Founded in 1992 and acquired by Interlink in 2023, Calman extends group capability in printed electronics and custom interface assemblies for Europe and global programs.
Interlink Subsidiary
Calman Technology
Lean and flexible UK manufacturing for membrane keypads, graphic overlays, labels, and printed electronics with rapid prototype-to-production support.
Calman Product Family
Graphic Overlays
Graphic overlays are produced for direct device integration with options for digital printing, durable adhesives, and additional finishing features tuned to application and environmental requirements.
- Self-adhesive overlays with windows, pockets, and switch access
- Digital and hybrid printing for complex visual communication
- Advanced surface finishing and embossing
- Compatible with keymats, microswitches, and PCB switch patterns
Detailed Capability Overview
Limitless Potential
The simplest graphic overlays are basically a self-adhesive plastic graphic layer to cover metal-work or a moulding. But a graphic overlay can include clear or tinted windows for displays, combined with thro-holes or embossing for concealed mechanical or PCB based switches. Clear pockets can also be included in the design of the graphic overlay to allow for variable message data inserts or branding inserts. This presents a branding opportunity where the perceived product value can be improved. The appearance of the graphic overlay can be further enhanced with the application of digital printing and selective textures.
Printing
All the effects that can be achieved in keypad graphics can be reproduced in overlays. The additional benefit of digital printing for overlays is that they often carry a lot of information and the number of colours is no longer the cost factor it was with screen-printing. Enhanced appearance, and therefore value, can be acheived through the use of photographic images and complex logos.
- Screen
- Digital
- Hybrid
- Metallic
- Tints
- Secret-till-lit
Surface Finishes
UV cure surface texture printing combined with digitally printed background images can create stunning effects for graphic overlays that don’t carry a lot of text. This can be used to indicate the function or application of the device or simply to raise the perception of value.
- Textures
- Patterns
- Gloss
- Anti-glare
- Print emboss
Embossing
Overlays with thro-holes at the switch position are ideal for use with rubber keymats and putting text for the keys on the overlay can reduce the cost of the keymat. A higher sealing rating can be achieved by using flat or embossed switch positions for use with PCB mounted micro-switches. Embossing can be used to provide tactile feedback or just to provide more of a tolerance on the flatness of the PCB mounted switches. With a conductive pad added to the rear, graphic overlays can be mounted directly onto a PCB with switch patterns in the circuit.
- Pillow Emboss
- Dome emboss
- Rim Emboss
- Conductive Pads
Project Fit and Delivery
Calman supports cut-to-fit review, low-tooling prototyping, and production-ready manufacturing paths for teams that need interface components and printed electronics integrated quickly with high confidence.