Polyester-Based Film features antimicrobial protection.
Press Release Summary:
Autotex AM has hard-coated, textured surface resistant to scratches, chemicals, and aggressive cleaning agents. Utilizing Microban® antimicrobial protection, which inhibits growth of microbes on contact, it can be used to manufacture fitness equipment, including treadmills, rowing machines, and exercise bikes. Film has flex life suited for tactile membrane keys and other curved surfaces, and is resistant to stress fractures and weak points.
Original Press Release:
Macdermid Autotype Introduces Film with Antimicrobial Protection: Ideal for Gym Equipment Display Panels
SCHAUMBURG, Illinois, October 24, 2006 - MacDermid Autotype has introduced a polyester based film with Microban® antimicrobial product protection that can be used to manufacture long-lasting display panels for all types of fitness equipment, including treadmills, rowing machines and exercise bikes.
New Autotex AM has a hard-coated, textured surface that resists scratches and chemicals, including repeated applications of the most aggressive cleaning agents. "While Autotex AM doesn't preclude the need for regular cleaning schedules, its surface enhances the level of antimicrobial protection found on the gym equipment, resisting the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria and mold, for a cleaner surface," explained Neil Bolding, MacDermid Autotype business support manager.
Other features of Autotex AM include:
o Scratch and chemical resistance to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
o Long flex life ideal for tactile membrane keys and other curved surfaces,
o Thin configuration that is easy to shape and form,
o Easy to emboss, resisting stress fractures and weak points,
o Low gloss, textured surface with high levels of light transmission,
Autotex AM is the first material of its type to incorporate Microban technology, which inhibits the growth of microbes on contact, then works continuously to maintain a consistently lower bio-burden. The antimicrobial protection is added to Autotex AM during the manufacturing process to ensure even distribution that will not wash off or wear away throughout the lifespan of the finished products.
Prior to its introduction, Autotex AM underwent extensive testing by leading independent laboratories and with a wide range of bacteria and molds. Testing samples included those taken straight from the production line, as well as others that had been subjected jet dryers, fusion UV machines, IR lamps and similar print processes. The testing simulated:
o Real-life cleaning regimes, approximating 15 years of use,
o Extreme surface wear, with the texture being partly removed the surface polished until it was smooth, and
o The embossing process, with film samples stretched 20% in both MD and TD directions.
About MacDermid Autotype
MacDermid Autotype is the leading global innovator, designer, developer and manufacturer of specialized coating technology for films used in applications, including: touch and vision systems, membrane switches, Film Insert Molding (FIM) products for the automotive, telecommunications and domestic appliances sector. Utilizing precision coating technology, MacDermid Autotype transforms and enhances the performance of films for many high technology and demanding applications.
In recent years MacDermid Autotype has brought screen printing to new levels of control and repeatability, reinforcing benefits for new applications such as flexible circuit printing, DVD and industrial glass printing. Most recently, it launched coated films with antimicrobial protection for cleaner critical surface applications, and diffuser and anti-reflection films for use in flat panel displays.
The company is part of Denver, Colorado-based MacDermid Inc., a leading supplier of offset blanket, flexo plates and Colorspan ink jet printers and supplies.
For more information, visit www.macdermidautotype.com, email pressrelations@macdermidautotype.com, call 847-303-5900, or write to Neil Bolding, MacDermid Autotype Inc., 2050 Hammond Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173.
