Classic Stripes, Shakti Keypads, Perfect Packaging, Protolab and Keetronics win Fespa 2017 Awards

In the function printing category, Vasai-based Classic Stripes won Gold for its entry ‘Washing Machine Fascia for Panasonic Econavi’. In the same category, Ghaziabad-based Shakti Keypads received Silver for its entry ‘Membrane Switches’; New Mumbai-based Protolab Electrotechnologies got Bronze for its entry ‘Automotive Dial: Speedometer Cluster Dial’ and Pune-based Keetronicsd received a Distinction medal for its entry ‘Hybrid Circuits On 3D Surface’. In special effects category, Mumbai-based Perfect Packaging received a Bronze for its entry ‘Glam - Imitation Jewellery Packaging.’

The 2017 edition of Fespa Awards attracted entries from across 37 countries. According to Fespa, this year’s winning entries included 3D printed shoes and more than 30 t-shirt entries. The Special Effects and Point of Purchase Products - Paper and Board categories proved to be the most popular among entrants.

The following are the specifications of the winning entries.

Classic Stripes

Washing Machine Fascia for Panasonic Econavi

The sample was printed on PET film. The detailing of the numbers, illuminated area and the emboss effect for push buttons makes this fascia a remarkable job. It was very challenging to achieve the trapping / overlap of dot texture and the illuminate area. During the post-curing stage, it was difficult to manage the embossing and blanking. The start/ pause button has a DOT in the centre to aid the visually impaired person to operate the washing machine. The challenge was to get the correct emboss DOT height to serve its purpose and it was achieved with constant monitoring.

 Number of screens used: 17

Quantity: 600

Substrate: PET film

Inks used: Solvent-based

Special effect: Texture

Finishing process: Surface protection film, embossing and blanking

Shakti Keypads

Membrane Switches

This membrane keypad is made for ground level equipment use in agricultural industry. The membrane keypad is used to control equipment working and power. The keypad works for controlling as well as looks attractive through graphic overlay used in front of keypad.

The graphic overlay is made on polycarbonate substrate with various UV colour. The keypad has seven segment LEDs and UV think texture. The keypad circuit is made of silver conductive ink with dielectric ink used to protect the working of circuit. Metal Dome is used to give a tactile feel and thermochromic embossing is done to give users the feel of push button with metal domes on keypad. UV matte is used for soft touch feel for user while using keypad.

The membrane keypad is manufactured by screen printing technique, using UV inks. The design and drawing were made through CAD software. A flatbed screen printer was used.

Protolab

Automotive Dial: Speedometer Cluster Dial

The job was printed on polycarbonate sheet of 750 microns thickness, which was processed in 2-ups, using solvent colours with 14 impressions with uniform light illumination in the night.

This dial is processed in 4-ups with a sheet of 200 x400mm with 13-colour passes/impressions plus one pass/ impression for varnish on the top surface. All inks are solvent and after each pass/ impression, it is jet air dried and baked.

Keetronics

Hybrid Circuits On 3D Surface

The electronic circuits and LED display are often incorporated for real time application system by using PCB and MEMS technology. In this project, SMD-LED’s and touch-sensitive sensor circuitry is printed and mounted with the help of screen printing technique and also formulation of low temperature solder paste for mounting of electronic components on glass. Electronic components referred to SMD type and printing of solder paste patches by using stencil printing on 3D - glass surface. The electronic circuitry for LED and touch sensitive sensor (capacitive) shows the main advantage, where it can also be re-programmable with respect to sensitivity.

Cap-sense IC of 0.5mm pitch is mounted with the help of conventional printing using solder paste. Capacitive-based touch sensor is developed with the help of conductive ink (Ag) and dielectric inks were used for bridging over silver conductive structures. Low temperature solder paste composed of metallic based polymer binded to increase the mounting adhesion as well as with low resistance after drying. Hence, it protects from short circuit when it is in ON mode. The electrical and mechanical characterization was occurred and it proves that this technology may give supportive solution to overcome PCB technology.  

Perfect Packaging

Glam - Imitation Jewellery Packaging

The packaging has a unique and stylish look for imitation jewellery. The illustration was used to give it a trendy look. The vibrant red colour stamping was used for outstanding and attractive design.

Printing techniques included four-colour offset printing; pearl coating; and two stamping (red + laser silver). Special effects included wrinkle UV; glitters UV and Crystal UV.