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| Electroluminescent Clock is sign of the time for Autotype | At FESPA ’99, the subject of much discussion was the electroluminescent (EL) clock that adorned the reception desk on the Autotype International stand, representing state-of-the-art EL technology.
The clock was manufactured by Kienzle Systems as a display piece for the Autotype stand. The sophistication of the EL clock demonstrated the superior qualities of Autotype polyester film systems.
EL lamps are in effect luminous capacitors, which are manufactured using different processes, including screenprinting, for different applications. Electrically conductive and dielectric inks are applied in several coats to heat stabilised polyester film. A high voltage is used to create electrical fields, which excite the luminous crystals embedded in the coating, and cause them to shine. The voltage and frequency determine the luminosity and the life of the EL lamps.
Kienzle specify Autotype Autostat polyester film as this heat-stabilised film allows Kienzle to cure the inks at high temperatures without residual shrinkage. This is essential for multiple printing operations of fine circuit layers, while maintaining the lay flat characteristics of the film. For production of this kind of lamp the materials used must be technically flawless, and to achieve this the screen printing operation is in a fully sterile environment.
The clock consists of a 7-segment display. The graphics layer demands a non-reflective surface which is durable and resistant to regular cleaning from a range of chemicals. The surface must be textured to provide an attractive appearance, and transparent so that the electroluminescence is fully visible. Finally the ink primer on the underside must accept a wide range of screenprinting inks. The
Autotype Autotex film specified by Kienzle provides the long operating life which the clock requires.
“The control mechanism of the EL clock is so intelligent that the ambient light conditions can be measured by photo-electric cells and the luminosity of the clock adjusts automatically by altering the frequency and the voltage” explains Bjorn Kienzle. “A temperature display can be added by means of a sensor and the clock can even be adjusted remotely via a radio signal.”
This digital clock demonstrates the technical manufacturing capabilities of Kienzle Systems. Bjorn continues, “Kienzle grew out of the graphics business. In the 25 years of our existence we have grown from being graphic and industrial screenprinters into a manufacturer of high quality MTS keyboards, EL lamps and light conductors. We have a customer base that includes Karcher, Zeiss, Drager Werke, Claas, Dornier, Clark, 3M and even the Casino in Sydney.”
Kienzle specify Autotype polyester film systems for most of their MTS and nameplate business as Bjorn confirms. “We have a client base of which we are extremely proud. We have achieved this by providing a quality service and by manufacturing products that perform to specification. The MTS keypads that we make are expected to operate, with absolute reliability, in even the most hazardous and demanding environments. In addition, all switches have to look good in terms of design and print quality, with a tactile feel to match, performing millions of actuations, even when embossed. Autotype film systems meet all these criteria, with technical service and support to match.” |
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