Membrane Switch Manufacturing Capabilities
There are many parameters to consider in the development of membrane switches, including the design, overlays, adhesives, and use cases. They can vary a great deal from simple to very complex. The components of a membrane switch will vary with complexity, but all contain some combination of the following:
Graphic Overlays
The overlay is the top layer of a membrane switch and is the interface between the user and the machine. Two of the most important issues to consider with graphic overlays are durability and environmental concerns. Graphic overlays can be made of polycarbonate, polyester, or acrylics, and your choice of material will depend on the desired level of durability and whether it needs to be protected against scratches, chemical abrasons, extreme temperatures, or actuation. For good tactile feedback in a membrane switch, choose an overlay thickness between .006 and .010. This range will offer the durability to meet your requirements, with the sensitivity to provide a quality tactile effect.
Adhesive
The adhesive is important in two layers of the membrane switch; it combines the membrane switch to the graphic overlay and will bind the entire assembly to your product. There are numerous differences in adhesives; selecting the proper adhesive for a membrane switch application requires consideration of environmental, surface, appearance and other performance requirements.
Embossing
There are three basic styles of embossing; pillow, rim, and poly-dome. Depending on shape and size, logos and multi-level shapes can be embossed. Buttons can also be embossed for added tactile definition.
Circuits
Circuits can be printed using silver conductive ink, etched copper flex or printed circuit boards (PCBa’s).
Surface Mount Devices
Membrane switches can be designed with almost any SMT component embedded if needed, resistors, light sensors, and any low surface mount component if required.
Shielding
Proper shielding is necessary to meet ESD, EMI or RFI requirements.
Tactile and Non-Tactile
Switches can be designed as tactile or non-tactile to achieve the desired product requirements.
Design Your Own Membrane Switch
Membrane Switch Constructions
Simple Membrane Switch Constructions
This three-layer switch, comprised of graphic overlay, a circuit spacer, and a screen-printed silver ink circuit, is the simplest type of membrane switch. Because they tend to be the least expensive option, they are often implemented as a cost-cutting measure in the overall design.
Considerations for Simple Membrane Switch Constructions
Tactile vs Non-Tactile Feedback
Tactile feedback refers to the feel you experience when you push a button. By using different materials and sizes for these buttons, you can vary the actuation force required to activate the switch. Read About Tactile Feedback >
Tactile Switch with Silver Circuitry
Tactile membrane switches incorporate a metal dome or a polydome into the membrane assembly to achieve a desired tactile (and sometimes audible) response. By using different materials and sizes for these domes, you can vary the actuation force required to activate the switch.
Non-Tactile Switch with Silver Circuitry
Since there is no tactile feel when these circuits are actuated, there is often a sound or light component put in place to indicate activation. Depending on the device and the design, electronic shielding techniques may also need to be incorporated. Read About Non-Tactile Switches >
Complex Membrane Switch Constructions
Complex user interface designs often need more components than their simple membrane switch counterparts, usually resulting in more layers. Multi-layered switches may include some form of ESD, EMI, or RFD shielding, embedded components like LED’s, resistors, light sensors and even programmable chips. To accommodate these more robust designs we are often using copper flex or PCB’s for the circuit layer. As a result the electronic options are virtually limitless.
Additional Considerations for Complex Membrane Switch Constructions
Copper Flex Membrane Switches
Unlike screen-printed silver, copper flex circuits are manufactured by laminating copper to an underlying substrate, and then etching that substrate in a way that leaves specific conductive traces, resulting in a more flexible, durable, and precise circuit that compounds can be soldered to. Read About Copper Flex Circuits >
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB’s)
Some user interfaces require higher-density, more miniature components. In these situations, printed circuit boards (PCB’s) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBa’s) are often brought into play. Read About Printed Circuit Boards >
LED Backlighting Options for Membrane Switch
Designing the right backlighting technology into a membrane switch assembly can help deliver a superior user experience. A wide variety of backlighting options are available, allowing engineers to precisely manage light quality, color, intensity, and coverage, so it is important that your selected switch manufacturer understands the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques and how to properly incorporate them into a design. Read About Backlighting Technology >
Visual Considerations in Membrane Switch Design
Digital printing, color management, inks, finishes, and embossing all dramatically enhance the look and function of the membrane switch. At JN White®, we have a computerized color formulation system to achieve consistent results from piece to piece, as well as ones that can color match to the Pantone Matching System, Federal Standard Guide, a color swatch, or to your bezel. Read About Membrane Switch Color >
Dead Front Display in Membrane Switch Design
The term dead fronting is used to describe an icon that is typically hidden from view but is visible under certain circumstances. The dead front icon must be transparent and allow light to shine through, therefore illuminating the icon, while the surrounding overlay must remain opaque and undisturbed by the backlight. Read About Dead Front Displays >
Membrane Switch Environmental Considerations
Membrane switches need to be reliable for years, all the while being used on a daily or even hourly basis. This requires an active and purposeful design for lifetime actuation. When building a switch, it’s important to consider the types of durability needed, material selection, and whether it needs to be weather sealed. Read About Environmental Considerations >
JN White® Membrane Switch Testing Process
Free Resources
How To Install a Membrane Switch
Our resident membrane switch expert, Ken Boss, shows you how to install a membrane switch onto your products. The full instructions can be seen below.
View Membrane Switch Application Procedure as PDF
Membrane Switch Installation Dos and Don'ts
Ken Boss explains what to stay away from when installing your membrane switches. Take heed of his advice to keep your switch working properly after install.
Why JN White®?
At JN White®, we have developed deep expertise and experience as a membrane switch supplier – an expertise that our customers have come to rely on when they are trying to design and implement specific user interface objectives. Integrating features like those noted on this page, we design and develop for the most challenging panel assembly applications in the most demanding environments, including medical, electronic, military/DoD, and industrial markets.
Because there are so many parameters to consider in the design of membrane switches (including the graphics, overlays, adhesives, and use cases), we often work with customer engineering teams early in the development process to ensure feasibility and optimal outcomes.
Request a Sample Pack of Membrane Switches
We know that you might want to feel and interact with our work before committing to a project with us, which is why we’ve put together a variety of samples to send to you, free of charge.