Applications Of Membrane Switches In Different Sectors Of Industry

By Author: Ton Sign
Total Articles: 9
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Membrane switches are popularly used in different electrical gadgets which require a high level of integration, execution and reliability. Basically, they are electrical switches which are used for turning an electrical circuit off and on. However, they differ from mechanical switches which have copper and plastic components in that the membrane switch is made from a circuit printed onto polyester or polycarbonate substrates. The conductive inks used for screen printing the circuit are usually made from copper, silver, or graphite, which are all highly conductive metals.

Most membrane switches have four or more layers. The top layer of the switch is the graphic interface between the user and the machine. There is another critical layer which is a printed circuit and this can be a flex circuit made of copper and polyimide material. The different layers are normally assembled using pressure-sensitive adhesives or through mechanical means such as keyboard housing. In order to complete the circuit between different layers contact is made via a printed shorting pad or through ...
... a metal dome which stands on legs. A membrane switch is a key component in different electrical appliances such as the microwave oven panel, the air conditioner control panel, and the TV remote control.

Membrane switches are used in the making of electrical devices which require high precision such as those used in medical instrumentation, industrial controls, fitness equipment, and many more. The switches come in different sizes, capacities, and with different levels of complexity. Currently there are some manufactures who offer services including integration of surface-mounted light emitter diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, electroluminescent back lighting, and rigid metal back panels with mounting hardware and printed circuit boards. In most cases a membrane switch has a single contact but in some cases the user may find it desirable to design a tactile feedback into the membrane keypad or membrane keyboard for purposes of assuring the operator that the switch has been closed.

The quality of the membrane switch is determined by the type of printing, which also plays a major role in determining whether the switch will be able to conduct the electrical signals effectively from one point to another. Due to more stringent environmental regulations the silver printing of membrane switches is continuously being replaced by copper and polyimide constructions. These types of switches offer advantages with regards to carrying capacities and resistance to moisture and hence they are more durable. Since different users have different requirements for switches there has been an increase in the number of companies offering customized and/or user-designed membrane switches.


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