Silver Flex Membrane Switches

Silver Flex membrane switch panels utilize screenprinted silver and carbon conductive inks printed on flexible polyester layers separated by an adhesive spacer. Silver Flex membrane switches offer you a variety of design options:

• Tactile and non-tactile with either metal or polyester tactile domes
• Pillow or rim-embossed graphic overlays
• Embedded LED's
• Fiber Optic backlighting
• EL (Electroluminescent) backlighting
• Rigid backers such as aluminum and FR4
• EMI/RFI shielding
• Graphic overlays that can be digitally printed, screenprinted, or a combination of both
• The graphic overlays can incorporate transparent and tinted display windows, as well as selective textures and UV hardcoat surface finishes
• Standard connectors on .100" centers, or prepared for zif connections

A typical Silver Flex membrane switch design consists of the following layers:

• Graphic Overlay - polyester is usually the material of choice due to its superior chemical resistance and flex life compared to polycarbonate. Technigraphics can either digitally print, screenprint, or employ a combination of both methods to insure you get the right colors, textures and finishes your design requires.
• Overlay Adhesive - this adhesive layer bonds the graphic overlay to the top circuit layer, and is typically an acrylic adhesive.
• Top Circuit Layer – this is a .005" - .007" heat stabilized polyester printed with silver-filled electrically conductive inks and also dielectric inks. This layer can also encapsulate metal domes or incorporate polydomes used to achieve tactile feedback.
• Circuit Spacer – this layer separates the top circuit from the bottom circuit so the switch remains normally open until the keypad is pressed. The circuit spacer is a polyester spacer with adhesive on both sides.
• Lower Circuit Layer - this is a .005" - .007" heat stabilized polyester printed with silver-filled electrically conductive inks and also dielectric inks. This layer terminates as a flexible tail that serves as the interconnect to controller PCB's or other electronics.
• Rear Adhesive Layer - this adhesive layer bonds the entire membrane switch package to the product enclosure, housing, or to a rigid support panel. Technigraphics can specify the appropriate adhesive type and thickness to bond your membrane keypad to your equipment.
• Rigid Support Layer – this optional layer can add structural integrity to the membrane switch assembly. Materials can be aluminum, FR-4, steel, etc. Mounting hardware such as studs and standoffs can also be utilized in this layer.

Material Choices – click here to see more information about the materials you can choose from to design your custom membrane switch.

Contact us now for a quotation or sample requests, or for any additional information you need.