Conductive Silver Ink Printing Membrane Switch Design For WIFI Telecommunication Device

Types of Membrane Switches

1. Non-Tactile Membrane Switches:

   • Economical and reliable but do not provide direct feedback to the user.
   • Custom shapes and sizes can be easily created.

2. Tactile Membrane Switches:

   • Provide a noticeable snap action feedback through conductive stainless steel or polyester domes.
   • Feedback can be visual, audible, or tactile, enhancing user interaction.

3. Mixed Panels:

   • Combine both tactile and non-tactile switches for flexibility in design.

4. PCB Backed Membrane Switches:

   • Incorporate a printed circuit board for structural support and additional components.

Key Components

• Graphic Overlay: The visual interface that users interact with, which can be customized in color and texture.
• Circuit Layers: Typically consist of a top circuit layer, dome retainer, dome spacer, bottom circuit, and rear adhesive.
• Display Windows: Can be integrated for visual feedback, with options for transparency and color tinting.

Material Selection

• Polycarbonate: Commonly used for its ease of printing and cost-effectiveness, but less durable than polyester.
• Polyester: Offers superior durability and chemical resistance, suitable for high-use applications.

Design Considerations

• Circuit Configuration: Can be designed as a common bus or matrix layout, affecting the switch's reliability and manufacturing ease.
• Venting: Necessary to allow air displacement when the switch is pressed, ensuring a sealed design.
• Shielding: Options for ESD, EMI, and RFI shielding can be incorporated depending on the application requirements.

Production Process

• The design process may involve creating custom artwork, selecting appropriate materials, and determining the best printing methods (screen printing, digital printing, or a combination) to achieve the desired functionality and aesthetics.

 
 Specification:

1)Material (for front or face overlay)

Polyester:

1.Highly versatile for embossing

2.Highly resistant to chemicals

3.Better durability

4.For internal and external use, UV resistance

Polycarbonate:

1.Different surface(Glossy, Matt) and thickness(From 0.12mm~2mm)

2. cost-effective in price

3.For internal and external use

2) Embossing

Rim embossing/pillow embossing/dimple embossing

Graphic overlays can be embossed in order to insert domes/LED, leave space for mechanical keys/LED and provide tactile indications and better tactile feeling.

3)Windows(for display function)

1. print different colors windows, As transparent grey/Red/green window for display

2. Clear/Transparent window for LCD display

2. Matt/semi-transparent window for LED

4)Keys/buttons

Tactile keys---with metal dome or poly dome

Non-tactile--silver printing dots with flat key

5) Embeded LEDs

Small, brilliant lights only about 0.02’’ in height. Avaliable in several vibrant colors.

LED colors: white, yellow, orange, green, red, or double colors LED.

6)Cable

It is an extension of the printed circuit and is used to communicate with your device.

7)Types of connector

1.Zero insertion force (ZIF) connector; 2.Female connector; 3.male connector

8) EMI / RFI / ESD Shielding

use an aluminum foil shielding / a clear ITO electrical conductive polyester

9)Adhesive

mostly used are 3M-double-side glue

10)Backplate-

in aluminum, polycarbonate, acrylic, PCB

Product index:

Operating voltage: 35V DC

Operating current: 100mA 1W

Contact resistance: < 100 Ohms

Open circuit resistance: ≥ 10MΩ at 100V

Operating temperature: Flat/Metal dome:-20°c to +80°c

Storage temperature: Flat/Metal dome:-40°cto +80°c

Life expectancy Flat type≥5,000,000 times Tactile type≥1,000,000 times

Switch stroke: 0.1 to 0.6mm

Contact bounce: 5 to 30ms

Actuation force tolerance: +/- 20 to 45g

Tactile ratio: FC > 40%

Operating humidity: up to 95% RH

Female, male connector, solder pins and heat seal connectors are available

 
 
 
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