Technical features Membrane keyboards:

Posted by markwahlbargg on May 10th, 2019

Membrane Keypad is the most commonly used input elements in device and apparatus construction. Whether as a narrow control panel with two buttons or as a complete user interface with a large number of buttons and additional elements: the robustness, the low installation depth and the great individual freedom of design make it still the first choice.

There are several benefits of membrane keypad and that is the reason why many medical device manufacturers have also started incorporating membrane into their machines and devices.

The benefits of membrane keyboards are unlimited. The designer of a device can be designed devices freely and they can put different key shapes, key positions, and numbers of keys. Added to this is the equally free choice of the graphic design of the user interface.

Technical features Membrane keyboards:

Depending on the version, the flexible membrane keypad is 0.7 to 1.7 mm. thick and can not only use the keys but also light-emitting diodes. It contains resistors and pockets for individual key lettering.

Even a full-surface EMC shielding can be integrated into this structure. The electrical contact is made with us via contact springs. Its service life is min. 1 million operations.

The key surface can be flat, embossed or provided with our PU doming. Actuating forces between 2 and 6 Newton are possible. Also possible are redundant push buttons which have two separate switching levels.

Display windows are easy to integrate. The surface of the membrane keyboard can be completely closed and thus meet high requirements in terms of tightness, e.g. IP 67.

On the reverse side, the flexible membrane keypad is provided over its entire surface with an adhesive which remains elastic and does not harden.

The connection is made via a rear connection tape with RM 2.54 or Fine-Pitch plug. In addition, the membrane keyboard can also be directly attached to a carrier part, e.g. be applied from metal or directly on a flexprint or a printed circuit board, the back can be equipped with components.

For reasons of robustness or design, the front of the keyboard can also be made of stainless steel or aluminum. We can print on this metal front with our Ink Tech system. If your membrane keypad has a night design (illumination of the keys), you can do this by means of electroluminescence.

One of the best parts of membrane keypad is that you can also make custom membrane switches according to your needs.