Printed Glass Control Panel

Custom Printed Glass Control Panels

A printed glass control panel combines a glass surface with printed graphics used to identify buttons, operating areas, indicators or other interface functions.

Unlike a simple protective glass panel, the printing layout is part of the control interface. The position of text, symbols, lines and transparent windows therefore needs to match the mechanical and electronic design of the equipment.

We manufacture custom printed glass control panels according to drawings and artwork. The glass size, thickness, corner radius, holes, cut-outs, printed areas and surface requirements can be specified for each project.

Printed Glass Panel Specifications

Glass Control Panel with Screen Printing

Screen printing allows graphics to be applied directly to the glass surface. For control panels, printed areas can identify operating functions while leaving selected sections transparent for displays, indicators or illuminated components.

A customer can provide the printing artwork together with the glass drawing. Important details may include:

• Printed border width
• Text and symbol positions
• Logo location
• Transparent display windows
• Button markings
• Indicator areas
• Color requirements
• Printing orientation

For designs with tight alignment between printing and CNC features, the artwork and mechanical drawing should be reviewed together before production.

Custom Glass Control Panel with Cut-Outs

Control panel glass may require openings for switches, indicator lights, connectors, cameras or other components.

We can manufacture glass control panels with cut-outs based on supplied drawings. CNC machining can be used for round holes, slots, notches and irregular openings.

The drawing should identify the opening dimensions, positions and required corner radii. These details are important because even a small change in hole location can affect the assembly of the finished control panel.

Printed Glass Panel for Touch Controls

Printed glass can also be used as the front surface of touch-operated control interfaces.

The glass may include printed button symbols, operating labels or a black border around the active display area. Where required, the panel can be prepared for adhesive bonding or optical bonding with the touch sensor or display assembly.

For touchscreen applications, the glass specification should be considered together with the sensor dimensions, active area and bonding method.

Glass Control Panel with Black Printing

Black printing is commonly specified around display openings and operating areas to hide internal components or create a defined visual interface.

A glass control panel with black printing can include a continuous border, individual symbols, text or selected opaque areas.

The printed dimensions should be controlled according to the customer artwork. If the glass contains CNC holes or irregular edges, their relationship with the printed graphics should also be shown on the drawing.

Chemical Strengthening for Printed Glass Panels

Where the custom glass panel for touch screen is exposed to repeated handling or contact, chemical strengthening may be considered to improve the mechanical performance of the glass.

The strengthening process should be selected according to the glass composition and thickness. Printing, coating and strengthening requirements should be confirmed as part of the complete production specification.

For applications requiring a specific mechanical performance, customers can provide their testing requirements together with the glass drawing.

Surface Treatments for Glass Control Panels

The glass surface can be specified with different treatments depending on the operating environment.

AG treatment can be considered when glare from surrounding lighting needs to be reduced.

AR coating may be selected when reflected light needs to be controlled while maintaining display visibility.

AF coating can help reduce fingerprint marks on frequently touched surfaces.

These treatments can be combined with printed graphics when the surface structure and processing sequence are suitable for the application.

Typical Applications

Printed glass control panels can be used for:

• Industrial control interfaces
• Electronic control panels
• Touch control equipment
• Vending machines
• POS equipment
• Household appliances
• Medical and laboratory equipment
• Commercial electronic equipment
• Instrument panels
• Automation equipment

What to Include in a Glass Panel Drawing

For a quotation, a complete drawing is more useful than a product name alone.

Please specify:

1. Overall glass dimensions
2. Glass thickness
3. Material requirement
4. Corner radius
5. Edge processing
6. Hole and cut-out dimensions
7. Printing artwork
8. Printed colors
9. Transparent areas
10. Surface treatment
11. Strengthening requirement
12. Required quantity

For repeat production, the drawing should also identify revision information so that the correct version is used during manufacturing.

Related Glass Processing

Printed glass control panels may require several processes depending on the final design:

• Glass Cutting
• CNC Machining for Cover Glass
• Silk Screen Printing
• Chemical Strengthening & Thermal Tempering
• AR / AG / AF Coatings
• Ultrasonic Cleaning
• Quality Inspection

For reference on glass processing and surface treatment terminology, buyers can also consult the ASTM International standards database.

Request a Quote for Printed Glass Control Panels

Send your glass drawing and printing artwork for a project-specific quotation.

Please include the glass thickness, finished dimensions, printing requirements, holes or cut-outs, surface treatment and estimated quantity. If the panel will be installed over a display or touch sensor, the relevant assembly dimensions can also be provided.

Request a Quote