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Human E&C Co., Ltd., Specializing in manufacturing SWITCH products centered on printing technology

Switch Membrane/ Assy Touch

Membrane Switches

Membrane switches, witha simple structure, are created by printing a circuit and a pattern on PET film using a conductive ink.
A circuit printed with a conductive ink consists of two layers, and is divided into upper and lower circuits with spacers in between.
The principle is simple: pressing the button on the top graphic overlay layer (Exterior) connects the upper and lower circuits separated by spacers.
This simple method allows membrane switches to be designed and manufactured in an ultra-thin profile, offeringthe advantages of design freedom and low development costs. In fact, membrane switches are used widely in digital appliances (such as microwaves, washing machines, bidets, and remote controls), computer keyboards, office equipment, electronic scales, and telecommunications equipment.
There are two main types of membrane switches: Standard and Embossed.

Standard Membrane Switch Structure

Graphic Overlay Layer

This layer corresponds to the front face of the membrane switch and is created using a method of thin screen printing on polyester (PET) or polycarbonate (PC) film.
It is based ona method to decorate switches on home appliances or machinery, serving as an attractive and functional alternative,
particularly when a three-dimensional look and feel is desired.

Upper Circuit

As mentioned earlier, the conductive circuit consists of two layers, with this circuit being the top layer.
Made of polyester, this layer is thin, flexible, and capable of moving at least one switch electrode or carrying a conductive shorting pad.

Spacer Layer

It is a 0.188t thickpolyester layer that separates the upper and lower circuits.This is also designed in the form of double-sided tape to secure the upper and lower circuits.
Holes are positioned precisely where the circuit contacts are located, allowing the contacts of the top and bottom plate circuits to make contact with each other under
external pressure.

Lower Circuit

As described earlier, the conductive circuit consists of two layers, with this circuit being the bottom layer.
Made of polyester, this layer is thin, flexible, and capable of moving at least one switch electrode or carrying a conductive shorting pad.

Double-sidedTape Layer

It isa layer of double-sided tape made of polyester. It is used to attach themembrane switch to appliances or mechanical products.
It comes with easily removable release paper that is peeled off before applying it to the product surface.

EmbossedMembrane Switch Structure

The embossed membrane is created by thermoforming the key parts of the graphic overlay layer.
The use of embossing enhances control and elevates the switch to a higher level of commercialization.
It enables quicker touches with accurate click rate and is used to determine a secure position.

Graphic Overlay Layer

This layer corresponds to the front face of the membrane switch and is created using a method of thin screen printing on polyester (PET) or polycarbonate (PC) film.
A dome-like shape is formed by thermoforming on the top of this graphic overlay layer.

Embo Spacer Layer

The embo spacer is inserted to prevent the rearside from adhering to the double-sided tape between the circuit and the graphic overlay layer when the switch is pressed.
It is made of the same polyester material as the spacer, and is 0.125t thick.

Upper Circuit

As mentioned earlier, the conductive circuit consists of two layers, with this circuit being the top layer.
Made of polyester, this layer is thin, flexible, and capable of moving at least one switch electrode or carrying a conductive shorting pad.

Spacer Layer

It is a 0.188t thickpolyester layer that separates the upper and lower circuits.This is also designed in the form of double-sided tape to secure the upper and lower circuits.
Holes are positioned precisely where the circuit contacts are located, allowing the contacts of the top and bottom plate circuits to make contact with
each other under external pressure.

Lower Circuit

As described earlier, the conductive circuit consists of two layers, with this circuit being the bottom layer.
Made of polyester, this layer is thin, flexible, and capable of moving at least one switch electrode or carrying a conductive shorting pad.

Double-sidedTape Layer

It is a layer of double-sided tape made of polyester. It is used to attach the membrane switch to appliances or mechanical products.
It comes with easily removable release paper that is peeled off before applying it to the product surface.

Reliability of Membrane Switches

Test Items MEMBRANE TYPE
Standard TYPE Standard EMBO TYPE SNAP EMBO TYPE
Moisture Resistance Test Test Conditions: Temperature 60℃, Humidity 85%, Duration 168HR
High Temp. Test Test Conditions: Temperature 85℃, Duration 168HR, 1HR Unattended
Thermal Shock Test (+85℃) → (-25℃) → (+85℃) → (-25℃) → (Repeat 5Cycles)
Operating Force SPEC 100g~600g 100g~800g 60g~120g
Lifetime Test 1 Million Cycles 200,000 Cycles 500,000 Cycles
Contact Resistance 0 ~ Less than 500Ω
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