3 years for typical outdoor applications and 3-5 years for typical indoor applications.

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.