Advantages Of Metal Dome Membrane Switches
January 27, 2026
We have all had that frustrating moment with a piece of electronics where you press a button, and nothing happens. You press it again, maybe a little harder, and you
Dome Sheets & UV
Custom Dome Sheets & UV
Structure: Multi-layer composite (PET/stainless steel/conductive layer);
Actuation force range: 5-500gf (customizable);
Standard stroke: 0.05-0.5mm;
Contact resistance: < 100 mΩ (typical);
Life Cycle: ≥500,000 cycles;
Environmental tolerance: -40℃ ~ +85℃ (extendable to 125℃);
Protection rating: Up to IP68 design.
What Is Dome Sheets & UV？
Dome Sheets & UV represent an advanced evolution of the standard Metal Dome Sheet, incorporating a precision application of Ultraviolet (UV)-curable adhesive for functional enhancement. This process involves depositing specially formulated UV glue onto specific areas of a dome array—such as around the dome periphery or contact points—which is then instantly cured by UV light to form robust sealing rings, protective barriers, or tactile bumps. This is more than a manufacturing step; it’s a functional upgrade that transforms a standard metal dome array into a highly integrated module with superior environmental sealing and custom tactile haptics, specifically engineered for demanding applications.
Technical Parameters of Dome Sheets & UV
| Parameter Category | Standard Range | Premium Spec | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Force | 10 – 200 gf | 5 – 500 gf (customizable) | IEC 61000-4-2 |
| Travel | 0.05 – 0.5 mm | 0.02 – 1.0 mm | ISO 13732-1 |
| Contact Resistance | < 100 mΩ | < 50 mΩ | EIA-364-23 |
| Bounce Time | < 10 ms | < 5 ms | MIL-STD-202 |
| Operating Life | 1 million cycles | 5 million cycles | IEC 60384 |
- Temperature range: -40℃ to +85℃ (Special grade -55℃ to +125℃)
- Damp heat resistance: 1000-hour test at 85℃/85%RH
- Chemical compatibility: Resistant to common solvents such as IPA and ethanol
- UV aging resistance: No performance degradation after 500 hours of UVB irradiation
Explore Shanyo's Dome Sheets & UV
| Structure | specification | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| UV protrusions | Single-layer UV protrusions |  |
| UV protrusions + transparent DOME SHEET |  | |
| UV protrusions + black DOME SHEET |  | |
| UV protrusions + white DOME SHEET |  | |
| UV protrusions +LGF+DOME SHEET |  |
Industry Pain Points and Solutions
| Challenge | Problem Statement | Solution / Technology Breakthrough | Performance Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tactile Consistency Control | Batch-to-batch force variation > 15 % | Digital tooling + AI-based 100 % force inspection | Force deviation < 5 % |
| Waterproof & Dustproof | Harsh-environment reliability | Labyrinth-edge seal + nano-hydrophobic coating | IP68 (validated by 3 m submersion test) |
| Ultra-thin Requirement | Slim-device form factor | 0.08 mm ultra-thin stainless-steel dome + flexible substrate lamination | Phone side-key thickness reduced from 0.8 mm to 0.3 mm |
Design and Selection Guide
| Application Scenario Analysis | Environmental Requirement | Mechanical Characteristic | Electrical Parameter | Structural Constraint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Electronics | –20 °C – +70 °C | 10 – 150 gf | < 100 mΩ | Thickness < 0.3 mm |
| Automotive Electronics | –40 °C – +105 °C | 50 – 300 gf | < 50 mΩ | IP67 protection |
| Medical Equipment | +10 °C – +40 °C | 20 – 100 gf | Medical certification | Curved-surface conformal |
| Solution Tier | Substrate Material | Dome (Metal) Material | Rated Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economical | PET | 304 stainless steel | 0.5 M cycles |
| Balanced | PEN | 301 stainless steel | 1 M cycles |
| Flagship | PI | Beryllium-copper alloy | 5 M cycles |
Why Choose Shanyo's Dome Arrays?
The integration of UV curing technology delivers multidimensional performance enhancements for Dome Sheets:
Superior Environmental Sealing & Protection
The cured UV adhesive creates seamless gaskets that effectively block moisture, dust, corrosive gases, and liquids from penetrating the Dome Sheets UV assembly. This is critical for achieving high Ingress Protection (IP) ratings like IP67/IP68, making Dome Sheets &UV ideal for harsh environments.
Enhanced Structural Stability & Durability
The cured polymer layer securely bonds the metal domes, circuits, and overlay materials together. This prevents delamination or shifting caused by repeated actuation, vibration, or thermal cycling, significantly boosting the mechanical lifespan and reliability of the entire metal dome array.
Customized Tactile & Ergonomic Design
By forming precise UV-cured tactile bumps over specific keys, the pressing feel—such as actuation force or travel-end hardness—can be fine-tuned without altering the metal dome itself. These bumps also provide physical guidance for blind operation, greatly expanding the tactile design possibilities of a Metal Dome Sheet.
Efficient & Precise Manufacturing Process
UV curing happens within seconds, enabling high production efficiency. The application location, shape, and volume of the adhesive are precisely controlled via programming, ensuring exceptional batch-to-batch consistency for Dome Sheets &UV products.
Excellent Chemical & Thermal Stability
Once cured, the UV adhesive layer exhibits strong resistance to chemicals, high temperature/humidity, and UV aging, ensuring the added functionalities remain reliable throughout the product's operational life.
Find Your Application: Versatile by Design
Shanyo's custom dome sheets & UV can be applied to various industries and specific products.
| Application Field | Typical Use Case | Core Benefits Provided by Dome Sheets & UV |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Electronics | Steering wheel controls, center console panels, door switches. | High sealing protects against condensation and cleaners; Reinforced structure handles vibration and temperature swings; Bump design aids driver blind operation. |
| Outdoor Equipment & Tools | Outdoor GPS units, power tool interfaces, marine instrumentation. | Comprehensive waterproof/dustproof sealing ensures reliable operation in rain, dust, and other harsh conditions. |
| Industrial Control & Automation | Factory HMI panels, machinery control panels, lab equipment. | Chemical resistance against oils and solvents; Enhanced mechanical durability for rugged environments; Sealed design allows for easy cleaning. |
| High-End Appliances & Sanitary | Smart kitchen appliance panels, shower or spa control panels. | Enables full waterproofing, meeting safety requirements for wet or splash-prone environments. |
| Medical & Special Equipment | Portable medical devices, frequently disinfected monitor buttons. | Provides a sealed barrier allowing liquid cleaning without damaging internals; Bump design facilitates use with gloves. |
Consumer
Tactile metal domes are essential components in premium consumer electronics, from gaming controllers to mechanical keyboards.
Fitness Wearables
Shanyo’s premium metal dome switches deliver crisp, reliable tactile feedback—perfect for fitness trackers, wearables, and high-performance applications.
Industrial
Industrial equipment often requires rugged keyboards and human machine interfaces that can withstand continuous use in harsh environments and extreme temperatures.
Medical
The medical industry has long relied on Shanyo’s membrane switch and touch screen technology as the user interface for its products.
Aerospace
Shanyo has over 20 years of experience designing backlit human machine interfaces and backlit panels and signage for the aerospace industry.
Military
When a Special Forces team inserts behind enemy lines, every component in their AN/PRC-163 manpack radio becomes a lifeline.
Shanyo's Partners
Shanyo collaborates with leading companies across various industries worldwide to design and manufacture dome arrays for them.
Help Center
FAQ
Q: Does adding the UV process significantly increase the overall thickness and cost of the Dome Sheet?
A: The thickness increase is minimal. UV adhesive layers or bumps can be precisely controlled within a range of 0.1mm to 0.3mm. While cost increases depend on the adhesive type, volume, and complexity, it represents a high-return investment. The added value comes from dramatically improved reliability, achieved waterproofing ratings, and enhanced product differentiation, which can reduce long-term failure risks and warranty costs.
Q: Does this process affect the electrical conductivity or lifespan of the metal dome sheets?
A: Not at all. Professional Dome Sheets UV manufacturing precisely avoids the critical electrical contact areas of the metal domes. The UV adhesive is used for sealing, reinforcement, or creating external tactile structures, leaving the dome’s electrical performance (like contact resistance) and mechanical lifespan (typically still 1 million+ cycles) completely unaffected. In fact, it protects these properties through added stabilization and sealing.
Q: What about the long-term reliability of the UV adhesive? Will it yellow or peel over time?
A: We use high-performance, electronics-grade UV-curable adhesives with excellent yellowing resistance (UV stability), and resistance to thermal humidity and chemicals. When processed with correct parameters, the cured adhesive forms an extremely strong bond with substrates like PET and metal. It is designed to pass stringent environmental reliability tests (e.g., damp heat, thermal shock, salt spray), ensuring it remains stable, non-degrading, and does not peel for the product’s entire service life.
Q: Can we customize the color, shape, and location of the UV adhesive?
A: Absolutely. Customization is a core strength of the Dome Sheets &UV solution. We can tailor the UV application precisely based on your panel design (e.g., matching keycap color), tactile needs (e.g., different bump shapes for different functions), and sealing requirements. Please provide your specific needs and drawings, and our engineering team will develop a tailored solution.
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