Yacht bridges and control panels are produced using both high-quality films and opti-white glass, available in every imaginable color and shape.
Every device communicates with you through a control panel—from a simple on/off indicator and RPM or voltage readings to complete panels in a wheelhouse. The clarity of such a panel makes operating the underlying system much easier.
Now you’ve reached one of Boer & Van Wijk’s true strengths. One of the simplest forms is a pre-treated metal panel on which we print or screen print directly. At Boer’s screen-printing facility, we’ve taken this so far that panels we produced have been used in spacecraft—and are still orbiting the Earth today.
A control panel often consists of several components, and Boer & Van Wijk plays an important role in this process. First, a carrier plate made of steel or aluminum is required—this forms the base of every control panel. In addition, a front film is usually screen-printed or digitally printed on a special wear-resistant film from MacDermid. We apply embossing here: creating a raised area in the film at the location of a control button.
Where a standard front film would wear out and tear due to frequent pressing, this film—specifically designed for membrane switches—is guaranteed for intensive use, with more switching cycles than other comparable front films. The production of the entire panel, the so-called subassembly, takes place in our facility, which allows us to guarantee proper functionality.
The carrier plate itself is a true piece of craftsmanship; all components required for the use of membrane switches or touchscreens—such as precise cut-outs, press-fit studs, spacers, and light guide rods—are integrated into the steel or aluminum plate. All of this is achieved within a tolerance of 0.02 mm.
MacDermid Autotype front films are often used as the top layer on bridge consoles for yachts and vessels. Applying MacDermid Autotype Autotex front films onto carrier panels is a specialised craft. Boer & Van Wijk has the expertise to apply these films with precision, ensuring a perfect fit on every panel.
Finally, we laminate the self-adhesive high-tech polyester front films onto the corresponding carrier plates, creating a clear “console” that integrates the complete control system for engines, radar, navigation, and more. These panels are then ready for the electronics to be installed.
In the final stage, we bond the self-adhesive high-tech polyester films to their corresponding carrier plates, creating a clear “console” that integrates the complete control system for motors, radar, navigation, and more. These control panels or bridge consoles are then ready for the installation of all necessary electronics.
At the heart of this success story lies strong collaboration and clear communication with both the client and the manufacturer of the carrier plates.
One of the key added values for these films is embossing. This process allows us, for example, to integrate on/off switches directly into the panel by giving them a tactile function. The embossed areas rise slightly because the film is tensioned, creating a noticeable bump. This technique is often used to form a button.
Embossing is carried out on our highly precise digital cutting machines.
A complete overview of all the products we can deliver quickly, when needed!
If you have questions about a digital file, please refer to our submission guidelines. Still stuck? Feel free to contact us.
No digital file? No problem, we can help you create a unique design.
We’ve done our best to give you a complete picture, but we understand you might still have questions—especially when it comes to pricing. Simply fill out our form, and we’ll send you a quote as quickly as possible.
If you’re unsure about what to include, here’s a quick summary:
Digital printing, industrial screen printing, in-house assembly service, fast delivery, and almost any size possible.
We’ve done our best to provide a comprehensive overview on this website, but if you’re looking for something you can’t find here, the easiest way to get in touch is by email.
Boer & Van Wijk
Sedumweg 27
3343 LL
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht (NL)
Tel. +31 78 616 20 00
© 2025 Boer & Van Wijk Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht. All rights reserved. Photos by, among others, Peter Brugmans Photography.