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Membrane Switch Specifications
Quick Turn Prototyping | Membrane Switch Design | Membrane Switch LED | Flexible Printed Circuits
Overlay Material
The overlay material is a key part in the membrane
construction. Not only does it provide the aesthetics for the
membrane, but it also must withstand the environments the
membrane will be exposed to. IDP utilizes a wide variety of
materials to survive any environment. Below is a list of
materials and information pertaining to their performance. If
further information is required, please contact IDP to assist
your design needs.
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POLYESTERS
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BLENDS
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POLYCARBONATES
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| Shiny |
Texture |
Marnot |
Autotex |
Makrofol EPC |
BayFol CR6-2 |
Shiny |
Marnot |
Velvet |
Hardcoat |
| Resistance to Industrial Chemicals (Acids, Bases, Solvents) |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
| Resistance to House-Hold Cleaners and Chemicals |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
| Outdoor Use (Sunlight Resistance) |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
Poor |
| Optical clarity |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
| Embossibility |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
| Selective Texture Printing Capability |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
N/A |
No |
Yes |
N/A |
Yes |
| Thickness Availability |
.005" |
.005" |
.005" |
.006" |
.010" |
.007" |
.005" |
.007" |
.005" |
.010" |
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.007" |
.007" |
.007" |
.008" |
.015" |
.010" |
.007" |
.010" |
.007" |
.015" |
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.010" |
.010" |
.010" |
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.020" |
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.010" |
.015" |
.010" |
.020" |
Note :
Polycarbonate materials are not recommended for tactile membrane designs. |
.015" |
.020" |
.015" |
.030" |
| .020" |
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| .030" |
Embossing Design Options
IDP offers various embossing options to exceed our customer's
expectations. The following designs are examples of what can be
accomplished. A design can have a combination of options on one
overlay.
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| Pillow |
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The pillow emboss allows the membrane switch to be a thinner construction when tactile feedback is
required. The pillow will rest over a metal or polyester dome and provide positive tactile feedback. |
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| Rim |
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The rim emboss is utilized on membrane switches (with or without tactile feedback). This design allows the
user to locate the key easier. |
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| Dual |
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The dual emboss is used in special designs, such as In Mold Decorating (IMD). This feature allows the
overlay to have an emboss as well as a deboss in the same key. |
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| LED or
Brail |
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The LED window emboss is utilized on membrane designs with LED's incorporated into the package. This
methodology is an effective way to design a thinner switch, versus a flat membrane with LED's and provides
a wider viewing angle than a typical flat overlay window. |
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| Note: Emboss height should not be more than 1.5 times the material thickness; however, the LED/Brail design is an exception. |
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