Customize Your Membrane Switch

Metal- or poly-dome and dome spacer layers are added to tactile switches, and a non-conductive shielding layer can be added whenever a higher level of insulation or resistance is needed.

Tactile membrane switches incorporate metal or polyester domes, which when pressed, give the feeling of pushing a button. Because this tactile response can provide a more satisfactory user experience, tactile switches are commonly used for security keypads, aircraft control panels, thermostats, and more. They have a lifespan of one million actuations.

Non-tactile membrane switches do not include a dome, and therefore they do not provide a physical response. They can be designed to trigger LEDs for status signaling. Non-tactile membrane switches can be activated up to five million times.

Backlighting options, such as LEDs, fiber optics, light guide films, and electro-luminescense, can be added to membrane switches to provide a better user-experience.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives are used to mount membrane switches to its enclosure or to adhere one circuit layer to another. (3M manufactures a variety of membrane switch adhesives.)

Certain factors should be considered when selecting an adhesive.

Is the enclosure surface smooth or rough?
What factors could risk the durability and reliability of your membrane switch adhesive: harsh chemicals, high temperatures, moisture or humidity, ongoing stress from repeated actuations, UV exposure, or vibration?

An alternative to an adhesive backing is the use of a stainless steel or aluminum panel. The benefits of this option become evident when it is time to program electronic units, perform maintenance, or replace components. Panels can be manufactured to be the same size and shape as any housing or enclosure. This ensures a snug fit and the precise placement of the membrane switch tail.

Read our blog: How membrane switch metal backers can eliminate the hassle of maintenance.

Shielding, often constructed with solid aluminum foil or by printing with carbon or silver ink, is used to eliminate electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic interference, and radio frequency interference.

Silicone rubber keypads or keyboards can be added to the overlays of membrane switches, touchscreens, and other user-interface products. Because silicone rubber is moldable and can be compressed, it offers a comfortable and durable tactile experience. Silicone rubber keypads are also waterproof and dust proof, and they can be designed with laser-etched graphics, high-gloss finishes, and other aesthetic features.

Duraswitch® is another membrane switch customization option. This technology helps create a thin and robust keypad that can reliably function in extremely harsh environments. Duraswitch utilizes two unique technologies, PushGate® and thiNcoder®, which increase longevity by eliminating the scraping, flexing, and grinding common to traditional membrane switches.

Use prototypes to improve your membrane switch design.

An industrial supply company needed a keypad designed to improve warehouse security. After consulting with our engineers and walking through two prototype iterations, the client settled on a multi-color, polyester keypad that would respond well to touch, yet withstand high temperatures and environmental contaminants.

Prototypes can help you vet the design and functionality of your product before you invest in a full production run. You can rely on a prototype to test proof-of-concept, visual appeal, or functionality. To help you stay on track, we can deliver prototypes within a matter of days.

Membrane Switches: Customize Yours

Customize Your Membrane Switch