Emboss OEM Customized Membrane Switches

Custom Membrane Switches keyboard

Traditional switches usually consist of plastic pieces and copper for conductivity. Membrane switches, on the other hand, feature circuits printed directly onto their base. They are mounted on the front of devices, where users can see them firstly when they operate the machine.

Membrane switch keypads are affordable, versatile, reliable, and effective. Membrane switch keyboards have lower conductivity than some other switches and are perfect for many different low-power applications.

We produce membrane switches for devices like: security keypads, cell phone touch screens, aircraft control panels, airport kiosks, personal gaming devices, tablets, home appliances, medical device and more.

Provide us with your specifications then we will help you creating a suitable design solution for your application.

OEM Membrane Switches

We make membrane switch bases from polymer thick film (PTF). 

Membrane switches feature:

• A membrane layer, which contains the printed circuit, a shorting pad or at least one switch pole

• A static layer, which is a supportive layer that contains a shorting pad or at least one switch pole

We often manufacture membrane switches that feature two or more metal insulating layers, with layers such as:

• A graphic layer, on which we screen print decoration or graphics like numbers and letters

• A tactile layer, which creates a tactile effect (i.e. the sense of pushing a button)

• A rigid metal layer, which supports a flexible static layer as a backing

Membrane Switch Keypads Design Options

• Embedded surface mount LEDs  (for indicator lighting)

• Backlighting with Light Guide Films and LEDs

• Metal dome or Polydome for tactile feedback

• Via holes (thru-holes) to simplify construction

• ESD/EMI shielding

• Water-sealing

• Flex tail connectors (including female, male, and solder tabs)

• Adhesives 

• Capacitive sensing technology

Our variety of adhesive choices includes options such as acrylic or foam adhesives ( indoor or outdoor applications)

Membrane Switch Construction Layers Description

Membrane switch technology has evolved into an effective and familiar interface solution used in a broad range of consumer products. Because of its diversity in the application, each membrane switch is uniquely designed to accommodate its intended purpose. The success of a product begins with effective communication between the design engineers, the customer and the factory. This design guide is intended as an outline for customers to communicate their requirements to our design engineers team.

Why use membrane switch?

• Thin, Flexible design that can be laminated to slightly curved surfaces

• Eliminates the need for a separate cable wire; the flex tail cable is integrated.

• Long life and low cost integration

• Customization of design and shapes

• Can be water-sealed / waterproof

• Surface is easily cleaned

• Other components can be integrated, such as LEDs and LGF (light guide film) for backlighting

• Easily replaceable; upgrading your products becomes very simple and low cost

• Short tooling leadtimes and inexpensive tool

• Proven technology, and found in many products, such as appliances, gas stations, ATMs, and others

Versatility of Membrane Switch Panel

Membrane switches can be combined with many different products, and evolve into other creative parallel products. For example, a rubber keypad can replace the standard overlay but still have the standard membrane switch layers for the electrical layers and integrated flex tail. Or, LEDs can be added, to provide backlighting. There are many combinations that are possible, that this guideline only skims through the basic functions and options available. Thorough discussions regarding your product usage environment and product expectations, is recommended to provide perfect product satisfaction.

Some examples of versatility that can add product value:

• Rubber keypad with membrane switch layers, where the rubber keypad can be molded as translucent color, to act as LED diffusers

• Backlit membrane switches with either LEDs or LGF

• Rigid membrane switches, where we can add a backer such as Stainless steel backer, Aluminum, PC, Acrylic, etc.

• Water proof membrane switches

• Capacitive touch membrane switches

• Tactile and non-tactile membrane switches

Membrane Switch Keyboards design consideration:

Materials: Auto type PET, textured/gloss PC and PVC
With matte finish
Thickness: 0.5, 0.7, 0.8 and 1mm
LED windows: Clear or translucent with all colors
Embossed keys: Polydome and rim
Metal dome: Brand of Nicomatic, Innovan, nickel and gold-plated
Tail: Mylar and UV
Connector: Nicomatic, FCI, Molex and Zif
Adhesive: 3M467, 3M468, 3M9471, 3M7945 and 3M7959

Capacitive Membrane Switches

These are the types of switches that manufacturers use to make touch screens. Essentially, they are touch sensitive membrane switches; they activate when you lightly touch them, such as Transpaten ITO Touch Screen.

Capacitive membrane switches are reliable, durable, and attractive.