MEMBRANE SWITCH Design Guide
A MEMBRANE SWITCH IS A LOW POWER ELECTRICAL SWITCH, COMPRISED OF SILVER OR GRAPHITE IMPREGNATED INK, PRINTED AND CURE BONDED TO A PLASTIC SUBSTRATE - POLYESTER BEING THE MOST COMMON - AND ASSEMBLED WITH VARIOUS ADHESIVE LAYERS AND FINISHED WITH A GRAPHIC OVERLAY. MAJOR BENEFITS IN DESIGNING A MEMBRANE SWITCH INTO YOUR PRODUCT INCLUDE EASE OF CLEANING, ENVIRONMENTAL SEALING, LOW PROFILE, AND THE ABILITY TO CREATE A VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE INTERFACE.
Membrane Switch Manufacturing Capabilities
There are a number of elements to consider when fabricating a membrane switch. We are here to help you make the best decisions for your application.
Types of tactile feedback required
Number of buttons required
Visual feedback required
PCB/PCBA’s required
Environmental and durability factors
Incorporating graphics and branding
Supplying artwork
Basic recommendations and tolerances
Design your own Membrane Switch
Design your own membrane switch with our free, thorough guide. This guide is perfect for engineers who know they need a membrane switch but aren’t sure where to start. By the end of the guide, you’ll be ready to design your own membrane switch.
Membrane Switch CONSTRUCTIONS
Tactile and Non-tactile membrane switch Keypads
Tactile feedback refers to the feel you experience when you push a button. By using different materials and sizes for these buttons, you can vary the actuation force required to activate the switch. Tactility can be produced through several methods utilizing Internal Polydomes, External Polydomes, and Metal Domes.
Backlit Keypads
ECI Technologies has established itself as one of the industry’s backlighting specialists. Backlighting can be produced with Side Fire LED’s, Light Guide Film, Fiber Optics, and Electroluminescent or (EL) Lamps.
PCB BASED MEMBRANE SWITCHES
PCB’s can be single or multi layered and can include mounting hardware and different types of plating. PCB based designs are ideal when LCD’s or Vacuum fluorescent displays are included in the final assembly.
FPC – FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUITS
FPC’s combine the best of both PET based circuits and PCB’s as they offer flexibility and solder ability. The tail, as with a PET based switch, is an integral part of the circuit which saves the cost of a ribbon cable and interconnect.
Turn Your Concept Into A Prototype
Get complete production-quality products for testing before committing to full production.
In-House Manufacturing Engineering
Digital Printing
Laser Cutting and Auto-die Cutting
Custom Assembly Provides a final prototype ready for production approval
We specialize in prototyping membrane switches, graphic overlays, and labels. Please contact us for custom requests.