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Membrane

Switches

Millions of consumer electronic devices in use today started life as a Tangio prototype!

We interact with a wide variety of machines via membrane switches on a daily basis. A membrane switch is a printed electronic device made up of multiple flexible layers that combine to create a simple and effective interface between humans and machines. 

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Membrane Switch Features

We are experts at designing and manufacturing membrane switches and can add to your product features such as:

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  • Tactile response with embossing and metal domes

  • Surface mounted elements such as LEDs

  • Detailed graphic overlays

  • Water-resistant NEMA4 designs

  • Chemical and scratch resistant coatings

  • Anti-glare and deadfront windows

  • A wide variety of connection options (housings, PCB direct, etc)

  • 3M mounting adhesives

  • Rigid mounting layers such as laser-cut polycarbonate

Membrane Switch Construction

A typical membrane switch is made up of the following layers:

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  • Graphic Overlay - the graphics layer is what the end user sees and interacts with. Typically printed on polyester (PET), the graphic layer has keys printed on it that line up with the circuit layers below. Features such as embossed keys, windows for LCDs/LEDs and mounting holes can be integrated into your design.

  • Adhesive/Filler Layer - the graphic layer and circuit layer are laminated together using a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. If your circuit layer is relatively small compared to the overall size of your membrane switch, the adhesive layer can act as low-cost filler layer with a cutout to house the circuit layer.  

  • Upper Circuit Layer / Dome Trap - the upper circuit layer will consist of silver ink and dielectric ink that is screen printed onto polyester. If metal domes are used to improve tactile response, they will be added to this layer along with a "dome trap" that holds the domes in place.

  • Spacer - the spacer layer is typically made from PSA with cutouts at all of the button locations. The spacer layer keeps the top and bottom circuit layers apart so that they do not make contact until the user presses on one or more buttons. When a button is pressed the upper circuit layer compresses and creates contact with the bottom circuit layer to create a closed circuit.

  • Bottom Circuit Layer - similar to the upper circuit layer, the bottom circuit layer is made from silver and dielectric ink that is printed onto PET.

  • Mounting Adhesive - the mounting adhesive is used to mount the membrane switch to your product. 

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The Tangio Advantage

Tangio Printed Electronics is an ISO 9001:2015 registered company that  is dedicated to producing the highest quality products and satisfying all of our customers needs. We can create full turn-key solutions for you, from detailed engineered designs, to rapid prototyping and mass production. Our in-house manufacturing plant boasts top level manufacturing and testing equipment and we hold an extensive range of materials in stock to ensure reliable delivery schedules.

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Contact us today to get a quote on your existing or new membrane switch requirements. We manufacture products in our Vancouver, Canada manufacturing facility as well as offshore manufacturing facilities in order to meet your time and budget constraints. 

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