Demand for membrane switches is growing over four times faster than for conventional switches. When you examine the benefits which today's membrane switch technology offers, it is not hard to see why it has become the better choice. Membrane switching has come a long way from being a purely consumer technology. In fact, one of the world's largest manufacturers of business personal computers now uses membrane switching as the basis for the keyboard.

If you want to get away from mechanical switches into somewhat more sophisticated electronic switching, take a look at the benefits which membrane switches can provide for your next project.

UP TO 80% LOWER COST

A membrane switch panel is supplied a single, complete assembly. This one part is equivalent to numerous conventional switches: a front panel and graphic overlay. So by eliminating the need for complex assembly and cutting the cost per switching element, complete membrane switch panel can offer cost savings of up to eighty percent.

GREATER DESIGN FLEXIBILITY

Membrane switches offer infinite design flexibility. Flexibile Membranes which can be mounted to any rigid substrate and rigid PCB-based touch panels which can have a variety of electronic components mounted onto the back of the thorough-plated PCB. These can include resistors, ICs, capacitators, buzzers etc..

UP TO 90% SIZE REDUCTION

Flexible membrane switches are typically only 0.03" (.8mm) thick and a rigid PCB version can range from 0.05" to o.12"(1.6 to 3.5mm). Both are a fraction of the size of conventional switches. This means that slimmer end products can be manufactured, which adapt easily to styling and packaging size requirements, without reducing the number of functions offered.

IMPROVED RELIABILITY

A typical flexible membrane switch or PCB-based touch panel has only three or four layers and only one of these moves during the switching operation. A typical conventional toggle switch is made of twenty-three separate parts. Clearly, the membrane switch is inherently more reliable. In fact, NFI switch panels have a typical life expectancy of between five and ten million operations, depending upon the complexity. Where RFI / EMI shielding is a consideration, reliable switching is ensured by including a layer of screening material in the switch laminations. This is applied directly in front of the switch circuits to eliminate spurious operations.

BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Hermetic sealing is inherent in the construction of membrane switch panels, providing excellent moisture resistance. Conventional metal front panels cannot provide this level of protection without the use of costly sealing components. Additional resistance to chemical contamination can be provided by the use of a selective UV-nitrogen cured coating over the switch panel. This eliminates damage by common industrial solvents and preserves the appearance of the switch panel, offering an excellent resistant finish.

ATTRACTIVE APPEARANCE

With ergonomic and cosmetic design becoming more important in electronic equipment, membrane switch panels provide the ultimate choice in colour combinations and graphic design. Textured, anti-glare and gloss finishes can all be combined to maximise the cosmetic appeal of equipment packaging.