Fascia provides membrane keypads for generator

Fascia is supplying Poweroasis, a developer of remote base-station power, with membrane keypads for its Poweroasis Controller (D) - a 19in rack-mounted diesel generator management unit.

Poweroasis provides products and services that 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.

The company has identified the potential future growth for green telecoms.

Poweroasis identified Fasica Graphics in May 2009 through an internet search for local manufacturers of graphic overlays and membrane keypads.

It required a membrane keypad for its Poweroasis Controller (D), a 19in rack-mounted diesel generator management unit.

The membrane needed a data entry keypad plus associated display to change configuration settings and manage alarms.

Ivan Harris, chief marketing officer at Poweroasis, said: 'It was crucial that we also embodied our brand into the design to stand out from 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.

Fascia Graphics suggested MacDermid Autotype’s Autotex Steel.

This hard-coated polyester film produces stainless-steel effects for membrane keyboards, keypads and fascia panels.

The benefits of Autotex Steel are not just cosmetic - it can easily be embossed, making it ideal for use with domed membrane keypads or in applications where keys or panel areas need to have raised edges.

Paul Bennett, managing director of Fascia Graphics, said: 'We have found Autotex Steel easy to handle throughout the manufacturing process.

'Its tough outer surface also offers good resistance to abrasion and a range of chemicals and solvents.

'Therefore, it is ideal for the rigors of being mounted on a mobile phone base station,' he added.

Harris said: 'Fascia Graphics has helped us identify the most appropriate materials for our membranes and have accommodated an engaging approach to turning our requirements into a finished product.

'It has always been transparent on its costs and has helped us arrive at a lower-cost solution in some cases by helping us trade-off requirements.

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