Membrane switch manufacturers including membrane switches, membrane keyboards, membrane keypads, graphic overlays, tactile switches, and metal domes.  

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About Membrane Switches

Membrane switches are thin and flexible electronic switches that have a similar function to electric switches. They are typically low-voltage and are continually replacing the older push-button types of switches. A membrane switch works by permitting the momentary opening and closing of a circuit. Activation of the circuit is accomplished by touching the preferred keypad button on the device that uses membrane switches. This causes the switch contacts to connect and permit continuity and current flow. The connection or circuit is broken as soon as the finger is released, making it a momentary switch.

Membrane switch manufacturers produce two main types of membrane switches: tactile and non-tactile switches. Tactile switches basically include all switches that have a metal dome or a polydome to achieve the “snap” action that is created by pressing. Non-tactile switches are all those that do not have these domes underneath the top layers. Membrane switches have many layers. The top layer, the graphic overlay, is the decorative layer that shows the visual functions of the membrane switch. After that is the membrane layer, which carries one of the poles of the switch or a conductive shorting pad. Next is the tactile layer which has the domes in tactile switches, the static layer that has one or more poles of the switch and then the rigid backer which is attached to the instrument housing. Despite these layers, membrane switches are very thin.

Membrane switches are used in many different applications in industrial and commercial fields. Everyday items like ATM keypads, cell phones, computer keyboards, organizers, gasoline pump keypads and microwave ovens use these switches. In industrial settings, membrane switches are integrated into numerous devices, like control panels, numerical keypads and graphical keypads. Examples of the wide variety of industries that use membrane switches include medical, toys, gaming, aviation, boating, banking, test equipment, appliances, computers and printers and public information panels.

The membrane switches produced by membrane switch manufacturers have many advantages over other switches. They are thin and compact, have a low cost, are versatile and durable, user friendly and are moisture and dirt resistant. Additionally, they come in many visually-pleasing styles and colors suitable for any need. However, one of the most common problems associated with membrane switches is inadequate sealing, which causes malfunction when contaminants like moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures interfere. Because of this, it is important to have good water- and air-tight seals on membrane switches to ensure accurate performance. Some membrane switch manufacturers produce membrane switches with such good seals that they are even able to operate underwater, which increases the number of available applications for them.

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Featured Articles

“Improving Membrane Switch Performance Through Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Technology”
http://www.flexcon.com/new_articles2.asp?ID=31

“Typical Membrane Switches ”
http://www.engineersedge.com/instrumentation/membrane_switch_construction.htm

Types of Membrane Switches

• Graphic overlays are decorative covers that are placed over control panels.
  
• Membrane keyboards are flat surfaces with printed symbols and outlines rather than traditional moving keys.
  
• Membrane keypads are flat surfaces, rather than moving keys, that are activated with the press of a finger.
  
• Metal dome switches supply the snap and complete the electrical circuit. The domes are from pressed stainless steel or aluminum and come in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses.
  
• Non-tactile switches are membrane switches made without a snap action.
  
• Polyester dome switches are produced by embossing domes into one of the polyester layers in the construction, which results in a very durable tactile element with a little more movement than metal domes. This diminishes the quantity of layers in the assembly.
  
• Tactile switches are assembled to supply a positive snap-action reaction to pressure. They can be attained through polyester domes made in either the graphic or circuit overlay layer or stainless steel domes embedded in the membrane switch.