Membrane Switches

Membrane switches are used in various user interface devices to allow an operator to communicate with different machinery, equipment, and instruments. Membranes are printed electronic circuits that use pressure to open and close a circuit.

Techprint is one of the most trusted manufacturers of membrane switches, offering a wide range of switch types. Our 55,000-square-foot Massachusetts facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, specialized equipment to deliver optimal results in-house. Our experienced professionals can provide custom membrane switches to meet your application-specific needs.

What Is a Membrane Switch?

Consisting of several layers of plastic and other flexible materials, membrane keyboard switches serve as the interface between human users and machine capabilities. Graphic inks and various conductive materials are printed on the surface of the plastic film. Pressure applied to the switch can open and close specified circuits.

Membrane switches are a type of user interface device, like display-based touch screens, mechanical switches, and other technologies. Their efficient, compact design makes membrane switches ideal for a range of applications, from industrial equipment to household appliances.

Benefits of Membrane Switches

Industrial and commercial clients prefer membrane switches over other types of switches due to these key advantages:

Compact profile. The thin and compact profile of a membrane switch is excellent for small controllers or household appliances. The standard thickness is only between 0.005 to 0.040 in., and the entire membrane switch build is around 1 in. thick.
Straightforward graphic interface. The overlay graphics of a membrane switch are often made with SolidWorks, Adobe Illustrator, and AutoCAD. Once designed, the digital artwork is printed on the interlay, reducing the need for costly machining processes.
Durable. The sealed design of membrane switches makes them durable against harsh outdoor conditions. The sealing process is usually done with pressure-sensitive adhesives or heated seals. Polyesters and polycarbonates provide excellent protection against moisture.
Easy to maintain. Since membrane switches do not have additional cavities that catch dust and other contaminants, you can easily wipe the overlay to remove surface dirt. Additionally, with minimal moving parts, they require little to no maintenance.
Low cost. The readily available construction materials used to make membrane switches mean they are more economical than touch screens and other mechanical surfaces.
Shield electronic devices. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge can damage or cause malfunctions to electronic devices. However, membrane switches shield electronic components from EMI and electrostatic discharge.

Types of Switches

Whether your application requires standard flat switches, rigid circuits, or hybrid flex designs, Techprint has the experience and capabilities to meet your custom requirements. We design and manufacture all widely accepted membrane switch technologies, including:

Flat switches. Featuring a low profile, flat membrane switches lack physical tactile feedback when pressed.
Tactile switches. A plastic or metal dome beneath the graphic overlay of tactile switches provides a physical response when touched.
Switches with PCB assembly. These are electrical switches that incorporate printed circuits into a flexible construction.
Switches with keypad assembly. This is a flexible membrane keypad featuring screen-printed circuitry.
Switches mounted to metal backers (metal dome and polydome constructions). A metal backing layer offers rigidity and support to the membrane switch.
Switches with micromotion and backlighting. LEDs, electroluminescent lamps, light guide films, or optical fibers improve switch readability and aesthetics.
Switches with ruggedized options. To meet the needs of industrial applications or perform optimally in challenging environments, ruggedized options provide added security.
Switches with plastic housing. Plastic housing offers improved durability and chemical resistance.
Embossed switches. For an added tactile definition, switches can be embossed in rim, pillow, or poly-dome styles.
Switches with rigid and flexible substrates. Depending on application requirements-including circuit density, operating environment, packaging constraints, and other factors-either flexible or rigid switch substrates may be preferable.
Switches with EMI/RFI shielding. Aluminum foil, copper foil, or printed conductive ink shields provide a customized level of EMI or RFI protection.

Uses and Applications

Since many industries require membrane switches, they must be customized to meet each application’s unique environmental and performance demands.

Medical

For the medical industry, membrane switches must meet FDA standards and be highly reliable. Moisture- and chemical-resistant switches are necessary for laboratory equipment and medical devices.

Security

Various access control and security systems utilize membrane switches.

Instrumentation

Membrane switches protect devices from electrostatic discharge, and the membrane panel’s shield layer protects against EMI and RFI. Adding LED illumination and tactile feedback can also enhance the instrument’s performance.

Industrial

Membrane switches for industrial applications require extreme durability and must withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Membrane Switches at Techprint

Techprint manufactures custom membrane switches to meet nearly any application’s requirements. We provide high-quality, cost-effective products with our in-house manufacturing and design capabilities. We are ISO 9001 certified and comply with numerous professional association standards, including:

UL
CSA
ESD
RoHS
IPC

Techprint values customer collaboration, and our Design Certification ensures a comprehensive design and approval process. You can count on an end product that meets all of your performance specifications. Our team works closely with customers throughout the development process, from design review to verification, first article inspection, and design validation.

Why Techprint?

As a top supplier of membrane switches, Techprint works with customers in various industries to deliver switches that meet unique requirements and specifications. We pride ourselves on high-quality, reliable products. As a certified membrane switch manufacturer backed by an experienced team, we’re ready to handle your custom orders.