They are a part of “capacitive sensing technology,” a technology in electrical engineering. Capacitive sensing can detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric constant different from the air, known as changes in capacitance. Read More…
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ALUDEC USA
Eden Prairie, MN | 800-806-6113Our membrane switches are known for their high-quality and affordable prices. We work hard to find the precise parts that will work with your every need. It is our goal to create a relationship with you that is beneficial to both parties.
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Perry, NY | 800-227-5718JN White is an ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR-certified manufacturer of membrane switches, graphic overlays, and custom labels. We nimbly handle projects big and small and have the uncommon ability to translate what our customers need into high-quality, high-precision outcomes.
ECI Technologies
Watertown, CT | 800-853-5617ECI Technologies is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative membrane switches, graphic overlays and electronic interfaces. We can produce tactile and non-tactile switches and keypads, as well as add features such as backlighting and environmental protection. We also offer quick-turn prototype design and production. Since 1991, we have been serving industries such as industrial, medical, military, and avionics.
King Epoxy Technology Partners (KTP)
Pomona, CA | 909-784-6305King Epoxy Emblem Technology Partners (KTP) is your go-to source for membrane switches. With our 16,900-square-foot facility, we have a broad range of capabilities such as in-house design and engineering support, warehousing, and turnkey assembly.
Almax EIS
Kirkland, WA | 888-211-6325Experienced with membrane switch rapid prototyping, design and application, we are ready to help make it easy to put a custom product to market. Our staff will help you meet your aesthetic, environmental, mechanical and electrical requirements with the best quality, customer service and price found anywhere in the world.
RSP Inc.
Milwaukee, WI | 866-329-1804RSP designs and manufactures the highest quality membrane switches. Our 30 years of membrane switch experience and operations in the US and China make us a trusted global supplier to clients large and small around the world. RSP also offers plastic molding, silicone keypads, packaging, warehousing, and complete turnkey contract manufacturing.
Pacific West America, Inc.
Calabasas, CA | 866-317-0208Pacific West America, Inc. has spent the past 18 years developing high-quality membrane switches, control panels, and flex-circuits. Our team has the knowledge to make sure your membrane switch has the right appearance, lighting, and texture for your application.
Capacitive Membrane Switches - Douglas CorporationIn the case of capacitive switches, this sensing is based upon the constant monitoring of the electrical capacity of the touch area, which is changed by the touch of a human finger.
Generally under the umbrella of touch switches, capacitive switches are among the simplest kinds of tactile sensors. Some capacitive switches can work without actual touch, simply by detecting an object, such as a finger, in its field.
Capacitive Switch Panels - Douglas CorporationTouch surfaces of capacitive switches can be designed with virtually any material, as long as it is dielectric. This includes glass, plastic, polycarbonate, wood, marble or any rough or smooth surface less than 25 mm thick.
Some capacitive switches are designed to have adjustable surface sensitivity, so that whatever device they are supporting can be operated with or without gloves. This is an especially attractive quality in northern climates or in a setting where an operator needs to wear gloves for protection. Because capacitive switches work through sensing, they do not contain any mechanical components, which eliminates potential mechanical failure.
These switches consist of three main sections: the graphic overlay, the circuit and the backer, or back panel. The overlay displays graphics and can also feature windows, embossings, coatings, adhesives and selective texturing. Overlay materials may be air, formica, standard glass, ceramic glass, PET film, polycarbonate, plexiglass, ABS, wood or gypsum. The circuit is the switch itself, which may be a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
Capacitive switches are utilized in the aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, telecommunications, data/communications and consumer industries. As interface types, they often work as: buttons, sliders, touch pads, touch screens and proximity settings. Some specific examples of where they may be found include: wireless handsets, PC peripherals, LCD monitors, TVs, laptops, digital cameras, and kiosks.
When considering the design of a capacitive switch, helpful things to consider are: environmental conditions, mechanical requirements, electrical requirements, appearance and certification.