Mylar? Polyester? Vinyl?

[cholin]

To the point:  What kind of "fabric?" is used on graphic overlays for keypads?

Im making my own keypad and I want to get a custom overlay printed... preferrably by myself.  Im gonna buy some special printer paper or whatever and it's available for all 3 materials so I would like to know the differences.  They keypads im talking about are usually featured on new stoves and fridges for water dispenser buttons, would you like your ice CRUSHED or CUBED... that kinda thing....

ANYONE GOT ANY IDEA?

[cholin]

Alright, guess nobody knows.  Hows this since I dont think it makes a difference for my project:

Who knows which one I can get laser-printable for cheapest!

[NoOne=NBA=]

Almost all of those are Lexan (PolyCarbonate).
Usually .005-.010 thick.
It comes in different textures from polished to heavy matte.

WARNING FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Vinyl and laser printers are not very compatible.
I have successfully printed the thick calendared vinyl on one, but I ripped the teflon off of the fixer roller trying to run the thinner cast vinyl through it.
The vinyl shrunk when heated, stuck to the roller, and then ripped the teflon off, when the feed rollers kept the backing paper going through.

I have had good luck printing paper, and then laminating adhesive to the back, and clear mylar to the front however.
As long as you don't get water soaking into the edge of the paper, it works great.

[cholin]

That was actually my first idea.  I was going to print on to a piece of paper in like REALLY dark colors and really high quality on the best paper I could get.  Then I was going to try to get it laminated with vinyl or something like that...

I just really like the effect you get when somethings printed directly on...

[ErikRuud]

Pribtable Polycarbonate?

http://www.lexjet.com/lexjet/dept.asp?dept_id=1019