5 variations of Custom Membrane Keypads. How to Lower Costs?
If you are having your unit under production, you might need to outsource certain parts for it. One such important part is the membrane keyboard. You might look to get it personalized according to its look and feel. But before placing an order for custom membrane keypads, knowing how you can cut down expenses, will be a cherry on the cake! Customization of membrane keys is applicable for:
The overlay graphics and The circuit designs
But did you know that you can customize certain layers within the overall keypad? There are 5 variations that I will take you through. This will not hamper the quality and operation while you can lower production costs! 5 Customization Variations for Custom Membrane Keypads Since these types of keypads have multiple layers, tweaking with some of them don’t ruin its quality and working.
Variation 1 – The Metal Dome This is a six layered keypad. The configuration is as follows.
Layer 1: It is the graphic overlay. It can be either embossed or flat. Layer 2: This layer holds the top adhesive. Layer 3: It serves as the dome retainer. Layer 4: This layer serves as spacer between the top layers and the circuit layer. Layer 5: It is the heart. On one side you have the connector (the tail of the circuit layer). Silver paste ensures the conductivity and on top of it, sits the metal dome (you feel a hard surface when you press the flat or embossed overlay). Layer 6: This is the last layer and holds the rear adhesive. This is the most preferred solution. You get a nickel or gold plated stainless steel dome.
Variation 2 – The Poly-dome This is also a six layered membrane switch.
Layer 1: Embossed graphic
overlay Layer 2: This layer holds the top adhesive Layer 3: Unlike the metal dome variation, there is no metal dome here. Hence this layer holds the top circuit. It holds the silver pad beneath it. Layer 4: Spacer between
the lower and the top circuit layers Layer 5: This is the bottom circuit layer. When you press the button, the top layer makes contact with the bottom layer. This layer also holds the connector. Silver paste ensures conductivity. Layer 6: This is the rear adhesive layer.
This is the cost effective solution. There are many appliances where metal domes can create problems. For such appliances, this version is perfect. Variation 3 – Simplified Poly-dome This is a four layered membrane keypad.
Layer 1: It is an embossed graphic overlay with a silver pad attached beneath it. This layer makes the main point of contact when the button is pressed. Layer 2: Spacer layer Layer 3: It is the bottom circuit layer and holds the tail (connector). Here as well, silver paste ensures connection. Layer 4: It is the rear adhesive layer.
This is the economized solution and I use them. It works perfect. Variation 4 – The Non-Tactile Keypad This variation exactly resembles the Poly-dome version except one thing. For the top layer, the non-tactile version uses a flat graphic overlay and not an embossed one. This version fits perfect for appliances that needs frequent and easy operation. Version 5 – The Simplified Non-Tactile Keypad This variation resembles the simplified poly-dome version. Here again there is one change and that’s the flat graphic overlay top layer. This is one of the low cost versions. Opt for it if your appliance is not a product for regular use. Variation of My Choice I use the simplified poly-dome version for my production unit of induction cook-tops. They are economic and helped me reduce production cost. I always prefer ElecFlex for buying custom membrane keypads. Placing an order is easy and you can avail all that you need without compromising quality and operation! So which version are you going to opt for? Share your views in the comments.