Phosphorescent Electronics Case Study

A leading manufacturer of oxygen concentrators and delivery equipment needed engineering and production assistance for a membrane switch used in a medical device product. The switch needed to be visible in low light environments. JN White® engineered a custom part with glow-in-the-dark graphics created using phosphorescent technology while also incorporating other common features medical equipment manufactures need for long-term durability, chemical resistance and liquid ingress.

Challenges

The customer approached JN White® for help engineering and producing a membrane switch for a portable oxygen unit. The product was utilized in low light environments and the customer needed a solution with graphics that would be easy to see in these situations. In addition, the switch needed to be sealed to meet stringent medical device guidelines.

How JN White® Helped

After initially manufacturing prototypes with white graphics, the customer wanted more visibility in low light environments. The engineering team at JN White® quickly engineered a solution to the visibility challenge by proposing glow-in-the-dark graphics. This graphics treatment was achieved using phosphorescent technology. In addition the team engineered the switch with a “solid” polycarbonate gasket that met the “ingress” requirements without going the route of expensive 3M VHB tape.

Results

The team at JN White® managed the engineering of this component from inception through production. The final switch is sealed to meet the product requirements and utilizes phosphorescent technology for glow-in-the-dark graphics. The switch can easily be seen in even low light environments.

See What Our Customers Are Saying

"Very pleased with your team's response to our need during the COVID-19 crisis."
Lisa L., Medical Device