An Inside Look at Engineering Solutions with Kris
At RH Technical Industries, we believe that great technology should simplify your life. It should never make your job harder. For over 60 years, our team has crafted user interfaces and industrial labels with one clear focus: the customer. We do not just manufacture parts. We partner with you from your very first sketch all the way to final delivery. Our main goal is to make your entire project feel effortless.
To give you an inside look at how we turn your unique ideas into reality, we sat down with our Lead Engineer, Kris. Kris works closely with our clients every day. He helps solve complex design challenges and ensures we deliver top-tier solutions.
Let’s dive into our conversation with Kris to see how our engineering support team serves you.
Question 1: How do you design labels and keypads for your customers?
Kris: It all starts with a detailed conversation. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach because every client has distinct goals. When a customer comes to us, we focus on listening first. We ask about the end-user’s experience, the product’s functionality, and the environment in which the product will live.
Once we understand your goals, our in-house engineering team gets to work. We look at everything from graphic overlays to tactile feedback. Tactile feedback is the physical “click” you feel when you press a button. If you need a membrane keypad with that specific feel, we design the exact dome switches to match. If your product needs custom backlighting, we find the best LED setup. We guide you through every choice. Our job is to handle the complex technical details so you can focus on your business. We keep you involved at every stage to ensure the final product perfectly matches your vision.
Today, many customers have access to design software, which allows them to submit their own designs, which can then be converted to print-ready files, or changes can be discussed to give the best results with the processes available.
Question 2: The cricket bat stickers are very creative; how do they differ from a normal industrial label?
Kris: They are a fantastic example of our diverse capabilities! On the surface, a cricket bat sticker and a heavy-duty military label seem totally opposite. A cricket bat sticker needs to look vibrant, bold, and attractive to stand out on the pitch. It must also withstand massive physical impacts from a cricket ball without peeling or cracking. We use flexible, high-impact materials and strong adhesives for these.
An industrial label, on the other hand, often faces different threats. It might need to resist harsh chemical cleaners, extreme outdoor weather, or intense UV light. The print must stay readable for decades to ensure user safety. While the visual design styles differ, the core engineering principle remains identical. We choose the perfect combination of substrates (the base materials we print on) inks, and adhesives to survive the exact environment our customer specifies.
Question 3: Many clients worry about choosing the wrong materials for harsh conditions. How do you help them navigate those choices?
Kris: This is a very common worry, and it is exactly why we act as a guide. The world of plastics, adhesives, and finishes can feel overwhelming. Clients often worry about hidden costs or product failures down the line. We take that stress away completely.
We look closely at your product’s daily environment. Does your device need regular washdowns with medical-grade disinfectants? If so, we suggest antimicrobial materials. Will your equipment sit outside under the hot sun? We will select UV-stable films. We explain the pros and cons of each material choice in plain language. By giving you clear, honest facts, we help you make smart choices. You never have to guess if your label or switch will last. We give you total confidence before we even start the printing presses.
Question 4: RH offers a Free Engineering Review for projects. Why is this early collaboration so valuable for the customer?
Kris: Our Free Engineering Review is one of the best ways we save our customers time and money. Quite often, design engineers create a beautiful interface on a computer screen. However, tiny details can cause big manufacturing issues later. For example, placing a connector in a tight spot can make assembly difficult.
By looking at your designs early, we spot these minor issues before they become costly mistakes. We review your layout, material layers, and electrical pathways. If we see a way to streamline production or lower your tooling costs, we tell you right away. This early teamwork prevents delays and keeps your project on budget. It turns a stressful design phase into a smooth, predictable process. Our customers love it because it gives them total peace of mind. Simple engineering solutions can save money and time!
Question 5: Do you think this kind of design can help cross into different industry sectors?
Kris: Absolutely. In fact, cross-sector learning is one of our greatest strengths. We serve a huge range of industries. These include medical, aerospace, security, and sports. The lessons we learn in one sector often spark brilliant solutions in another.
For instance, the strict sealing methods we use for military keypads help us design waterproof interfaces for marine leisure products. The high-resolution digital print quality we use for consumer branding can enhance the clarity of a medical control panel. Good design is universal. It is always about clarity, reliability, and ease of use. Because our team works across so many fields, we bring fresh, innovative ideas to every new project. No matter the industry, we adapt our expertise to your needs.
Making Your Next Project Effortless
At RH Technical Industries, your project is our priority. We want to make your manufacturing journey as simple and successful as possible. With experts like Kris leading your engineering solutions, you can trust that your designs are in safe hands.
Are you ready to bring your next interface or label project to life? Get in touch with our team in Andover today. You can request a free print sample pack or schedule your Free Engineering Review. Let us help you create something amazing!