This article will cover the most basic construction of membrane switches and the different layers involved in its construction. Membrane switches are a momentary switch device made of layers of a flexible substrate. End users judge products on both appearance and functionality, the membrane switch can be the most important part of a product. Sigma 6 Electronics, Inc. works with its customers to design the optimal keypad by maximizing switch appearance, functionality and price to meet our customer’s optimal membrane switch needs. The top layer of a membrane switch is the graphic overlay, the interface between a user and its machine. A well designed graphic layer attracts customers away from competitive products. Good looks only take you so far, functionality is something that only the best manufacturers know how to assemble. The most common membrane switches use metal domes to activate the lower switch layer by closing the circuit. The spacer layer is sandwiched between the top graphic layer and the lower circuitry layer and is used to retain domes. The spacer layer can sometimes be the most integral part of a design since it helps dictate the feel and performance of the metal domes. The lower layer of a membrane switch is the switch layer; traditional membrane switches have long had conductive inks silk-screened onto thin flexible substrates and popularity grew do to the low profile and relatively inexpensive costs to manufacture. Although we have discussed the basic layered construction, it is important to point out these layers can be assembled in many different ways to manufacture a custom membrane switch. Request a detailed design guide which can be found on our website describing each layer and the engineering specifics behind the construction of a membrane switch. Sigma 6 Electronics in house production capabilities were designed for flexible manufacturing allowing us to provide customers rapid prototyping, production ramp-up as product demand grows, and even efficient production of long product runs with its offshore partners. Our experienced team of engineers can also be reached to review any existing or future membrane switch designs. Looking for fast service, quality products and competitive pricing, please call now!
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