Thursday, February 27, 2014

How Do Remote Controls Work?

Remote controls are changing the way people live. Now, people can live conveniently with just a few touches of the remote control. Different types of remote controls are being used almost anywhere -- in commercial offices, industrial establishments, and households. The use of remote controls is so vast that they become one of the necessities in life. Have you ever thought how they actually work?

Types of Remote Controls

The different kinds and appearance of these practical gadgets may seem all the same to you but they actually are categorized into two types. There are infrared controls and radio frequency controls. Both can be made from membrane switch or from a mechanical switch. The infrared types work by producing impulses of infrared lights for a certain device. The radio frequency types, on the other hand, work the same way but use radio waves to send impulses to devices.

The capabilities also differ from one another. The infrared types need a clear straight line to reach a device, at a distance for up to 30 feet. The radio frequency types do not need a straight open space, and can penetrate through walls. They can reach a device for up to 100 feet.

How They Work

As you can observe, remote controls do have different buttons. Each button has a corresponding code used to achieve a specific function. This is just like people signaling each other for communication; the only difference is that remote controls use radio frequency or infrared lights. Every button has a distinct code. For example, when you push ‘1,’ the code will be one second of flash, and when you push ‘2,’ two flashes are transmitted. The devices will pick up the signal and transmit a code to its system. Then, it will function just as it was programmed for.

Practical Application


Almost all devices are remotely controlled. Televisions, entertainment gadgets, laptops, and even microwave ovens can come with remote controls to provide comfort and convenience. There are different designs of remote controls and these come with different functions. Currently, the membrane switch types are more popular than the conventional ones. 

Monday, February 24, 2014

The Basics of Brass Emblems

Commercial businesses are particularly concerned with their brand’s image. Nowadays, the competition gets tight as more companies seek better ways to promote their products and services. One of the best ways to market a product is by making brass emblems out of a logo. This is done to keep a tangible logo of the company and create an identity that customers can remember. More than the material itself, the over-all design and creativity embossed in the emblems convey a marketing message. Here are the things you should know about brass emblems.


Designing Brass Emblems

There are millions of design ideas for brass emblems to date. It is important to achieve a creative design to make your brand more noticeable and attractive. Take time to choose the color, design, and layout of your brass emblem as it will provide long-term benefits, especially in marketing your brand or your product. Brass emblems do not only make your target market aware of your existence; they also help the employees feel the true identity of the company. Using brass emblems will give you a one-step advantage over your competitors.

Searching For Brass Manufacturers

It is important to search for the most reliable brass manufacturers to ensure the quality of your brass emblems. Start by reviewing the portfolio of different companies. A sign of reliability usually roots from the number of years they operate. The more established they are, the more they can be relied on for quality output. Also, look for several methods on how they manufacture their brass. There are companies that offer state-of-the art facilities to create a more accurate and distinct style.

If possible, ask for a sample. Sample products are great tangible ways of examining what the manufacturer truly delivers. A poor quality brass emblem can directly affect the image of your company. You only want to give a high-quality impression, so providing top-notch brass emblems should also go with it. Examine the manufacturers embossing works, color application, and the quality of the brass used.


Brass emblems truly are one of the effective ways in selling and marketing your brand. To customize your own, visit one of the most respected names in the industry, KEE Group USA. For further details, go to http://www.keegroupusa.com/badges-and-emblems.html.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

What Is Injection Molding?

Injection molding, coupled with in mold decoration, is the process of manufacturing different products out of thermoplastics. Injection molding produces different kinds of items like metals, elastomers, and glasses. The process is done by heating the materials in a barrel and subjected to a mold cavity. The mixture will eventually cool and harden, producing a material that is strong and durable. The whole process is done by an industrial designer or an engineer, and has to be intrinsically designed to achieve desired shape and features.


Practical Applications

Many products are produced through injection molding. Wire spools, bottle caps, and even musical instruments are made with this process. The products made from injection molding can resist tolerances, thus, are ideal to produce items with high production rates. Other items created through this process include chairs, tables and cabinets, mechanical and automotive parts, and plastic products. This process has become a popular method in producing a wide variety of items.

The Process Defined

In the process of injection molding, the product is initially designed and reviewed to achieve a proper function. The client can choose different materials, depending on the type of items to be produced. These materials are Nylon, PPO, TPU, PMMA, HIPS, and many others. Once the client approves the design, it will then be processed until the final packaging.

There is also a process called the post injection. In this step, the final product is subjected to different applications to enhance its over-all appeal. One of the recognized names in this process, the KEE Group USA, has several post injection methods, such as the following:

Chrome Plating
PVD plating
Spray painting
Silkscreen printing
Pad printing
Color filling
Hot stamping
UV texturing
Laser engraving
Conductive coating
Product assembly
Mechanical component Integration

Cost of Injection Molding

The cost of injection molding varies according to the type of design, the materials used, and the number of items to be produced. The initial cost will require a great investment, but the per-piece cost is relatively low. To know the cost, it is good to seek the advice of an industrial engineer or consult with the manufacturers. To know more about the specifics of in mold decorations, visit http://www.keegroupusa.com/in-mold-decoration.html.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

What is a Mirror Overlay?

A mirror overlay may not be familiar to most people, but it is actually used in many products. Mirror overlays are protective materials that add design and texture to any surface. These can be customized according to purpose and can be applied easily by means of ready-to-apply tools. To familiarize yourself with mirror overlays, here are some important things you need to know.

Benefits of a Mirror Overlay

There are many benefits of mirror overlays other than providing a unique design and texture. One of the most sought-after benefits is their ability to protect the surface from scratch, keeping any surface smooth and polished for a very long time. Mirror overlays can also delay the wearing and tearing of surfaces. Since all surfaces are inevitable to wear out,  applying mirror overlay is a great way to achieve easier maintenance.

Furthermore, mirror overlays are applied to keep the surfaces from absorbing dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. They will keep the integral structure of a material strong so it can be used for a long time.

Designing Mirror Overlays

Mirror overlays are highly customizable. This means that they can be designed according to the style preferences of the buyer. In fact, there are several options to choose from. The first one is the color.  A mirror overlay can have hundreds of solid colors or gradations. There are also colors available at quarter or half tones.

If you want to have a mirror overlay embossed for your keypad, it is also possible. It can also be applied with domes, shapes, and many other combinations. Of course, you can select the type of surfaces you want. There are gloss and textured surfaces available for your items. This will include the transparency you will need. You can choose if you want your overlay to be transparent or translucent, clear or colored. The options are simply endless.


Mirror overlays are also made from different materials. They can be made from polycarbonate, polyester, or vinyl. The material will depend on the items you need. To know more about designing your overlay, it is best to consult with an expert. The KEE Group USA knows everything about mirror overlays. Visit http://www.keegroupusa.com/graphic-overlay.html for more details. 

Monday, February 10, 2014

What to Look For In Choosing Membrane Switch Manufacturers

Membrane switches are important to creating your own product. It is highly technological and provides maximum efficiency to it. Membrane switches are made from different types of materials. There are ones made out of plastic, while other are made from copper or rubber. The design comes within the specifications set for a particular product. In choosing the best materials for your membrane switch, nothing beats the services provided by membrane switch manufacturers. These manufacturers can customize a membrane switch within preferred specifications.

Membrane switches
Membrane switches
However, there are only a few membrane switch manufacturers who can deliver quality services. Some offers affordability of price but the materials used are inferior. There are also companies that require a huge amount of investment but the services are not within the expected standards. It is good to choose the manufacturers that meet your budget without compromising the quality. Here are some tips in looking for membrane switch manufacturers.

Look for signs of credibility. Credibility means holding a record of good service. Know how long the business operates and if possible, look for awards and certificates. This will give you a tangible idea of how the business runs. 

Ask for recommendations. You can ask for recommendations from your colleagues and trusted individuals. Some of them have actually worked with a certain manufacturer so they can share their real experience. You can also research online for client testimonials. Good testimonials mean good service.

Examine the samples. Ask for their samples and compare one manufacturer to another. It is ideal that the membrane switch should be capable of withstanding the changes of temperature. It should also be sealed enough to avoid dust and water from penetrating into the electrical components. Ideally, the membrane switches should resist temperatures up to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.

If possible, examine the manufacturing site. Visit the manufacturing site and observe how efficient the operation is. Examine how the raw materials are converted up until the finished product. 

These are the step in choosing the best membrane switch manufacturers for your business. Membrane switches are important aspects of a product. 

Friday, February 7, 2014

Choosing the Right Sealed Switches

Design engineers are opting to choose sealed switches that are capable of withstanding harsh environments. The changes of temperature, chemical exposure and water contact can be damaging to the switches and affect the over-all electrical components of the surrounding area. Choosing the right switches is important so as to keep the whole area safe.
Sealed Switch Types

In choosing the right sealed switches, there are basically three types to consider: the splash proof booths, IP-rated devices and the IP-rated devices with Splash proof boots.

Splash Proof Boots

The splash proof boots offer protection to different contaminants, but it does not promise a complete seal when exposed to water. This type can be made from different materials like nitrile natadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride or silicon rubber. Each material has its own pros and cons. 

The nitrile natadiene rubber is good for safeguarding the switches from the changes of the environment but is unable to withstand protection from zone resistance. The ethylene propylene rubber is the ideal material when the switches are often exposed to dust, water and oil. The natural rubber is usually installed for gaskets and panel seals, and the polyvinyl chloride is essential for dust-exposed switches. Silicon rubber is resistant to ultraviolet light. It also is resilient and can withstand massive changes of temperature.

IP-Rated Devices

There are also different kinds of IP-rated devices. These devices are within the specifications set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ratings of devices are the IP60, IP64, IP65 and IP67.

The IP60 is proven to protect the switches from dust but not necessarily against the water. This is just the same with IP64 and IP65, but these are more resistant to water than the first rating. The IP67 is the most durable and can protect the switches even when submerged in a meter of water. 

IP-Rated Devices with Splash Proof Boots

This is the combination of two types. It gives the highest level of protection especially when the switches are exposed to harsh contaminants. This type is applied in most industries as it gives maximum amount of protection as compared to the other two. To learn more about sealed switches, visit KEEGroup USA today.