Custom Membrane Switch for Your Unique Application
What is a Membrane Switch?
Membrane Switches are indeed a key type of user interface, where the user applies pressure to a part of the switch to make contact between conductive layers, completing an electrical circuit. They’re widely used in a variety of applications due to their slim profile and customizable design options.
Key Components of Membrane Switches:
1. Overlay Layer: This is the top layer of the switch, often made from a durable material like polyester or polycarbonate. It displays the graphical elements, including labels, symbols, or text that guide the user.
2. Spacer Layer: This layer separates the conductive layers and contains holes or cutouts for the activation points. It ensures that the conductive layers only make contact when the switch is pressed.
3. Conductive Layers: These layers are made from conductive inks (like silver or carbon) printed on a flexible substrate. They are responsible for forming the circuit when the switch is activated.
4. Backer Layer: The bottom layer provides structural support and can also include adhesive for mounting the switch to a surface.
Membrane Switch Panels Benefits:
– Customizable Design: Membrane switches can be tailored to include various shapes, sizes, and graphics, making them versatile for different applications.
– Durability: They can be designed to be resistant to dust, moisture, and other environmental factors.
– Cost-Effective: Particularly for high-volume production, membrane switches can be more affordable compared to other types of switches.
China Membrane Switch Applications:
– Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, microwave ovens, and other household appliances.
– Industrial Equipment: Machinery controls and instrumentation panels.
– Medical Devices: Equipment used in diagnostics and patient care.
Comparison to Other HMIs:
– Touch Screens: Unlike membrane switches, touch screens provide a more dynamic interface with visual feedback and can display a range of information.
– Mechanical Switches: Mechanical switches offer tactile feedback and durability, but they are bulkier and can wear out over time compared to membrane switches.
Membrane switches are integral in designing user-friendly interfaces where space and durability are important considerations.
Custom Membrane Switch Solutions & Features
Tactile Feel
Backlighting
Sealing
Shielding
Embossing
- Graphic Overlay: Innumerable membrane switch graphic overlay capabilities
- Circuitry: Etched copper on Kapton flex circuitry or printed silver circuit
- Emboss: Pillow, perimeter, and Braille embossed key options
- Tactile Switches: A variety of metal dome switch options
- Backlighting: LED, Light Guide Film, Fiber Optic and EL options
- Connection Types: Numerous membrane switch connector options
- Environmentally Sealing
- Shielding: EMI / ESD / RFI
Additional Membrane Keypad Solutions & Features
- Transparent or smoked integrated windows with deadfront membrane switches.
- Non-tactile membrane switches or flat switches
- Integrated displays and touch screens.
- Epoxy and UV-coated keys.
- Selective texturing
- Digital Printing
- Chemical and UV resistance.
- Rigid support backers with integrated metal or G10 backers materials.
Backlit Membrane Switch
Shanyo distinguishes itself with exceptional custom backlit membrane switches. Shanyo, Inc. designs and manufactures keypad backlighting solutions for leading medical, military, and civilian sectors using LEDs, electroluminescence, light guide film, fiber optics, and other technologies. From simple single-colored LED indicators to complex multicolored membrane keypad switch assemblies, Shanyo collaborates with you to realize your custom backlit membrane switch design. The company employs various backlighting technologies, including but not limited to:Shanyo distinguishes itself with exceptional custom backlit membrane switches. Shanyo, Inc. designs and manufactures keypad backlighting solutions for leading medical, military, and civilian sectors using LEDs, electroluminescence, light guide film, fiber optics, and other technologies. From simple single-colored LED indicators to complex multicolored membrane keypad switch assemblies, Shanyo collaborates with you to realize your custom backlit membrane switch design. The company employs various backlighting technologies, including but not limited to:
LEDs
Membrane switches with LEDs remain the most popular and cost-effective solution for keyboard backlighting, commonly illuminating keys, icons, and symbols. Additionally, LEDs often serve as indicator lights. A blend of LEDs, Light Guide Film, and proprietary Shanyo backlighting methods can be employed to illuminate the entire surface of a user interface.
Light Guide Film (LGF)
Electroluminescence (EL)
Our custom membrane switch features a revolutionary EL technology, applied as a thin layer between the graphic overlay and circuit. This innovative solution uses printable ink to deliver uniform illumination across the switch, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Experience the advanced performance of our membrane switches for a brighter, more consistent lighting experience.
Fiber Optics
Our advanced membrane switch solutions offer a flexible backlighting layer that seamlessly integrates between the graphic overlay and circuit layer. This innovation ensures that the entire surface area of your membrane switch keyboard is evenly illuminated, enhancing visibility and user experience. As leading membrane switch manufacturers, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, uniformly backlit membrane switches that set new standards in design and functionality.
Membrane switch and panel LED and line are on the same layer
Membrane witch panel LED and wiring different layers
Basics of Membrane Switches: Structure
Membrane switches are two main structures
- Raised structure:
The switch button is slightly raised, slightly higher than the panel, forming a 3D membrane switch keyboard. The convex is helpful to stimulate the operator’s sensitive touch, to help the operator accurately determine the position of the button, and to improve the recognition speed. The convex membrane switches keyboard can be designed into a variety, improving the decorative effect of the product and achieving a perfect appearance.
- Flat structure:
A flat structure was common in the initial stage of the membrane switches keyboard. The buttons on the membrane switch keyboard simply use color to express position, shape, and size. The accuracy of the operation can only be identified by the operator’s vision, and there is no appropriate feedback information to indicate whether the fingers press the effective range of the switch to make it work, thus affecting the confidence of the whole machine monitoring and control, and the speed of operation as well.
Custom Membrane Switches Flat Tactile Type
Custom Membrane Switches Convex Tactile Type
Membrane Panel Switch Metal Dome Tactile Type
Membrane Panel Switch spring acts as upper line
The Membrane Panel Switch spring piece only has a tactile function
Membrane switch and panel convex frame non-tactile type
Membrane switch and panel convex frame has tactile type
Membrane switch and panel LED and line are on the same layer
Membrane witch panel LED and wiring different layers
Membrane witch panel inner and outer frame type (waterproof structure)
Membrane witch panel bifold type
Custom Membrane Switch
- Custom Membrane Switch Shape and Size
The shape and size of the membrane key switch can be customized to meet the ergonomic requirements of the application.
- Custom Membrane Switches Keypads Color and Text
The colors, text, and symbols on the graphic overlay can be fully customized to match the brand and design aesthetics of the device.
- Tactile Feedback
The membrane switch design can be modified to provide tactile feedback when keys are pressed
The design of the film keyboard can be integrated into the backlight function, making it easier to use in low light conditions
Features of Membrane Switch Design
LGF Backlight Membrane Switch
Enhance aesthetics
Backlit membrane switches can give the device a more modern and refined appearance. The backlight can be customized into various colors to create a visually attractive interface that can enhance the overall design of the device.
Improve user experience
The addition of a backlight can significantly improve the user experience. It can make the keyboard more intuitive to use and reduce the learning curve for new users. In addition, it can reduce eye fatigue in low light conditions and make long-term use more comfortable.
Improve security
In some applications, such as industrial machinery and Medical equipment, aerospace, and Military, etc. pressing the wrong button may have serious consequences. The backlit film keyboard makes the keys more clearly visible, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and thereby improving safety.
LGF Backlight Membrane Switch
- Enhance Aesthetic Appeal
One of the main advantages of the resin dome is that it provides an enhanced aesthetic beauty for membrane switches. The transparent and shiny surface of the resin gives the switch a high-quality and high-end appearance, which is usually associated with luxury goods. In addition, the dome surface creates a three-dimensional effect, increasing the depth and dimension of the graphics, and making them more visually attractive. This is especially important for consumer-facing products because the appearance of a product can significantly affect consumers’ perceptions of its quality and value.
- Increase durability
The resin dome adds a layer of protection to the membrane switch, improving its durability and service life. The dome acts as a barrier to protect the switch from physical impact, wear, and scratches. This is especially important for equipment used in harsh or demanding environments because it ensures that the switch can continue to work normally even after a long period of use. In addition, the resin dome can also be moisture-proof and waterproof, preventing any damage to the electrical components of the switch.
- Enhanced tactile response
When the switch is pressed, the domed surface of the resin provides an enhanced tactile response. This is because the dome acts as a spring, providing tactile feedback to the user when the switch is activated. For applications where the user may not see the switch (such as when operating a machine or equipment), this feedback may be critical. The tactile response ensures that the user knows that the switch has been activated, even if there is no visual confirmation.
Rubber Keypad Membrane Switches
A silicone rubber Membrane Switch keyboard is a cost-effective solution for film keyboard panels. The material is relatively cheap and the manufacturing process is simple. In addition, the durability and service life of silicone rubber keyboards reduce the need for frequent replacement, thereby saving costs over time. This makes silicone rubber keyboards an economically feasible option for small and large-scale production.
Silicone rubber keyboard can be customized to meet specific requirements. They can be made in multiple colors, and graphic overlays can be applied to the surface to create a custom look. In addition, the hardness of the silicone rubber can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of tactile response. This level of customization allows manufacturers to create film keyboards tailored to their applications.
Silicone rubber is a non-porous material, which means it does not contain bacteria or other microorganisms. This makes the silicone rubber keyboard easy to clean and maintain because dirt and dirt can be easily wiped off the surface. This is especially important in medical and food processing applications where hygiene is critical.
Custom Membrane Switch Keyboard Features and Benefits
Membrane switch panels are widely used because of some very superior properties. It can meet various needs of users, from medical equipment to industrial equipment.
x
Moisture-proof performance
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Thin
x
Graphical interface
x
Design protect
As one of the manufacturers of customized membrane switch buttons, Shanyo’s membrane switch button design can achieve the best visual effect. At the same time, the company logo and button functions are displayed on the membrane switch panel to meet customers’ customized requirements.
Why Choose Shanyo Membrane Switch Keyboards?
- panel layer
The panel layer is generally made of colorless and translucent sheets less than 0.25MM, such as PET and PC, silk-printed with exquisite patterns and text. Since the main function of the panel layer is to function as logos and buttons, the selected materials must have high transparency. , high ink adhesion, high elasticity, high toughness, and other characteristics.
- Surface glue layer
The main function of the surface glue is to closely connect the panel layer and the circuit layer to achieve sealing and connection effects. This layer generally requires a thickness between 0.05—0.15MM, with high viscosity and anti-aging properties; during production Generally, a special membrane switch double-sided tape is used. Some membrane switches require waterproofing and high-temperature resistance, so the surface tape must also use materials of different properties according to needs.
- Control circuit upper and lower layers
This layer uses polyester film (PET) with good performance as the carrier of the switch circuit pattern and uses a special process to screen-print conductive silver paste and conductive carbon paste to make it conductive. Its thickness is generally 0.05– Within 0.175MM, the most common one is 0.125MM PET.
- Top Circuit Layer (Dome Holder)
This layer usually has three functions:
1. As a dome holder, it ensures that the Snap dome of the circuit layer will not cause spring movement due to triggering and closing, causing circuit failure and circuit wear.
2. Use 0.1-0.125mm polyester printing conductive ink, carbon oil, and UV ink as the upper line. The layer structure can also be convex to allow for better tactile feedback.
3. Can be used as an ESD shielding layer.
- Circuit gasket (switch gasket)
The upper and lower circuits are printed with conductive ink, and thicker tape is usually used to separate the upper and lower circuits to prevent direct conduction of the membrane switch keys. If the upper circuit is only used as a fixed layer, then generally the thickness of the covering glue + upper circuit layer + lower circuit layer should be greater than 0.4mm, otherwise, the panel will squeeze the shrapnel and the feel will become worse. Unless the panel is protruding, the four-layer structure is less than 0.4mm.
- lower circuit layer
The thickness of this layer of the circuit is usually 0.1-0.188mm. Can be printed with ink, carbon oil, and UV ink. LEDs can also be installed. Some membrane switch keyboards will choose copper flexible boards or printed circuit boards as circuits. Compared with Polyester, their performance will be more stable. More commonly used in medical and military industries. If copper flex boards or printed circuit boards are used as lines, Shanyo can even install various components on the lines.
- Laminated layer
It is between the upper circuit and the lower circuit layer and plays the role of sealing and connection. Generally, PET double-sided tape is used, and its thickness ranges from 0.05 to 0.2MM. When selecting the material for this layer, the overall product should be fully considered. Thickness, insulation, circuit button bag feel, and sealing.
- Back adhesive layer
The use of adhesive tape is closely related to what kind of material the membrane switch is attached to. Commonly used ones include ordinary double-sided tape, 3M tape, waterproof tape, etc.
- Rigid support layer
This layer structure is generally used as the last layer of the membrane switch keyboard, which can make the structure of the membrane switch keyboard components more complete.
Membrane Switches Keyboard
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What materials are used in Shanyo membrane Switch keyboards?
- Shanyo uses high-quality materials such as polyester or polycarbonate films, conductive inks, and adhesive layers in the production of their membrane keyboards.
Q2. Analysis of common failure modes and causes of membrane switch products?
Phenomenon:
There is no action when lightly tactile the keyboard panel. You must press the keys completely to make full contact before there will be a response.
Reason:
The resistance of the product is too large and the response is not sensitive.
Q3. Membrane keyboard switch keyboard appears on and off?
The keyboard panel turns on and off irregularly when in use. After this phenomenon occurs, shake the product terminals or re-plug and unplug, and it will return to normal.
The product terminals are not pressed tightly, resulting in poor contact.
Q4. The entire row of membrane key switch is unresponsive?
After the product is installed, one or more rows of key are unresponsive.
A. After the upper and lower line terminals were pinned in the same direction, there were pins in different directions that had poor contact with the product line, causing the entire row of buttons to become unresponsive.
B. The lead wire of the product was excessively bent during installation, and the circuit at the bend was broken, causing all the keys on the circuit to become unresponsive.
C. Due to improper protection, the wiring at the lead-out was cut off, causing the keys to become unresponsive.
D． The pin slot is deformed and has poor or no contact with the straight pin after installation.
Q5. Why does the product start on its own?
The keyboard panel malfunctions after installation.
A. There are granular objects on the mounting surface of the membrane switch keyboard or there are bubbles wrapped around it due to uneven pushing, which will push up the base of the product, causing it to start on its own.
B. There are creases on the keys on the membrane switch panel, making the keys more sensitive.
Q6. Membrane switches keyboard rebound is sluggish?
The membrane switch panel will have continuous movements or repeated sounds after the operation is completed.
Due to improper operation during production, rubber particles remained on the keys. When operating the keys, the rubber particles will adhere to the upper and lower wire pieces, resulting in slow rebound, continuous movement, or repeated sounds.
Q7. Membrane Switches Issues to note during assembly?
- Testing or operating buttons before product assembly must be carried out on the platform to avoid the key being broken or products equipped with a metal dome causing the snap dome to dent.
- Before packaging, the mounting surface should be smooth and clean, without oil, dust, or other foreign matter.
- The product cannot be scratched with sharp or hard objects to avoid scratches on the lines or surface.
- Do not use corrosive liquids to wipe the product.
- Products using silver filaments must not be bent, otherwise the silver filaments will wrinkle and cause poor appearance.
- When plugging and unplugging the terminals of the membrane switch panel and the straight pins, you must hold the housing of the terminals with your hands.
- If the product needs to be torn off and reinstalled due to inaccurate placement or other circumstances, the angle between the product and the mounting surface should not be greater than 30° to avoid creases on the product.
Q8. What materials are used in Shanyo membrane switch keyboards?
Q9. Can I customize the design of the membrane switches keyboard ?
Q10. Is the Shanyo membrane switches keyboard suitable for use in harsh environments?
Q11. What applications are Shanyo membrane switches keyboard suitable for?
Q12. What are the advantages of using Shanyo membrane switches keyboard?
How Can We Help?
In addition to our Quote Form, we are always available for an in-person meeting or conference call to discuss the design and project in greater detail.
Shanyo’s sales force extends across the entire country, so please contact us directly and we will put you in touch with your local sales representative. Complimentary samples of our products are also available upon request.
We have a team of skilled engineers ready to support you in your product development journey from prototyping to production.
When you’re ready to start your next project, simply upload your 3D CAD design files, and our engineers will get back to you with a quote as soon as possible.
200,000+ Unique parts produced
Contact Details
Address:
Factory No. 20, Tianhe Industrial Park, No. 252 Weihe Road, Qingdao Economic and Technological Development Zone
Weihe Road, Qingdao Economic and Technological Development Zone
Shandong, China, 2665
Tel:
+86-15764238133
Email:
shanyonod@gmail.com