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…
Leading Manufacturers
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.
JN White
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.
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.
Valmark Interface Solutions, Inc.
Livermore, CA | 925-960-9900Since in 1976, Valmark Interface Solutions has a sterling record of providing highly engineered and reliable membrane, mechanical, capacitive switches — and other pointing and input devices — to many of the world’s largest OEM organizations. VIS has been dedicated to providing the best and most complete line of high-tech printed components available, and our vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities supports designs from initial rapid prototyping to full production.
Hoffmann + Krippner Inc.
Frisco, TX | 770-487-1950Hoffmann + Krippner is a high-tech contract manufacturer for state-of-the-art custom input solutions ranging from keypad overlays, ultra-flat printed membrane sensors, printed electronics, to fully functioning backlit membrane switches and touch screen solutions including the electronics and enclosures. Due to in-house production capabilities and vertically integrated relationships within the HK Systems Group, H+K can supply individual components, build an entire solution, or take a raw idea from initial concept to final production.
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.