With the development of electronic complete machine technology, the membrane switch design has also changed. In order to meet the current social needs, the membrane switches constructed has also changed. The most obvious is the change in its printed circuit boards, which not only can be screen written but now also have digitally printed. Besides, copper flex is added to the graphic overlay. Then, it connected to the circuit layer and the metal dome. They are added to ensure the tactlessness of the membrane switch circuit. It is also a general term for electronic control systems. It not only has the characteristics of solvent resistance, lightweight, and high quality. Moreover, it has superior short term heat resistance, convenient membrane switch assembly and novel appearance.
And a custom membrane switches keypads which has high quality can be applied to medical devices. The touch-sensitive of touch switches is not available in some current medical devices switches. Such a graphical interface is touch-sensitive, and the user experience is excellent.
1. Membrane switches constructed
The structure of the membrane switch is mainly a planar three-layer or multi-layer link group. The membrane switch design is very particular. A traditional membrane panel switch consists of a graphic overlay, an upper circuit, an isolation layer, and a lower circuit. They are made on the diaphragms of different materials. Meanwhile, we can bond with each other with a robust pressure-sensitive adhesive. After that, we put on the overlay adhesive. The user interface of a membrane keypads is determined. It also shows that the membrane switch assembly is completed.
Through the touch screen, we can easily judge the tactile and non-tactile membrane touch switch based on the tactile feedback. So, it is important to choose a qualified membrane switch manufacturer.
1.1.Graphic overlay
The graphic overlay mainly uses sheet material. It is mainly a polymer with toughness and resilience. The polyhedral film, which is generally matte, has a thickness of about 0.175-0.25 mm. We print the key from and the display aperture on the reverse side of the diaphragm. And it can print its function signs and text symbols. At the same time, the transparency of the diaphragm used to reflect the printed graphic. The printing of the graphic overlay is very important. When the graphic overlay is added with screen printing, digitally printed, polyester printed and printed silver. It makes the user interface more beautiful.
1.2.Upper circuit and lower circuit
The upper circuit and the lower circuit together form a circuit layer. As a “switch” there must be two contacts. The upper circuit connects one of the contacts of the switch. The lower circuit connects the other contacts of the switch and pulls out the respective wires. In a folding keyboard, the upper and lower circuits are made on the same side of the same film. But, the upper and lower layers of the circuit are formed by folding the axis of symmetry. The circuit of the switch is mainly copper flex with good conductivity. Plus conductive silver is the auxiliary line.
This is a printing coating (also known as silver paste or conductive ink). It made on a polyester film with good electrical properties. But it is different from capacitive touch membrane switches. This membrane touch switch calls a flexible membrane keypads because of its softness. The other is to make the upper and lower circuits on a double-sided copper plate. After that, the two sides of the circuit are communicated through the metal dome. The contacts of the switch are often designed to be a labyrinth. Since the copper circuit board has a certain hardness, it calls a rigid board. And because it is produced by printing, also known as printed circuit boards. The rigid version of the upper and lower circuits can consider as a whole.
1.3. Isolation layer
The isolation layer acts to separate the upper and lower circuits. We should set a window hole on the isolation layer. This is also known as the isolation window. The switch contacts of the upper and lower circuits separate under normal conditions. When a certain pressure (about 1-2N) is applied to a certain switch position, touch the contacts of the upper and lower circuits.
This is the capacitive touch membrane switches that utilize touch-sensitive technology. It also called membrane touch switch. Sensing tactile and non-tactile sensitivity. Then, through the touch screen and tactile membrane, tactile feedback is achieved. This is the latest manifestation of touch technology. Thus, the window of the isolation layer close, which forms a loop. And when the switch turns off. The information pass to the rear circuit through the connection to the machine. Then, the logic of the machine will realize the work of the established instructions.
1.4 Overlay adhesive
Unlike rubber keypad, the design and manufacture of custom membrane switch are more rigorous. We can bond each film of the bonding layer into a sealed whole. When bonding, be careful to have a double-coated. That is coated on each side and uses poly-coated kraft technology. And use adhesive 200mp to resist outstanding adhesion to metal. But the thickness of the bond must not exceed 2.0 mils or mil 58 lb. We must control the shear strength when separating. The material of the bonding layer is a high-performance acrylic adhesive. It can maintain permanent softness and adhesion.
2.Features of Membrane Panel Switch
2.1. Sealed whole
There has each switch of the membrane switch, leads, and the text symbols printed on the panel. All of them are on the inside of the film. Similarly, the text symbols printed on the panel seals on the inside of the film. Thus, it is particularly resistant to water, dust, explosion, and harmful gases. Thus, the environmental conditions for the storage of the film are not high. It is convenient for the storage membrane switch manufacturer alone.
2.2. Full function
The custom membrane switches keypads includes a push-button switch and its connection and lead wires. It also Includes panel function mark, digital display transparent window, and indicator light transparent window. Moreover, the membrane switch also contains the text, symbols and decorative contents marked on the conventional panel.
2.3. Novel appearance
Switch panels have no external components (except for individual hybrid designers). Colour is not limited. We can select and coordinate with the shape, Colour, and characteristics of the machine. For example, the use of printed silver or polyester printed in the membrane switch production, which has completely different results. Therefore, it is necessary to choose carefully. Besides, the design and manufacture of products are very important. According to the graphic attachment, the graphical interface can be made more beautiful. The graphic overlay is directly made on the key of the function switch, which is intuitive and clear. The surface is soft, matt, the Colour is soft and elegant, which is good for monitoring it. The panel can be wash and decontaminated, and the freshness is good. Give people a distinct sense of the times.
2.4. Long life and easy operation
The membrane switch panels do not have any mechanical components. But its contact life can be as high as millions of times. Not only mechanical button switches, membrane switch panels. And even the rubber keypad is ten times longer. Due to the small impedance of the conductor, the rebound speed is fast. There is no component blocking between the manipulation and display. Thus, the operation is light and fast. Also. With its unique touch technology, tactile membrane began to impact traditional membrane.
2.5. Easy to install
As the membrane switch of the whole machine control system assembly, there are only two movements with the whole machine. First, the switch assembly with its glue attaches to the liner of the instrument to fix it. Second, the lead inserts into the socket of the whole circuit. The whole machine can work. Workers can complete the entire process in a few minutes. It is a matter of assembly. At the same time, it provides convenience for equipment maintenance, diagnosis, and troubleshooting.
3. Membrane panel switch installation and connection
The membrane panel switch is a component of the monitoring system of the electronic product. For this reason, you can compare it with the traditional assembly of discrete components. Its assembly method has made significant progress. It has this specific performance is:
(1). The various switching elements and wiring on the panel have completed during the fabrication of the custom membrane switches keypads. The cumbersome tools such as panel opening, screw fixing, and welding to the wire no longer exist.
(2). The connection between the monitoring system and the whole circuit. Then, insert the lead wire of the membrane switch into the socket of the connector in the circuit.
(3). Once bonded, it is difficult to uncover with a glued membrane switch. When bonding, the custom membrane switches keypads remains to lay flat and the double lingered are aligning. Remove the “sticker paper” coated with silicone resin during installation. Then, it is possible to firmly attach the whole to the liner of the whole machine.
3.1. Insertion process of the membrane panel switch
The membrane switch is adhesively attached and is difficult to remove once bonded. Thus, the lead should insert before installation. Check the performance of the machine, and then remove the anti-stick paper alignment. At the same time, the lining should keep clean and no oil or debris allowed.
The membrane switch used the socket dedicated. It is usually plug-in (also riveted) and its shape is like IC. The circuit board of the connected circuit designed and fixed to the socket Its position corresponds to the position of the membrane switch lead.
4.Precautions
To avoid repeated insertion and removal of the effect on the end conductor of the membrane switch lead. Thus, it is advisable to use a “protective 3m membrane switch spacers” when inserting and removing. The protective sheet is a mil polyester film carrier of about 0.1 mm thick and is as wide as the socket.
When the lead inserts into the socket of the circuit, the complete circuit, and the control systems form a complete monitoring system. The whole machine can perform the monitoring function according to the established design.
