Gaining a Competitive Edge with Autotex Softouch


Autotex® Softouch™, the latest innovative polyester film from MacDermid Autotype, has enabled industrial component surface specialists Richard Wöhr GmbH to create a unique surface finish for its OptiHapt® keypads, helping the company to gain a vital competitive edge. 



Richard Wöhr is a dynamic company that places great emphasis on sourcing innovative and high quality solutions from its suppliers.  In particular, the company believes that providing an appealing, tactile surface is vitally important in communicating product excellence.  To maintain and extend its reputation as a provider of supremely attractive and tactile housings and keypads, Richard Wöhr has been working alongside MacDermid Autotype to provide the best possible keypad surface to complement the special OptiHapt® coating used on the product housing.



Autotex® Softouch™ has been developed to offer a unique tactile finish that is soft to touch, has a fine, flat, matt surface and excellent resistance to surface wear, abrasion and a wide range of chemicals and solvents.  It is ideal for surface applications such as nameplates or membrane switch overlays, where a high quality tactile experience might be required.  The film can be easily embossed creating domed switches that can withstand over 5 million actuations.  As well as combining formability and flexibility with inherent robustness, Autotex® Softouch™ offers exceptional image definition and compatibility with conventional and specialised screen inks.



Autotex® Softouch™ is a key component of the OptiHapt® keypad and when printed with Windotex™ it creates a window with glass-like optical clarity, therefore cleverly obtaining two very different tactile surfaces with just one single film substrate.



"Autotex® Softouch™ has enabled Richard Wöhr to develop a unique and pleasant tactile feel in the surface texture of its OptiHapt® keypads," Mrs Ferenbach said.  "The soft, delicate silky feel is ideal for the production of front panels and membrane switches. It not only excites creative designers, but also makes the OptiHapt® surface suitably resistant to mechanical influences such as pressure and abrasion, and the harshness of cleaning agents and solvents.  Reflection is virtually eliminated due to the matt finish, adding to the high quality appearance and usability of the end product."



"We chose to work with MacDermid Autotype on OptiHapt® because of their high quality standards, their strong technical support and fast response to enquires. Over the years we have developed a strong business relationship with MacDermid Autotype and have found them to be an innovative and reliable supplier," explained Mrs Ferenbach, Marketing Manager of Richard Wöhr. 



"So far there has been a great response to OptiHapt® and many industry journals have been discussing it," Mrs Ferenbach added.  "For Richard Wöhr, this represents another successful partnership with MacDermid Autotype."


All Topics