Fascia is supplying Poweroasis with membrane keypads produced from MacDermid Autotype's Autotex S for use in the Poweroasis Controller (D) - a 19in rack mounted diesel generator management unit. When deployed, this new product will typically reduce diesel consumption by at least 50 per cent and generator maintenance costs by 70 per cent. Poweroasis has identified the potential future growth for green telecoms.For instance, there are presently more than 400,000 base stations globally powered by diesel generators, with this figure expected to increase by 50 per cent (ABI Research) over the next four years. Specifically, Poweroasis products and services reduce diesel consumption for remote mobile-phone base stations by supplementing or replacing diesel generators with wind and/or solar renewable energy and by intelligently managing diesel generators when present. Poweroasis identified Fascia Graphics in May 2009 through an internet search for local manufacturers of graphic overlays and membrane keypads.
Ivan Harris, chief marketing officer of Poweroasis, said: 'It was crucial that we also embodied our brand into the design to stand out from the other 19in units on the market. 'The general design was undertaken by our graphic-design company and then converted into engineering drawings by Fascia Graphics,' he added. As Fascia Graphics has established relationships with the leading suppliers in the market, it was able to suggest Autotex S, a new product launched by MacDermid Autotype. This hardcoated polyester film offers a unique stainless steel and brushed metallic effect for membrane keyboards, keypads and fascia panels.
Yet, unlike stainless steel, Autotex S does not show fingerprints and can easily be printed with clear display windows or contain secret-until-lit graphics, with the film offering excellent colour rendition and light transmission in clear areas. The benefits of Autotex S are not just cosmetic. It can easily be embossed, making it ideal for use with domed tactile membrane keypads or in applications where keys or panel areas need to have raised edges. Ultimately, it offers product designers an efficient and versatile method of developing striking and high-quality graphic products with the appearance of stainless steel.
Paul Bennett, managing director of Fascia Graphics, said: 'We have found Autotex S easy to handle throughout the manufacturing process. 'Its tough outer surface also offers excellent resistance to abrasion and a wide range of chemicals and solvents. 'Therefore it is ideal for the rigors of being mounted on a mobile-phone base station,' he concluded. The Poweroasis Controller (D) will be launched in January 2010. The company has targeted sales for its first year at a modest 1000 units, but the potential market is huge.
