Membrane switches are the economical alternative to conventional mechanical switches. With the increased popularity of membrane switches in a wide range of industry and electronic applications, it is important to fully understand what you want your membrane switch to be able to achieve. Membrane switches can take the form of a complete graphic interface panel or the simplified flexible printed circuitry. Flexible printed circuitry is also well suited for silicone key mats, where traditional rigid PCBs are not well suited. When correctly engineered membrane switches are the hard-wearing and reliable form of switch technology.
The benefits of opting for membrane switch solutions include:
- Hard-wearing and durable in extreme environments
- Adhesive backed for easy installation
- Capability to die or laser cut to any shape
- Variety of surface finishes available
- Reliable and compact
- Ability to be die or laser cut into any shape
- Variety of surface finishes available
What is the process of manufacturing a membrane keypad?
The first step in choosing your membrane switch panel is to design the overlay that will stay unique to each order, ensuring the Human Machine Interface (HMI) aligns with the brand of the business. Graphic Overlays enable full design capabilities. These overlays generally begin as a clear piece of polyester or polycarbonate material. Once the base material has been selected, it is then screen or digitally reverse printed on to the material. This protects the ink from wear, scratching, and tear, ensuring the longevity of the overlay panel. Selective textures are printed on the front side (top-surface printing) of the material to allow for LED and LCD windows if desired.
Where can you find a membrane switch?
Membrane switches have historically been utilised in a variety of industry. Reid Print Technologies manufactures across the industries of:
- Medical
- Defence
- Aerospace
- Industrial
- Consumer
- Transport
- Electronic Vehicles
- Marine
- And many more
What are the different types of membrane switches?
Switch assemblies can be divided in to two main groups, that being tactile and non-tactile. Each of these groups are more suited to different industries and each perform a different function on the circuit board.
Tactile: Tactile switches a designed to give feedback response when the switch has been pressed by a finger in order to provide this tactile feedback, stainless steel or polyester domes are used. The number of sizes shapes and actuation forces of domes are vast. Reid Print Technologies sales engineers can assist you in choosing the dome that is suitable for your application.
Non-tactile: Non-tactile switches are more reliable and have a longer life cycle but does however require separate feedback to the operator such as a beep, light or change in visual display. A PCB integrated construction offers an efficient design for most non-tactile keypad programs regardless of the key density. In addition to offering more trace routing capability, the PCB can incorporate passive and active components as well as acting as a rigid backer.
For more information on membrane switches please contact Reid Print Technologies on 1300 765 533 or sales@reidprinttechnologies.com.au
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