The membrane switch backlighting design for the difference Human Interface Device

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The electric industrial revolution begins from around the end of the 19th century. The human interface device is born at the right moment. The original human interface device design request is very simple. They need the goods can be goof for manufacture and the function can be stabilized. Even though the goods are very cumbersome and un-humanization. The membrane Human Interface Device is begun from around the middle of the 20th century. NASA looking for the very thinner and stabilize Human Interface Device. Then make the research and develop such a new device.

With over 170 years of development, the original device now develops very well. Such as very beautiful, very small and light, very humanization, and very easy to use. The current device not only allows the user to get the special tactile feeling but also gives the user a very beautiful appearance. Here I would like to talk about the backlighting design of the different human interface device which used very often around our life.

The backlighting design of the membrane switches

With the standard membrane switches, there may contain the difference tactile metal domes design, contain the indication LEDs design, but such membrane switch without the backlighting design upon the keys. For catching the backlighting problems, we add the Light Guide Film under the text & patterns where need to be light up, we also need to solve the lighting homo problems, solve the keys tactile feeling problems, solve the lighting spread to each other’s and outline problems, solve the series production problems. To improve to get a better result, we make many tests with different techniques and raw material.

Now, we know the technology very well, and the LGF membrane switch still keeps the very thinner thickness and beautiful appearance design, they like the standard membrane switch, just with the side SMT LEDs as the backlighting design.

The other backlighting design is EL-Panel

The Electro Luminescence short for “EL”, the EL-Panel can be as the backlighting design. Actually, some of the membrane switches also can use the EL-Panel as the backlighting (Not the SMT side LEDs as the backlighting).

But there have some points that design use the EL-Panel as the backlighting.

1. There needs a very high power than can lighting the EL-Panel(Also need to design the extra actuator on the end control machine).

The EL-Panel need the at least 50Voltage power can be work, the SMT side LEDs only need 2V power can be work.

2. The life-time of the EL-Panel is around 5000~10000 hours, the SMT side LED’s life-time is around 50000~100000 hours, the SMT LEDs have the much longer life-time.

3. The EL-panel is can be designed very clear around the outline size, as the EL-Panel lighting is from the “self-luminous”, the lighting can be an easy design to be very homo, and the lighting not easy to spread to the outline size, there no need to design the extra lighting-barrier.

The backlighting design for the phones or other’s graphic overlays

The switch can be without the tactile feeling keys, and there can be design the touch feeling keys. Such as a cellphone. They use the capacitive sensing circuits design. Such backlighting design also with the SMT side LEDs and add the LGF plate that helps the lighting diffuse homo. Such technology also used very often at the advertising board. (Though the LGF technology for the advertising board not very high technology).

The backlighting design for the micro-switch

The backlighting design for the micro-switch is much easier because there no need for the LGF plate design. But such design required very much space with the keys. It’s hard to design the backlighting with the very thinner. And also, there needs to design extra transparent plastic pads to help the lighting diffuse and improve keys tactile feeling. There allow design the keys with more space (More thickness) will help the lighting more homo. The tooling cost is very complex and also cost very higher.

For more information, please contact us.

The classify of the membrane products

The membrane products here I mean for the plastic raw material, not for biology.

The plastic membrane products used as the machine interface, such membrane can be as the ornament, and can be as the protection, and can be as the indication, and can be as the controller. In a simple word, the plastic membrane products can be seen very often around our daily life, we will contact the plastic membrane products every day.

Generally speaking, the membrane products contain the below group by its construction

1. Membrane switch, membrane keypad, membrane keyboard, membrane button, Touch switch, Foil switch

2. Membrane overlay, Graphic overlay, Touch panel, Control panel, Labels, Name-plate, Foil overlay

3. Membrane circuit, Flexible circuit, Touch circuit, FFC circuit, FPC circuit, Polyester circuit, Foil circuit

4. Dome array, Metal dome array

5. Membrane spacer, Insulation spacer, Insulation foil

There are contain the below groups by its appearance and function

1. Membrane dome membrane switch, Poly-dome membrane switch, flat membrane switch, gloss membrane switch, matte membrane switch, PU Dome membrane switch, rim-embossing membrane switch

2. Backlighting membrane switch, LGF membrane switch, With indication LEDs membrane switch, standard membrane switch, sensors membrane switch

3. Crimp membrane switch, membrane switch with housing, membrane switch with connector, female pins membrane switch, male pins membrane switch, zif membrane switch

There contain the below group by its industries applying

Manufacturing industry.
Appliance industry.
Medical industry.
Automobile industry.
Sports apparatus industry.
Aerospace.
Agriculture.
Construction industry.

Actually, the plastic membrane products are used worldwide, and they also have many different names with the difference langue.

Our Company

Our Foundation Industries does not have a very long history, but we also are one of the lead companies in the business. Currently, we have over 13years of experience in the business, and we always do the plastic membrane products. We don’t produce the plastic membrane raw material but produce the membrane switches and it’s relative goods. And We have many experiences in doing the membrane products, the engineers and the main leader at each production department mostly work over 10 years at the company (Before coming to our company, all work at other’s membrane company). We always supply high-quality goods, more than 95% percent of our goods are shipping to foreign and H.K.

Our is not a very big company like the other’s business, but I am sure we are a big company in the membrane switch business. Actually, there are many small tiny workshops that do the membrane switches, they produce the standard membrane switches and can’t be always very stabilizer for a long time. They can’t give good support if there have problems with their goods, or can’t give good support with designing the new products, also can’t give good support that good protection with the toolings and required quality controls. Our Foundation Industries is the ISO9001 certificate company, from the original customer request, then the products design, then the prototype making, then the series production and the re-series production, we always have a good standard, the good tracker and the record, that allow us always give the best support to our customers.

For more information, please contact us.

How to Coat your Custom Silicone Keypads to Perfection?

A Complete Guideline to Coating for Custom Silicone Keypads

Despite the many advantages of custom silicone keypads, they are prone to dust. Their high level of dust absorbing ability makes it a must for vital to have a protective coating on top. Moreover, the texture or the character design of the silicone keypad requires coating.

After all, these keypads are used for a range of application in numerous industries across the globe. Thanks to the increase in human-machine interaction, you would need more and more of these keypads. After all, they serve as a medium for the human to communicate with the machine.

So, their quality needs to be of top-notch quality, especially if you want the machine to perform well and the user to provide positive feedback for your product. For these reasons, robustness and quality of the keypads are among the top priority for any manufacturer. Their extensive use in both the industrial as well as consumer electronic products results in variety as well as durability.

These effective, yet cost-efficient solutions are part of hundreds of applications. They also come with the facility of withstanding harsh outdoor conditions, provided, you have the right coating. In this blog post, we are going to talk about different coating options to extend the life of the keypad.

After all, applications that are constantly exposed to hard environments would take a troll on the keypad without proper protection.

Different Coating Options for Custom Silicone Keypads

See the options below for coating.

Polyurethane Coating

The first in our list is the Polyurethane coating. It is a smooth, clear spray coating and is used on applications that are highly used. It is also abrasion-resistant. The common abrasion-resistant coating offers great results, especially when applied on a rubber keypad.

All industries use this amazing spray coating as it enhances the keypad image as well as make it robust. It increases the lifespan of the keypad, despite its extensive use. The reason it increases robustness is that it offers superior resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and chemical exposure.

If you are looking for a cost-effective solution for your product, we would recommend the polyurethane coating for your keypad. Additionally, it comes with the facility of adding more to the life of the artwork printed onto the keypad.

It can actually increase the lifespan of the keypad 4 times more, in comparison to the non-coated keypads. This result was generated by the Norman Abrasion testing.

Clear Matte Oil Coating

The clear matte oil coating is basically applying a matte oil onto the keypad surface. This type of coating has similar characteristics to that of the Polyurethane coating. So, when the manufacturer sprays the mate oil coating onto the silicone keypad, it gives it a matte finish.

The touch of the surface also becomes smoother. It is extremely inexpensive. The low-end appliances tend to use this type of coating.

Epoxy Key Top Coating for Custom Silicone Keypads

The Epoxy key top coating is exclusive for the silicone rubber keytops. It is an excellent clear protective coating. The coating is perfect to give a glossy appearance. What more is that manufacturers use it to give the keypad a hard-plastic type feel.

Epoxy coating yields outstanding results. It may cost a bit extra, however, it would offer 12 times more longevity in comparison to a non-coated custom silicone keypad.

This again is subjected to the Norman Abrasion Testing. The epoxy coating works well for keypads that will be receiving a higher number of daily actuations. They work well for industrial applications where you would use abrasive gloves to operate the keypad.

Plastic Keyboard Protector

You can use injection molding with a variety of materials such as the TPU, PC, and ABS to offer an additional layer of protection to the custom silicone keypads. You can even enjoy laser etching as well as screen printing on top of the plastic keyboard’s surface.

Nonetheless, you would have to ensure that these plastic button caps are equipped with either electronic membrane or the silicone rubber membrane. Doing this would help you achieve functional function. Something, which is imperative in a keypad.

Parylen Coating

Another way to improve the longevity of the artwork present on top of the silicone keypad is to coat it using Parylene. This basically is a vacuum deposited coating. It has the ability to increase the life of keypad ten times more when compared to the non-coated keypad.

The manufacturers apply this coating in the form of a gas. Due to this process, it is possible for the parylen polymers coating to penetrate into tight areas as well as the small crevices. Thus, ensuring the uniformity of the coating on different surfaces.

One concern with this type of coating is that there is a need for specialized equipment for the process. Therefore, it would be expensive in comparison to some of the other abrasion resistant coatings.

Metal Caps for Custom Silicone Keypads

You can use a number of materials including copper or aluminum for the metal cover keyboard. To mold these covers, you would be using either the CNC processing or the die-cutting process. Since they offer high-level protection as well as uses the latest technology, therefore, the cost would be high.

These are perhaps the most expensive coating available.

Engraved Key Top Legends

We understand that sometimes, you want more than the coating. You are looking for an alternative that would offer the same results but would look way better. In that is the case, we suggest using the engrave keytop legends technique for your custom silicone keypads.

It is the perfect alternative to coating. What really happens is that the legends are directly engraved into the silicone rubber top. Thus, ensuring the longevity of these characters. Therefore, it is an excellent solution for high use applications.

After all, the legends will not wear off despite being used frequently. Although, it offers longevity, but it does come with some demerits. For example, these keypads are prone to dust. There is a probability that the dust would be trapped in the keypad.

This would have an adverse effect on the lifespan of the keypad. Also, to change the legends, you would have to be extra. It would be a costly modification.

Custom Silicone Keypads Coating Advantages

All these coatings offer a number of benefits. Below, we have listed the common ones.

They add to the aesthetic sense of the keypad. You can give glossy finish or a matte look. In addition, it is possible to give the keypad a hard-plastic feel. The ability to add to the look of the keypad makes it extremely effective especially in workplaces.

The coating provides great protection against different weather conditions. Of course, some coating work well with moist whereas others against UV ray. Have a clear understanding of the environment in which the keypad needs to be operated. Then, finalize the coating type.

One of the major benefits of coating is that it makes the keypad resistant to moisture and dust. The lack of dust accumulation in the keyboard enhances its overall life span. Thus, making the keypads work well even in outdoor conditions.

The engraved keytop legend technique is an excellent way to improve the overall look of the keypad. After all, you are not coating the legends. On the contrary, they are being engraved into the silicone pads. Thus, offering more and ever longevity.

Take Away

To improve the ruggedness and the longevity of the custom silicone keypads, you would have to use an appropriate abrasion-resistant coating. The good news is that the coatings are available in different types. You can choose the one that would suit your product requirement.

Each coating comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. So, in case, you need to choose with care. In case, you are seeking more information, you have come to the right place. We being on top of the game, would provide you with accurate information efficiently.

Reach out to us today, and let us guide you in the best possible way to choosing a top-notch coating for your silicone keypads.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Custom Membrane Keyboard

Custom Membrane Keyboard and Switching Buying Guide For UI

When designing a user interface, decision design engineers come across multiple challenges. Choosing, the custom membrane keyboard or switch on top. They also need to figure out the right kind of switching technology.

Of course, they can go with standard membrane keypad. However, sometimes it is the need for the application to have a custom membrane keypad. Thus, they would have to go with customization. Using the correct membrane switch is imperative. After all, it plays the middle man for the machine and the end-user.

It lets the end-user send out signals to the machine, thus allowing the machine to fulfill the requested command. Due to this reason, it is an imperative aspect of the product design process. You should not take the selection of membrane switch lightly.

In addition to analysing a number of variables, it would also define how the machine responds to the users. Something, the consumers pay extra heed to. So, for your convenience, we have come up with this blog post.

This is a guide about buying the correct membrane keyboard, switch, or keypad for your applications.

A Guide to Buying Custom Membrane Keyboard

Usability.gov says that the user interfaces greatly focuses on what the user might want the machine to do. It actually anticipates the user input. In addition, it ensures that the UI has the capability along with all the required elements that would make it easy for users to access.

Furthermore, the objective of a well-designed UI is to offer flexibility, understandability, and ease of use to the users. It also needs to allow users to facilitate all these actions in an effective manner. In other others, UI would bring together concepts from visual design, interaction design, and information architecture.

Since it is a vital component of digital and product design, there is actually a growing body of searched that solely focuses on the design principles of the User Interface for a number of applications. Before you finalize an optimal switching technology, you should consider a number of factors.

All these factors would contribute towards the ultimate durability, functionality, and usability of the end product. You need to consider things about design constraints, packaging cost, packing constraints, user experience, user feedback, etc.

Moreover, you also need to consider the environmental factors, after all, they do play some role due to the evolvement of machine design. To simplify things for you, we will be grouping the switching technology into two main groups, first the traditional technologies and second the specialty technologies.

Traditional Switching Technologies for Custom Membrane Keyboard

Below, we have listed some common traditional switching technologies

Rubber Keypads
Copper Flex Membrane Switch
PCB Membrane Switches
Sliver Flex Membrane Switches

Specialty Switching Technology

Capacitive Touch Membrane Switch
Touch Screens
Peizoelectric Membrane Switches
SimTouch, SimSlide, and SimScroll Membrane Switches

Considering the Traditional Switching Technologies

Although, both technologies offer a number of benefits. However, our major focus would be on the traditional switching technologies for the custom membrane keyboards. Overall, with membrane switches, it is possible for the manufacturers to design an array of designs.

They can offer customized, appropriate and targeted interfaces for the consumers. These designs have the ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between the end-user and the machine functionality. A traditional or typical membrane switch consists of a number of layers as well as components.

Below, we have listed them from bottom to top.

Rigid Support Layer
Rear Adhesive Layer
Lower Circuit Layer
Circuit Spacer
Top Circuit Layer
Overlay Adhesive
Graphic Overlay

For the overall appearance of the end product, it is important to focus on the graphic overlay. After all, it acts as the visual representation of the product’s control panel. Also, you have the option of choosing a custom membrane keyboard.

There is an array of design options for you to choose from. Select the one that would fulfill all your application requirements. Here are some of these options.

Elastomer Rubber Keypads
Panel Interconnections
Circuit Encoding
Backlighting
Relegendable Overlays
Embossing
Filter Windows
Hard Coat Finishes

These are some of the most common merits that different traditional membrane switch technologies offer to a number of applications. So, let’s talk about different traditional membrane technologies in detail.

Sliver Flex Membrane

Silver Flex membrane uses carbon conductive inks along with screen-printed silver on flexible polyester layers. These layers are separated using an adhesive spacer. In addition to being the most common design for the custom as well as flexible membrane keypads, it is also cost-effective.

Affordability is among its major attractions especially when you compare them with expensive, bulkier electromechanical switch assemblies. This simple, yet space-saving design adds more to their appeal.

Environment Friendly

What more is that they are environment friendly. So, the screen-printing process of conductive silver inks onto the flexible film substrate causes less damage to the environment in comparison to the chemically etched copper.

This along with the wide variety of designs often makes them the top choice for designers. Some of the design options include:

Standard Connectors on .110 inches centers.
RFI Shielding
EMI Shielding
Rigid backers including FR4 or Aluminum
Electroluminescent backlighting (EL)
Embedded LEDs
Non-tactile or tactile with either polyester or metal tactile domes

Furthermore, the Silver Flex membrane incorporate the graphic overlay. This further adds a number of design possibilities

UV Hard-coat Surface Finishes
Selection Textures
Transparent Display Windows
Tinted Display Windows
Rim Embossing
Pillow Embossing
Screen Printing
Digital Printing
Combination of Screen and Digital Printing

Below are the layers of a sliver Flex membrane Switch Design

Graphic Overlay

For graphic overlay manufacturers usually choose the polyester. They use this material instead of the polycarbonate due to its enhanced chemical resistance along with the flex life. You can get the right texture, finishes, or colors by using a number of printing options.

For instance, you can use screen printing or digital printing. For more enhanced results, try combining both printing techniques for your membrane switch designs.

Overlay Adhesive

To bound the top circuit layer to the graphic overlay, overlay adhesive comes into action. Generally, this is an acrylic adhesive. The manufacturer uses this because of its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and offer durability.

The acrylic overlay work well with different environments including the moist environments.

Top Circuit Layer

The layer comes with incorporating the poly domes along with encapsulating the metal domes. These domes are required to achieve tactile feedback. The layer usually is between .005 to .007 inches. In addition to being heat stabilized, it comes with a polyester printed layer.

The layer has is filled with dielectric inks, electrically conductive inks, and a silver filling.

Circuit Spacer

To separate the bottom circuit layer from the top circuit layer, the circuit spacer comes into action. Thus, allowing the switch to stay open until there is a press on the keypad. The space has adhesive on both sides and is usually of polyester.

Lower Circuit Layer

The layer usually is between .005 to .007 inches. In addition to being heat stabilized, it comes with a polyester printed layer.

The layer has is filled with dielectric inks, electrically conductive inks, and a silver filling. Furthermore, the Lower Circuit layer acts as a flexible tail serving as interconnecting to other electronics and controllers PCBs.

Rear Adhesive Layer for Custom Membrane Keyboard

The purpose of the rear adhesive layer is to bound the entire membrane switch package of the product enclosure. It would bound it to the rigid support panel. There are different adhesive types and thicknesses. You need to choose the one that would be according to your equipment requirements.

Rigid Support Layer

This is an optimal layer. You can use it to add structural integrity to your custom membrane keyboard. Furthermore, you can use a number of materials including FR-4, Aluminum, etc. You can also add mounting hardware such as the standoffs and the studs. Thus, increasing the robustness of the keypad.

So, you can reach out to us for your membrane keypads and we will provide you the best services.

Know Everything about Touch Keypad Membrane Switches

Touch Keypad Membrane Switches: Introduction and Usage

Mechanical engineers now use electrical switches to create an open or close electrical current. The current is generated through user controls. The technical advancement has led to a wide variety of switches. However, in recent times, touch keypad membrane switches have become extremely popular.

They have become an important part of any and all electronics that offer machines and human interactions. Since they now are everywhere, therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of these switches and how to use them.

In this blog post, we will provide you with all the required information. Thus, enlighten you, if you are new in the market. So, without any further delay, let us get started.

Touch Keypad Membrane Switches: All That You Need to Know

When users, press their fingers onto the switch, a switch deformation takes place. This deformation results in the creation of a closed circuit. Once, the user releases a finger, the circuit is open again.

Although it is a simple process, it has the ability to power a number of devices such as smart remote controls, laptops, lamps, and several other smart appliances.

As we did mention above that there is a wide range of switches available, serving different purposes. However, in this case, we would be majorly focusing on the membrane keypad touch switches. The two major categories include the membrane switches and the touch switches.

Both these switches do have the basic same working functionalities; however, they are unique in their own way. The type of switch you use greatly depends upon your equipment and product requirements.

We hardly use a touch switch to power a lamp, however, we might incorporate that in a more sophisticated and smarter appliance such as a microwave. So, here it goes.

Membrane Switch Overview

Although, we have a separate blogpost on a membrane switch, nonetheless, we are going to touch the topic lightly here. Thus, ensuring that you get the gest of what we do the comparison. For more detail, check out our membrane switch article.

Membrane switch is a special type of electrical switch. You will find incorporated in a number of devices. It contains one or more so contacts. Manufacturers use a flexible substrate for the creation of these contacts.

In general, a membrane switch consists of 5 layers. Graphic interface layer on the top then comes the Printed Circuit layer. The logos and the buttons are printed onto the top layer.

The circuit layer is responsible for a number of functionalities. To create this layer, the manufacturer uses conductive material such as the ITO or the PET. Membrane switches are popular due to their flexibility.

Thus, making them the perfect choice for small devices. In addition, you can find a number of backlighting options with membrane switches. For instance, the electroluminescent, the light-emitting diode, or the optical fiber.

Touch Keypad Membrane Switch Overview

The touch switch offers the same functionality as the basic switch as well as all other switches. It means it would create an open and close electrical circuit. Although, it is doing the same thing, but it differs in the way it creates an open and close circuit.

The touch switch supports touch-based control. The membrane touch switches have a momentary action. The reason being, they need the condition of normal to operate. For instance, they normally open, then they push to close and finally they have an immediate opening.

In simpler words, we can say that you would have to press the switch using either a finger or an actuator. Thus, ensuring that the two poles of the switch make contact for it to close the circuit. Once you release the membrane touch switch, the switch returns back to its original condition.

However, before it goes back to its original open positions, the poles are separated.

Manufacturing

To manufacture these touch keypad membrane switches, the manufacturers use a number of techniques. The common is the printing of either carbon or silver ink into a heat-stabilized polyester film.

After then, comes the graphic interface, also the first layer of the switch. The make the graphic layer, you apply an overlay. The reason these top substrates are referred to as the graphic overlay films of membranes is that they are extremely pliable and tin material.

Usage

When it comes to the usage of membrane touch switches, the options are endless. A number of industries use them for a wide range of products and applications. You can find them in aerospace, medical industries.

Moreover, they have extremely popular in consumer markets. They are common among industrial control systems as well. After all, they offer ease of use and effective results. You can even find them in touch-sensitive touch, high-end computer keyboards, and phones.

Their uses are endless. It is not possible to list all of them here. After all, these switches are becoming the norm of the industry especially due to their ability to enhance the aesthetics of the human-machine interface.

They make it convenient for users to interact with machines seamlessly. The advantages are endless.

Membrane Touch Switches: Construction

Now that you are aware of its advantages as well as the application. Let us look at its basic construction.

Note: Although, the interface of every touch screen might be different. However, the basic construction is the same.

The membrane touch switch consists of the following parts.

User Interface or the Graphic Overlay
Graphic Adhesive
The Printed Circuity – Top
Spacer Adhesive
Printed Circuitry – Bottom
Backer adhesive
Rigid Support Layer

Key Features of Touch Keypad Membrane Switches

For the manufacturing of membrane touch switches, a number of materials come into action. Although the manufacturing process is the same, however, different materials lead to different features of the switch.

For example, if you want the switch to offer durability as well as high-temperature resistant properties, manufacturers recommend using the polyester film for the construction of the switch. Likewise, for all the benefits of polyester material as well as some additional advantages, use the hard-coated polyester film.

After all, these hard-coated films are explicitly designed for the graphics overlay film of the switches. Below, we are the common features that all most all membrane touch switches offer.

High reliability
Fast curing
Strong adhesion
Carbon Conductors
Silver Conductors
Flexibility
High Conductivity

Types of Membrane Touch Switches

Here are the basic types of membrane touch switches.

Capacitance

First, we have the capacitance touch membrane switch. Similar to the capacitive smartphones, the switches identify the touch via the capacitance body. They are able to open on close the switch via the body. To operate the switch requires just one electrode.

You will find them behind non-conductive panels. For instance, plastic or glass panels.

Resistance

Resistance touch membrane switches feature two electrodes instead of one. For the switch to perform, both these electrodes need to be in contact with any electrically conductive material or a finger. When you touch the switch, it creates an open and closed state.

In comparison to the capacitance switches, resistance switches have a simpler design.

Piezo

Piezo is the least common type of touch keypad membrane switch. The switches incorporate the piezo-ceramic bending properties, and they perform in accord with these properties. They have the ability to work with a wide variety of materials.

Manufacturers build them behind surfaces and panels. The great thing about these switches is they have the capacity to be used as an actuator.

Tactile touch membrane switches

This type of switch reacts once the user makes contact with it. The reason being, the switch comes in contact with the underlying control panel. The user using this switch would feel the snap action of it. They are often seen in laptop keyboards etc.

Non-Tactile Touch Switch

Non-tactile switches, on the other hand, offer durability. They have a stronger build. The reason they offer durability is that they are completely sealed. Thus, there is no dust accumulation.

Silicone Rubber keypad – Why it is Important

Everything you need to Know about Silicon Rubber Keypad

In this Article, we will take you through brief detail about Silicone rubber keypad its features, benefits, why it is good for business purposes; you will get to know everything about it.

Before getting into brief discussion first we are going to introduce its main definition of Silicone rubber keypad then we will talk about its features, benefits.

Silicon Rubber Keypad Overview

Silicone rubber keypad second name is elastomeric keypad, it is also a type of keypad, it is designed by using a webbing material which is composed of silicon material, for instance Silicone rubber always webbing around a switch.

After pressing a key, rubber deforms itself because of having elastic properties as a result key touches the top of PCB. In simple words we will says that this keypad has a user interface design which plays an important role in creating connection b/w user and the device, in short it helps in the functionality of product.

Silicone rubber keypads have widely been used among business owners and mechanical engineers. There are many keypads available in the market which features plastic, but silicon rubber keypad comes up with its own benefits.

They have been around since decades, their mostly usage has been seen in the countless industries like health care, retail, aero scope and business.

But if you are not familiar to it then first you have to know that how they work and why they are so popular.

Construction of Silicone Rubber Keypad

There are many keypads which has been designed differently, but 90% construction is same.

There is a switch button on the top of keypad and there is a conductive material at the bottom of rubber, mostly manufacturer uses the material like carbon or gold.

There is a pocket of air or inert gas under this material (carbon or gold) so when a person press the pad with its finger the material deforms and creates a direct contact with switch.

This pads also has compression molding properties that is why it can easily provide a tactile feedback.

Why to use Silicone Rubber Keypad

Because of soft quality and flexibility they are widely been used, if we compare silicone rubber keypad with other keypads than we can see a major difference b/w them, other keypads are very hard and difficult to use but silicone one is very rubbery and soft.

Their quality is really worth mentioning that these pads can easily tolerate harsh outdoor temperature and environment but other pads cannot tolerate hard environment.

Their another good thing is that they not only tolerate high temperature but if the temperature is too cold it will still keep itself perfect without losing its originality.

In short we can say that it is a perfect choice for factories where heat is everywhere.

As we can see that lot of research comes up with a studies that tactile feedback is the reason of typing accuracy so for typist and office workers silicon plays an important role in the typing accuracy.

Silicone and plastic are the materials that commonly been used for manufacturing keypads but silicon is a perfect choice for soft textures, this is the reason keypad-FD gives first preference to silicon pads in order to satisfy customer needs.

Is Silicon Rubber Keypad is a perfect choice for Business?

First of all we really want to thanks to the silicon rubber webbing material, just because of it, keypads creates naturally tactile feedback.

It is good for business purposes because it can easily bear harsh and moisture environment, so if you travel a lot for business purpose then it can be your good companion and can help you a lot in business matters.

It will not lose its originality even after a heavy usage. If you are using plastic keypads in your long business trips because of seasonal changes your keypad can destroy your time, meetings etc. We have tested and have found that ingress of moisture easily damages the keypad circuit.

But when we tested silicon then we got to see that it shows itself waterproof, moisture free, dust & dirt free material.

Another good thing about it is that you can easily eat your lunch or dinner on the same desk where your keypad is placed without any cleaning fear because it comes up with a surface which can easily be cleaned.

The last and the most amazing benefit of utilizing silicon rubber keypad for business purposes is that it comes up with lot of backlighting option which includes electroluminescent (EL), light-emitting diode (LED).

You will not believe but yes it even includes a laser engraving though it’s not a backlighting option but it works in conjunction with a backlight to help in illuminating the legends.

Advantages of utilizing a Silicone-Rubber Keypads

Are you having a difficulty in deciding a right kind of keypad? If yes then go through the below content we are listing below a few good advantages of it that will help you a lot in choosing. Silicon is one of the most popular and good choice because of its advantages.

Waterproof and Dustproof

Yes they are naturally water proof and dust proof, silicon membrane is really ultra-durable and keeps the keypad safe from intrusion of moisture, dust, and micro-particles. Just because of this feature device remains safe from lot of damages. This feature is the reason of their popularity in factories and medical equipment’s.

Comfortable

As we all knows that reliability is first thing that customers look for, it is one of the key selling point which choosing keypads.

If keypad material is tough and hard then customer will not be happy at all. If it is not designed in a correct and organized manner then it will not serve its intended role. But this is not the case with silicone rubber keypad they are extra ordinary in providing 100% comfort and reliability. Silicone rubber keypad composed of smooth keys which give comfort to fingers and even after a long usage or a heavy work it will still calm your fingers. If you test it yourself then you will also see that this keypad is more comfortable than the plastic one.

Cost-Effective

Yes! It is 100% true that they are really less cost effective as compared to other keypads in the market. Their prices are very less, so we can say that they are available at favorable prices.

If you are those who is looking for keypads which is not only good, comfortable, environment friendly and cost effective than buy only silicon rubber keypad. It is one of the best choices in reasonable prices.

These keypads are also good for manufacturer when they are designing large scale applications, they can easily integrate this affordable keypad with that application. It will not only increase the product efficiency but will be less cost effective for manufacturer.

Supports HMIs With or Without Back Lighting

It’s another worth mentioning advantage is that it has a capability to support HMI’s. There are some HMI’s which use backlight for illuminating the interface. But it is not necessary if the keypad uses backlighting or not the, keypad will continue to perform its function.

Why to buy Silicon Rubber Keypad only from Keypad-FD?

Yes! for buying silicone rubber keypad, keypad-FD must be your first choice, because we not only provide keypad but you can avail benefits of enhanced options like epoxy encapsulation, multi-hardness materials, hard key feeling, laser-etched graphics, and your choice of finishes, including high-gloss.

By these enhancing options your keypad will have a new dynamics to keypads which plays an important role in increasing not only aesthetics but functionality also.

So place your order any time to keypad-FD, we have industry leading engineers, designs and manufacturing group that has been serving our company with their expertise since decades.

We are the top rated and most popular company right now we do our best in providing most complex and innovative human machine interface devices in the world.

has become the most capable global supplier of printing services include printed electronics, flexible printed circuits, instrument dials, Indicator faceplates, multicolor panels, tactile switch, capacitive touch keypads, silicone rubber keypad, touch screens, functional die cuts, backlighting, film insert molding and related custom components and products as well as the leading innovative solutions provider for custom applications.

Our company always comes up with appealing and attractive look products, you can order any color, size of product.

Our prices are very moderate and products are moisture proof, dust proof and anti-corrosion and erosion of harmful gases proof. So what else a customer wants for?

Want to place your order? Simply visit our contact us page and give us a free instant quote, one our team member from customer service will reach out to you and will guide you through our products.

Membrane keypad Manufacturer –Why to choose it

Reasons to Choose Membrane Keypad

In this Article, we will walk you through detail about Membrane keypad, but first we are going to put some shed to the main definition of membrane keypad so that you can know exactly what membrane keypad is? This article also covers the topic that why membrane keypad is good for business use.

Membrane Keypad Overview

Membrane keypad is composed of sets of multiple keys within a panel. Panel is flat and its thickness is less than 1mm.

As we can see keypads are used in variety of applications like desktop computers, calculators etc.

Its wide usage has been seen in heavy machinery and industrial equipment. In simple words, we can say that keypad is used to control the device, because of keypad person can communicate with device.

In market, variety of keypads is available but the most preferable and popular one is a membrane keypad because of its reliability, durability, longevity etc.

Let’s read with us to know exactly what membrane keypad is?

Membrane keypad actually features variety of keys on single platform without separate moving parts. Normally keypads are composed of individual keys each key has a separate moving parts.

But with membrane keypad, case is completely different, membrane keypads are composed of pressure pads on which the keys and symbols are printed.

Techniques used to designed membrane keypads are simple and straightforward, on the bottom keys are composed of conductive metal, so after pressing it opens up the circuit.

Since 1980’s manufacturers are utilizing it widely in computers and electronic devices, but now touch screens and capacitive switches gradually taking its position, but their usage is still high.

Why Manufacturer prefer Membrane Keypads than using Advance technology like Capacitive Switch?

Membrane keypads are very easy to manufacture and can be designed at a very less price, in short we can say that it is one of the option for budget-conscious consumers.

Its reliability and durability is the main reason of choosing it. It has the ability to repel dirt, dust, moisture and debris, it is perfect to use in kind of environment either it’s indoor or outdoor, try it anywhere. Although there are few points from where dust can get into the keypad because keys are not separate moving parts, but this does not matters a lot when one can avail lot of benefits. After going through all its features we can say that membrane keypad is one of the greatest option for outdoor products, either its rain or dust outside it will withstand itself and performs its function without having a single damage. 90% of people still want to try membrane keypads rather than capacitive switch because of breakage fear, yes the capacitive switch always works with a glass, after touching finger one can operate it, though it is very advance and modern technology and gives a very appealing and attractive look but still there are more chances of its glass breakage, touchscreen can be break just with a single fallen. Mostly parents provide only membrane keypads rather than touch screen devices in order to reduce the chance of breakage.

Here in Keypad-FD we take pride to provide you with 100% reliable working product with advance tech and different designs. It would be better if two keypads comes up with unique design, doing this will not only increase product sale but will also appeal the common user.

Few disadvantages associated with Membrane Keypads

As we all knows that every product comes up with few benefits and flaws so here we are putting some shed to the flaws of membrane keyword.

If we compare it with mechanical keypad then we can see a major difference b/w both of them that it has no tactile feedback which can affect your typing speed, this keypad is not good for those who used the laptops keypads heavily.

It is also not good for typist, it will affect their typing speed and it creates a high button noise while typing but the noise is bearable and don’t disturb the person.

Now days, as technology is advance so manufacturer is designing membrane keypads with small tactile feedback, for example small vibration. Though the vibration is small but it is enough to provide tactile feedback, it plays an important role in accuracy and user satisfaction. Its flaws are in minority that is why it is still popular and widely used.

Why Membrane Keypad is perfect for Business Use?

As we all knows that membrane keypads main quality is that they are robust & durable and their 90% usage has been seen in medical equipment’s but now a day business organization utilizing it for variety of products.

Membrane keypads are mostly assembled with membrane switches so these are very innovative electro-chemical assemblies.

They play an important role in controlling machines via UI, so they can easily utilize in industrial machinery as well as aero scope sector.

If you utilize this technology in workspace then you can get a lot of benefits from it. For example its surface is really easy to clean, and comes up with water resistant quality and chemical fire.

It is perfect to use for business purpose because it sends signal to the PC via membrane. There is lot of standard keypads available in the market but no one can compete membrane keypad.

Good for business because it is easy to clean, available in favorable prices and work very amazingly.

One can easily buy it from the nearest market. It is perfect for office use with multiple cubicles.

Utilizing it will not disturb other employees in the office. If its price is compared with other keyboard then we can see a clear difference, membrane keyword is very cheaper.

We recommend it strongly for those who used to have lunch or dinner on their office desks.

Many business men prefer it because of its compact and small size as compared to mechanical keyboard this is the reason they have long lifespan.

History of the Membrane Keypads

This technology has been developed over 20 years ago. People find it so reliable, simple; economical not only for design but its function is also extra ordinary. Just because of design capability it is still fresh and popular to use in the 21^st century. Its design still gives a appealing and modern look.

Its manufacturing process has been modern now but if we have a look to its basic principles and basic function then we can see that it has not been change which is why it is still more reliable to use.

Keypad-FD offers many services – Why to choose Keypad-FD?

Panel and Overlays

Our team gives 100% dedication in designing panel and overlays and provides better specification, better design and same flexibility than our competitors.

Labels and Dials

You will not find better supplier than Keypad-FD, volume consistency and services are the basic needs and we are here to fulfill all these requirements.

Domed Labels

It is really easy process to try, but it comes up with most amazing results, make sure to put lens over your image.

Quality and Testing

We always come up with great product but before delivering product to customer first our team test and inspect it. We are top rated and well known worldwide company. Our popularity is just because we value our customer needs and we award winning company not only locally but internationally also.

You will find lot of good things in our products but the best part our team is that they monitored and documented the product during every stage of manufacturing. Yes we strive to meet the customer demands.

Keypad-FD not only provides membrane keypads but membrane switches, capacitive switches, membrane overlays and much more products. Our products are known by worldwide because of 100% reliability even in the hostile of operating environment.

Yes! We have experts and engineers who has been serving in our company since decades, we have provided them a vast array of technical specification and equipment’s that helps them to offer best designing and manufacturing solution to clients.

Keypad-FD is custom designed and manufactured to meet the exact technical and ergonomic requirements for each customer’s specific needs. We gives a full freedom to our customer in choosing variety of designs.

Our team can provide the full solution to any concept from any market or product. Always remember that we only utilize the high quality material and advance technology and methods to fulfill customer demands.

If you are looking for reliable Membrane keypads, Silicone rubber keypads, Membrane switches, Capacitive switches, LGF membrane switches products with industry leading customer services and reasonable prices then keypad-FD is always here to satisfy you.

From low cost prototypes to full production volumes, you can quote us any time, just visit our contact us page one of our team member will respond you soon and will guide you through our products and company scenario.

What are the design structures of membrane switches?

As the engineer who designs and produces the membrane switches for over fifteen years, here I would like to share some information about the construction of the membrane switch design.

The main raw material of the membrane switch is the plastic, like the mostly machines & tools that we use. It’s much different from the metal switch, difference from the computer keypads, the difference from the micro-switch, difference from the traditional rocker switch. The membrane switch has a beautiful appearance, the small volume, the lightweight, the low resistance, the easy produce & custom, the complex control integration, and the long lifetime advantage.

For the standard membrane switch, it builds with 6 layers, sees the below 1~6 layers.

Layer1: This is the front layers of the membrane switches, the users directly see and touch such layers directly. Normally, such layer build with the hard coat Polyester sheets or the hard coat Polycarbonate sheets, the front surface can be printed with the different colors, the difference text, the different patterns, the printing is on the backside of such layers (Means you can’t scratch the printing).

Layer2: The layers are the double-side adhesive, it’s been used to stick the top and the bottom layers together. If there has the keys or the windows on the top layer, such a layer will be designing the cut holes.

Layer3: This is the metal dome retainer layer, for the membrane switch that with the keys design, the metal domes will be used for help to get good keys tactile feelings. The dome retainer layer can help to hold on the metal domes permanent, even though the membrane switch used at the very bump environments.

Layer4: This is the double-side adhesive layer, it’s used for stock the top layer and the bottom layer together.

Layer5: The layer for the circuits design. Normally, it can design the Polyester sheet that printing the silver as the circuits, it can be designed with copper flexible circuits, it can be designed with the PCBs circuits.

Layer6: The layer is usually designed with the double side adhesive, such as the 3M 200MP series, the 3M 300LSE series, the 3M 300VHB series, the adhesive can be a very good stick to the plastic material (Like the ABS, the Acrylic, the Makrolon, the PVC) the metal material (Like the stainless steel, the aluminum plate), the glass material (Like the glass, like the PMMA) and etc., the such adhesive can be work at the temperature at -40℃~80℃.

Layer7: The layer here is the circuits tail connection, it can design the ZIF contacts, design with the male pins connection, design with the female pins connection, also can design with the connect solder pads.

Foundation Industries have many years of experience in design with the membrane switch. We produce over ten thousand different membrane switches for our customers, and each switch is with different designs (Difference shape, difference keys, difference printing or colors, difference function). We are very proud that so many services for many famous companies, such as GE the Siemens, the Bosch, etc., We provide all our customer high-quality products. Also, we are very welcome the more business from anyone.

How to design a smaller and beautiful controller?

Controller design with the smaller volume: How technology and process can help design the controller smaller and beautiful.

Foundation Industries produces more than tens of thousands of switches for the difference controllers, the controllers may be used on many filed. Such as the aerospace, the military, the industrial, the consumer electronics applications, the automotive, etc., Our switches can design to be very thin, very light, and also with very beautiful appearance. Also, our switches are very easy to be been assembly to the plastic enclosure. Below are some points that show the advantages for the membrane switches:

1. Design free

Design the shape and thickness per your suggestion, design the dimensions of the outline per your request.
Design the text, the patterns, the colors as you like, you also can design the colors per your plastic housing. The printing colors, text, patterns are on the membrane foils bottom, and the colors can keep permanent.
Design with the liquid proof very easy, the gasket waterproof can be designed together with the membrane switch, and there is no need for the extra gasket rings design.
Design with the LED lighting indicator very easily. We can design with the “point-indicator”, also can design the “area-indicator” (Backlighting design for the switches).

2. Use free for the manufacturer

For the membrane switches, it can be very easy to assembly to the different machines. The flat surface mostly will be OK to assembly the switches. Therewith the adhesive design on the bottom of the switches, and you just need to paste such switches to your machine, and connect tails to your control PCBs, then it can be work.
The membrane switch can be suite to the sunny outdoors, can be suite to the rainy environment, can be sure to standard indoors, can be suite high temperature outdoors, can be suited to the high-pressure environment, can be suite to causticity environment, can be suite to vibrate environment, etc.
The membrane switch with low working voltage and current, low loop resistance. The material also the insulation layers, always Can be safe for users.

3. User free for the terminal users

The membrane switches have a good tactile feeling for the users, the simple and beautiful appearance also makes the users happy.
Easy clean, Clean the membrane switch more easer than a standard glass.
Good scratch resistance, the users don’t care the very easily broken after a long time using. Good acid and alkali resistant during the using.
Don’t have the fingerprints leaves, can be suited to the different kinds of touch and press fingers.

Foundation industries produce the membrane switches for over 13 years, and we provide our service all over the world. From the original standard membrane switches design, now our switches design to be very diverse. Our design main idea is not “Simpler is better”, Our design main idea is to try the best that catch the customer requires, Our design main idea is that customers give us the ideas that what they want to design the “achieve” and we give them the solutions. We doing the business always good, and we will keep our advantage that doing the business better in the future. Welcome to email us about your problems!

Capacitive Switch Design/Guide – Keypad-FD

Few Things that you may have not known about Capacitive Switch

Keypad-FD is one of the most and top rated company providing capacitive switch services, we are always here to enhance your product user interface without tipping the scales out of your budget. Keypad-FD is a well-known company worldwide because we always gives value to our customer requirement, before placing an order read below content, first we are going to put some shed to few amazing things about capacitive switch, so that you can have a complete overview and main definition about capacitive switch and decide yourself a better place to buy these switches. So must read the below content it will walk you through the fundamentals of capacitive touch technology including different construction, you will also read about technical consideration that will plays an important role in optimizing your device.

Capacitive Switch Overview

This switch is a type of touch controlled electrical switch which works because of changing in capacitance. Its functionality is as same as capacitive smartphone, when human touch a phone screen, from human body a tiny electrical charge transferred to switch because of this we can see a change in the capacitance.

After touching the switch the electrical charge which has been transferred from human body disturbs the capacitive switch own electrical charge, because of this capacitance change switch determines where the touch occurs. In such a capacitive switch performs its function.

Yes! Day by day technology getting more advanced and our future is going to rely on capacitive sensing technology. Now everybody is so close to touch screen, now 90% people prefer touch screens as compare to membrane switches.

Here we are going to list down few amazing advantages of capacitive switch with the glass

Usage of this technology is increasing day by day because it is very easy now to clean the glass.

1: This technology comes up with highly decorative solutions which include full printing colors like transparent and light blocking.

2: This technology comes up with back light option.

3: It comes up with multiple fond printing options.

4: It let you insert variety of labels into the glass; it also let you integrate multiple displays.

There are many manufacturers that utilized membrane switches technology which is composed of polyester graphical overlay and switching layer beneath. But the main disadvantage of utilizing membrane switches technology is that its usage is not appropriate with a glass lenses, only the capacitive switch technology is solution to get rid from this problem. Usage of a sensing layer and a microcontroller makes possible that now one can operate switches behind glass.

Let’s have a quick overview to the design of Capacitive Switch

Capacitive Switches are composed of 3 layers.

1: Upper Graphic Overlay Layers (This layer is composed of plastic and glass which is really durable and increase the product durability)

2: A Circuit Layer (Which is of flex PCB or simple PCB)

3: 3^RD and the last layer is the backer layer.

Main dis-advantage of using this Capacitive Switch

1: The main and only one disadvantage of this technology is that there are 90% chances of breakage glass; such technology requires more care and need.

As we all knows that everything comes up with few pros and cons so same the case with this technology.

But its advantages are much bigger than its cons let’s have a look below to its pros.

Benefits of utilizing Capacitive Switch

First and the most amazing benefit of utilizing capacitive switch is that this switch can bear harsh environment either its outdoor or indoor environment it can tolerate both.

If the customer’s main concern is dirt, moisture and dust then capacitive switch must be your first choice. In short we can say that these switches are one of the best choices for electrical switches.

The main thing about these switches is that for performing they need direct contact with object just because of this reason stylus doesn’t work mostly if the stylus you are utilizing is not made up of capacitive.

It’s another plus point is that they support integration of features like light emitting diode LED backlights.

Usage of Capacitive Switch

There are many industries where Capacitive Switches used in a wide range.

1: Vending Machines

2: Smartphones

3: Tablets

4: Human Machine Interfaces (HMI’s)

5: Industrial Control’s

6: Appliances, infotainment centers and much more

Few other Touch Switches

Besides capacitive touch switches there are also two other types exist of touch switch, Resistive and piezo which perform its function by reducing the resistance of two conductive components. So now you can see that there are three types of switches but the most famous and preferable one is only capacitive touch switch because of its performance, 100% accuracy, reliability and its overall versatility.

As you have seen above that capacitive switches comes up with longevity and reliability so whenever you look for an electrical switch then always prefer a capacitive one.

Major Difference between Capacitive and Mechanical Switch

As we all knows very well that switches are the main backbone that plays an important role in operating electrical device. In simple words we can says that it controls an electrical circuit.

When the switch is turned on the electrical circuit closed thus complete but when the switch is turned off the electrical circuit open up thus incomplete.

So in order to control these circuits variety of switches are available but the most preferable ones are mechanical and capacitive. And if we compare mechanical and capacitive then capacitive is more amazing and has future scope. So here we are going to present a major difference b/w mechanical and capacitive switch.

What is Mechanical Switch?

This switch is known as a most basic type of switch. Mechanical Switch is composed of two conductive traces; after pressing the switch there occur a contact b/w upper and bottom conductive trace which plays an important role in closing the circuit. After releasing switch the conductive trace comes back to its original position.

Here are few examples of mechanical switches: Buttons on TV remote control. There are other countless application like calculators, gaming controllers etc where mechanical switches has been utilized. Computer keyboards, human machine interfaces (HMIs), household appliance are also an example of mechanical switches.

What is Capacitive Switch?

Their function is also same as mechanical switch, they used for opening a circuit, but the method used for opening the circuit is completely different than mechanical switches.

As we all knows that mechanical switches features conductive traces separated by air but capacitive switches use a capacitive sensor which plays an important role in changing capacitance.

It continually emits a current across the button, when someone touches the button then its finger absorb a bit current and drop the capacitance which in result closing the circuit.

If we compare capacitive switches with capacitive touch then we get to know that both are used for measuring capacitance.

Using a capacitive switch benefit is that it requires no pressure to operate, mechanical switch button requires a pressure to push the button hard enough but in case of capacitance you just need to touch it with your bare finger and all will done.

Few more great features are listed below

1: It is really easy to use just with a single finger touch, it opens up the circuit.

2: It contains sensors which are adjustable to environment.

3: It is easy to clean because switch is impervious to dust and dirt, and resistant to harsh chemicals and contaminants

4: It is really durable and reliable because of 50 million cycles.

5: It is also available in momentary.

These switches are new into the industry but still getting lot of fame among people; slowly they are replacing membrane and mechanical switches, and can easily combine with PCAP touchscreen. They are perfect to give a modern look to a device. Its new features are sliders and wheel, in short we can say it an ideal technology.

If you are one of those who only look for cost effective designs then prefer only capacitive switch because only this technology comes up with cost effective designs.

Why to choose Keypad-FD?

Keypad-FD is always here to fulfill your requirement, if you are looking for high quality capacitive switches then jump over to our contact us page one of our team member will you as soon as possible and will guide you about everything. The reason to choose us is that our engineers have been manufacturing switches since decades.

Let’s have a look to out few Mottos:

We always value our customer needs, we always comes up with high quality product, we choose the product material very carefully, and customer satisfaction will always remain our first preference.

If you are interested in our services then give us an instant quote, our customer support team will respond back to you in a short span of time and will guide you.