Polycarbonate Overlays
Stocked nationwide. Same-day shipping on stock. Custom slitting, sheeting, and cut-to-size.
Polycarbonate overlays are the durable, dimensionally stable face material for membrane switches, control-panel graphics, and nameplates. K&R stocks print-grade polycarbonate film in hard-coat, velvet, and textured finishes built for second-surface printing, and ships it the same day on stock items from five distribution warehouses so your overlay runs stay on schedule.
Specifications
| Stock gauges | .005, .007, .010, .015, .020, .030 |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Hard-coat gloss, Velvet, Fine matte texture, Brushed |
| Sheet sizes | 24" × 36", 40" × 60", Slit-to-width rolls, Custom cut-to-size |
| Print compatibility | Screen, Digital UV, Solvent |
Applications
- Membrane switch faces
- Control panel and instrument overlays
- Printed nameplates and labels
- Equipment graphic overlays
- Domed and selective-texture graphics
Why K&R
- 35+ years specializing in print-grade substrates
- Five distribution warehouses across the US
- In-house slitting, sheeting, and cut-to-size
- Hard-coat and velvet grades qualified for second-surface print
Frequently asked questions
- Why use polycarbonate instead of PVC for overlays?
- Polycarbonate is far more impact- and abrasion-resistant and tolerates higher operating temperatures, which is why it is the standard face for membrane switches and equipment panels. Its dimensional stability holds tight registration through embossing and die-cutting. PVC is fine for low-wear signage, but it won't survive the repeated actuation and handling an overlay sees.
- What is second-surface printing and why does it matter?
- Second-surface printing means the graphics are printed on the back of a clear or textured polycarbonate face, so the hard-coat or textured front surface protects the ink from abrasion, cleaning chemicals, and UV. It is the durability standard for overlays because the printed image can never wear off. We stock hard-coat and velvet grades selected for this process.
- Which gauge should I run for a membrane switch face?
- Most membrane switch faces run on .005 to .010 polycarbonate, where the film must flex for tactile actuation while keeping print registration. Rigid nameplates and instrument overlays typically use .015 to .030 for stiffness and a premium feel. Tell us the application and we'll point you to the right gauge and finish.
- Can you slit or cut polycarbonate to my exact size?
- Yes — we slit, sheet, and cut-to-size in house, including slit-to-width rolls for roll-fed presses. That means you can order the exact web width or sheet dimensions your overlay job needs instead of trimming full sheets and wasting hard-coat material.