Top 10 Graphic Overlay Manufacturers in the UK

Just as in any other industry, there are several graphic overlay manufacturers. Being a crucial part of usability, longevity, and appearance of user interfaces on various devices, you must find the best supplier. You will find in this article the top 10 graphic overlay suppliers in the UK.

Every single business listed here offers something unique to the table in terms of value and ability, such as precision printing, material availability, or the ability to accommodate customization. Here is the minimum information about each business, such as website and when established. Use this as a baseline in checking over suppliers and identifying who best suits your project. In order to get the most informed decision, make sure you visit each company’s website and browse through their product range and service package. You can only then be sure that you’re getting overlays of the highest quality at the best price.

1. List of Graphic Overlay Manufacturers in the UK

Below is a compilation of the top 10 most experienced and trustworthy graphic overlay manufacturers in the UK, their official websites, and establishment years.

2. Top 10 Graphic Overlay Manufacturers in the UK

The UK is teeming with some of the world’s top-skilled and innovative graphic overlay manufacturers that cater to both domestic and global markets alike. Accordingly, we list ten of the top industry players, each of their quality products, technical expertise, and customer-oriented services.

Top 1: MSTR Printing

MSTR Printing is a Chinese company with a specific focus on offering high-quality graphic overlays to industrial user interfaces, control panels, and membrane switches. Delights in accuracy, customization, and reliability, MSTR Printing was born as an overlay producer required by stringent requirements in the medical, automotive, and consumer electronics industries. MSTR is equipped with advanced printing technologies such as UV screen printing and digital printing, supported by a range of substrates from polyester to polycarbonate materials.

One of the basic advantages of MSTR is the flexibility to print small as well as large batch orders without compromising either the quality or the turnaround time. Their design department works very closely with the customers to create overlays that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also very functional, with selective texturing, embossing, and adhesive backing. Even product testing for chemical resistance, weatherability, and temperature stability is a key focus of the company to ensure maximum long-term performance.

European and UK customers appreciate MSTR’s quick response service, in-house manufacturing, and quality focus. From prototype development to high-run production, MSTR Printing is a reliable partner for tailored overlay solutions.

Website: https://graphicoverlaysz.com/graphic-overlays/

Year established: 2005

Location: China

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane switch panels
• Printed labels

Top 2: Bex Design

Bex Design is an established UK maker of premium graphic overlays, membrane keypads, and printed electronics products. Since 1985, Bex has built itself on a foundation of single-off interface solutions for customers that operate in industrial, medical, and automotive markets. Bex combines decades of screen-printing expertise with the next-generation digital print technologies to create overlays that are not only eye-catching but extremely robust.

Bex is unique by virtue of its commitment to accuracy engineering and customer responsiveness. It offers complete in-house design support, rapid prototyping, and scalable manufacturing capability to meet the unique needs of every project. Its overlays are constructed of high-grade polycarbonate and polyester film and offer such features as tactile embossing, transparent window display, and hard-coated finishes to offer enhanced scratch resistance.

Bex also offers integration with LEDs, capacitive touchscreens, and environmental sealing solutions. Customers value the company’s ability to manufacture complex specifications and ship within tight timetables, and thus it is a prime supplier to design houses and OEMs in the UK and Europe.

Website: https://bex.co.uk

Year established: 1985

Location: Nelson, Lancashire, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane keypads
• Printed electronics
• Labels

Top 3: Slik Screeners

Founded in 1979, Slik Screeners is a UK specialist in screen-printed graphic overlays, membrane keypads, labels, and printed signs. With over four decades of experience, the company boasts quality craftsmanship, reliability, and bespoke solutions for industrial gear, medical devices, and electronic control panels.

Slik Screeners has an in-house manufacturing facility, which is well equipped and capable of making overlays in a multitude of materials that range from hard-coated polycarbonate to polyester film. Their overlays can have features like embossed keys, include clear view windows, selective texturing, and hard adhesives to support the environment. They also provide screen print as well as digital print to counter complex artwork or small runs with prompt turnaround.

The company operates exceedingly hand in glove with customers, from design to manufacture, in order to get each overlay perfect in appearance and operation for the task. From proof to single-shot to volume manufacture, consistency of quality and bespoke service—it’s all courtesy of Slik Screeners, all making them an excellent partner company to businesses up and down the UK.

Website: https://slik-screeners.co.uk

Year established: 1979

Location: Wokingham, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane keypads
• Printed labels
• Signage

Top 4: Castle Promotions

Castle Promotions is an established UK graphic overlay company that has offered custom solutions since 1990. They specialize in screen-printed overlays and membrane switch panels for abusive applications, with applications in food processing, petrochemical, marine, and industrial automation markets. Having been around for over 30 years, they have mastered the art of creating overlays of beauty as well as brutal toughness.

Castle Promotions has a large selection of substrates and adhesives, including polycarbonate and polyester, and the full 3M family of adhesives. They accommodate many overlay features, which range from window clarity to embossing, anti-glare coatings, and multi-layering. Their engineering and design staff work with customers to maximize artwork, material spec, and product spec.

Established in their UK manufacturing facility, Castle Promotions’ low lead times, competitive prices, and stringent quality control are a reflection of their loyal client base, evidence of their efficient service, and ability to produce exact industry standards.

Website: https://castlepromotions.co.uk

Year established: 1990

Location: Nottingham, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane keypads
• Control panels
• Printed labels

Top 5: Membrane Keyboard

Membrane Keyboard Company Ltd deals in being among the best UK manufacturers of special graphic overlays and membrane switch assemblies. Established in 1995, it seeks to deliver quality interface components for use in public information systems, medical devices, and industrial control. Through ISO 9001, quality is tightly controlled by each phase of production.

They have a number of overlay options available from the company, including embossed buttons, transparent windows, selective finishes, and adhesive-backed systems. Electrical integration on all of their overlays as an option is available on all of their overlays with electrical integration throughout entire membrane switches, with designs and manufacturing completed within the company. Their products, such as textured polycarbonate and hard-coated polyester, make their overlays durable, chemical resistant, and UV stable.

Membrane Keyboard is in customer service collaboration with design consulting and prototyping before mass production. They are universal, have rapid lead times, and low costs, hence becoming OEM suppliers of preference all over the UK and even worldwide.

Website: https://themembranekeyboardcompany.co.uk/

Year established: 1995

Location: Hampshire, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane switches
• Tactile keypads
• Printed labels

Top 6: MTM Products

MTM Products, founded in 1976, is a UK market leader for bespoke industrial graphics through graphic overlay, labels, and membrane keypads. The company supplies an extremely wide variety of industries, such as medical, rail, industrial equipment, and electronics, within the UK and around the world, over almost five decades of existence. MTM’s commitment to regulatory compliance and quality has helped the company achieve the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations and RISQS accreditation for railway use in particular.

MTM graphic overlays are designed to last and function in abusive conditions. They offer overlays with a broad set of abilities like rim and pillow embossing, clear windows, backlight support, and chemical-resistant finishes. They utilize substrates like polycarbonate and polyester that are paired with high-performance adhesives by established companies like 3M.

MTM is characterized by its approach to business through design. They provide CAD services, prototyping, and technical advice to change as exactly as a client’s specifications require. Through their in-house screen printing, digital printing, and laser cutting, they make quick turnaround possible with high-quality output irrespective of order quantity.

Website: https://www.mtmproducts.co.uk

Year established: 1976

Location: Chesterfield, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane keypads
• Labels
• Nameplates

Top 7: GSM Graphic Arts

GSM Graphic Arts, since its establishment in 1974, has developed to be an award-winning UK-based graphic overlays, nameplate, and industrial control panels manufacturer. GSM has been creating more than 50 years of high-quality products for world-class industries like aerospace, defence, marine, automotive, and electronics. GSM has AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications, indicating its high concentration on the utmost level of safety and quality standards.

GSM designs overlays from long-term polycarbonate and polyester films that offer such features as window clarity, texture finishes, UV protection, and tactile embossing. They have screen and digital printing facilities to print high-resolution full-color overlays for even the most complex artwork or branding needs. They offer protective coatings whereby overlays are made durable enough in harsh environments such as exposure to chemicals, sunlight, and extreme temperatures.

What distinguishes GSM is its full line of services—design and prototype through tooling and high-volume production. Their in-house design allows them to draw all overlays to close tolerances, and their quick lead times make them a first-call partner for short-turnaround or frequently run programs. The company’s long-term customer relationships reflect its reliability and engineering know-how.

Website: https://www.gsmgraphicarts.com

Year established: 1974

Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Control panels
• Nameplates
• Printed labels

Top 8: IPS Labels

IPS Labels has been the UK’s leading industrial graphics supplier since 1983, manufacturing bespoke labels, decals, and graphic overlays for manufacturing, transport, healthcare, and energy industries. IPS has gained a good reputation over the years for manufacturing very resilient and good-looking overlays to meet specific application demands.

IPS company supplies a big assortment of materials such as vinyl, polycarbonate, polyester overlay upgrades, which may range from domed buttons to anti-glare, hard-coated or display windows, tactile embossing, among others. By utilizing digital and screen printing technologies, IPS delivers overlays in outstanding color rendition, brightness, and durability.

Their adjustable factory provides volume production along with low-volume specialty orders, which means they can manufacture developmental prototypes to high-volume OEM contract orders. IPS also plans to provide design assistance and material consultation so that customers will be able to attain high-grade technical specifications.

In terms of quality and performance values, IPS Labels is providing quick lead times and value pricing, never compromising on quality and longevity, retaining devoted customers from Europe and the UK.

Website: https://ips-labels.co.uk

Year established: 1983

Location: Rugby, Warwickshire, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Industrial labels
• Warning signs
• Asset labels

Top 9: Customark

Customark was established in 1968 and is among the UK’s most experienced industrial graphic manufacturers, manufacturing custom graphic overlays, membrane keypads, labels, and printed components. With its multi-site factory and variety of manufacturing processes, it can offer flexible, high-quality solutions to a vast array of industries such as healthcare, electronics, and manufacturing.

Customark produces overlays made of materials like polycarbonate with hard plastic coating and polyester, and having tactile, window clarity, anti-scratch, and colour matching attributes. It can be applied both in screen-printing and digital printing, hence capable of pushing through complex designs and brand specifications.

They specialize in end-to-end service, from concept and prototyping through high-volume manufacturing, with a focus on delivering rock-solid, user-friendly interfaces. Customark also embraces sustainability and lean manufacturing philosophy to deliver value without sacrificing performance or quality.

Website: https://www.customark-tg.co.uk/

Year established: 1968

Location: West Midlands, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane keypads
• Labels
• Printed electronics

Top 10: Fine Cut Group

Fine Cut Group, established in 1982, is a top UK manufacturer of custom industrial graphics like high-precision graphic overlays, labels, and nameplates. Owing to their high-quality print and engineering skills, Fine Cut boasts a diversified customer base from the medical, military, aerospace, and high-tech electronics industries.

Their overlay products include UV-resistant inks, selective texturing, tactile embossing, and capacitive and membrane switch technology support. Fine Cut’s world-class facilities support screen and digital printing, laser cutting, and cleanroom manufacturing, allowing them to handle sensitive or highly regulated applications with confidence.

The company is ISO 9001 certified and is known for quality and attention to detail. Low-run production or prototype production, Fine Cut provides highly tailored solutions and professional services through design and manufacturing.

Website: https://www.finecut.co.uk

Year established: 1982

Location: Lancing, West Sussex, UK

Products:

• Graphic overlays
• Membrane switches
• Labels
• Nameplates

3. Tips to Choose UK Graphic Overlay Suppliers

There are a few things that you need to put into consideration when choosing graphic overlay suppliers in the UK while shopping, so that you may choose a supplier who will be appropriate for your requirements as well as for your quality requirements. Some of the most crucial rules that will direct you to the right choice are:

1) Experience and Reputation

Select organizations that have experience spanning decades in graphic overlay manufacturing. Organizations with experience extending to several years will likely possess a good reputation for handling intricate projects and providing customized solutions. Go through customer testimonials, case studies, and industry certifications to ascertain their reputation.

2) Certifications and Quality Standards

Ensure that the company has followed desirable quality standards like ISO 9001 or ISO 14001. The certifications indicate their dedication towards the manufacture of consistent, high-quality products along with proper environmental management practices.

3) Materials and Technology

The overlays that are going to be laid should be made of hard-wearing, abrasion-resistant, and appropriate materials for application. Look at the type of materials they can provide, such as polycarbonate, polyester, and vinyl. Check also that they employ advanced printing techniques (screen printing, UV printing, or digital printing) in an attempt to communicate accurate designs and quality finishes.

4) Design Support and Customization

Choose a vendor that offers design support and customization. This can encompass prototyping services, graphic design consultation, as well as customization options for features such as embossing, clear windows, and touch feedback.

5) Lead Time and Volume Flexibility

From your project, identify whether the vendor can produce small and large order quantities in short lead times. Ensure they can meet your deadline, but provide scalable manufacturing capacity.

6) Customer Service and Communication

Your good manufacturer must be able to provide good customer service, good communication, and regular project feedback. Choose a supplier who answers your questions in a timely manner and gives you timely order status notifications for your order.

Remember the above points, now you can go ahead and choose a UK graphic overlay producer who will be suitable for you and finish your job.

4. Conclusion

It is highly important to choose an ideal graphic overlay production firm in the UK for demonstrating the quality, reliability, and usability of your product. According to this top 10 ranking of best graphic overlay firms, now you have the industry’s best. They both have their strengths and capabilities, which can be a blessing to any type of firm. Whatever your requirements are, if you require special designs, improved materials, or faster turnaround, the above list provides you with an excellent starting point to make the proper choice in procuring the best manufacturer for your requirements. Up to the task of taking your project to the next level? With this guide, you’re prepared to locate the best graphic overlay manufacturer in the UK and start a successful collaboration.