How JN White® Helped
At the core of this part was a custom-imported polycarbonate substrate from Japan—1.5mm thick, engineered to function both as a display lens and as a high-clarity, scratch-resistant graphic overlay. To enhance performance, the material was finished with PMR1 hard coat, known for its abrasion and chemical resistance, weather durability, and easy-to-clean surface. Often used in automotive and electronic display applications, PMR coatings ensure long-term clarity and toughness in demanding environments.
From there, our team added multiple layers of functionality through careful printing and finishing:
- Sub-Surface Printing: Yellow, black, and white graphics were applied beneath the surface for lasting protection, followed by a black custom tracking barcode on the reverse side.
- UV-Cured Texturing: A selective texture was added to the front surface to further boost scratch and chemical resistance while reducing glare from sunlight and finger printing—critical for outdoor readability.
- Custom Adhesive Application: To mount the panel, we used a cost-competitive Necal adhesive (a 3M VHB alternative). The adhesive was selectively die-cut and applied to reveal dead-front icons and display windows, balancing bonding strength with cost efficiency.
Due to the thickness of the material, we finished each part using CNC machining for both the perimeter and internal features. This process not only allowed us to achieve the tight tolerances required but also gave the edges a smooth, rounded finish.
From Material Selection to Finished Assembly
What began as a request for a single high-performance component grew into a full demonstration of JN White’s strengths:
- Material Expertise: Pairing thick-gauge polycarbonate with advanced PMR coatings for clarity and strength.
- Durability Engineering: Combining coatings, UV textures, and adhesive solutions to maximize resistance and readability while maintaining competitiveness.
- Precision Finishing: CNC machining for tight tolerances where traditional die cutting or laser cutting was not possible.
- Value Engineering: Offering competitive alternatives like Necal adhesive to reduce cost without compromising performance.
The Result
JN White delivered a control panel assembly that met the customer’s needs for clarity, durability, and seamless integration with their system. Specifically, the customer benefited from:
- High-quality, optically clear display lens with industry-leading scratch resistance
- Improved outdoor readability thanks to anti-glare surface texturing
- Long-lasting protection against chemicals, abrasion, and weather exposure
- Cost-effective bonding solution with selective adhesive application
- Tight-tolerance machining for a professional finish
This project demonstrates how advanced material sourcing, layered printing techniques, and thoughtful process engineering can come together to create a component that performs flawlessly in rugged environments.