Custom Membrane Keypads and Keyboards

We manufacture bespoke keypads to Customer’s requirements for all industries.

We have many years of experience in the design and support of our Customers requirements. We can accept files in all formats and have the industry knowledge and experience to raise questions at the right points to avoid costly errors further down the line.

Contact behind the tactile or non-tactile key closes an open loop in the flexible circuit, this then stops on the flexible tail (FPC).

Our UK made membrane Keypads are manufactured from Polyester (PET) which is a high-grade material and available with more surface finishes and effect. Nearly always used when the Custom Membrane Keypad and Keyboard is more functional. For example, if the Membrane Keyboard or Keypad has raised keys or push-button areas or the Membrane is to have a display. This material can also be laser cut which virtually eliminates the need for tooling, heat stabilised polyester is always used for the circuit layers as it produces a low resistance perfectly stable, consistent keypad circuit.

Tactile feedback can be achieved using metal domes, and embossing. The tactile feedback is controlled by selecting the correct grammage of the metal dome. Normally, domes range from 6mm diameter to 20mm diameter.

LEDs can be embedded on the keypad. These can be used to illuminate outwards through a clear or frosted window or sideways to illuminate a lightguide behind a key. We can provide RGB LEDs or any colour you desire through either LED selection or using printed filters.

All of our keypads are tested before dispatch so we have full traceability system.

Custom Membrane Keypad Features and Benefits:

• Durability because their keys are not separate moving parts there is no point where moisture or debris can get through
• Tactile or non-tactile feel
• Integrated LED’s and fibre optic backlit keypads
• Adaptable design, totally bespoke to customers Membrane Keypad / Keyboard requirements
• Sub-surface graphics – Printing is done on the underside of the Membrane Keypad so it doesn’t degrade its graphics identity and won’t wear from use or cleaning
• Short lead times – approximately 2-3 weeks after artwork approval
• Adhesive selected to suit Membrane Keypad / Keyboard mounting application

Customark can also offer a prototyping service if you are just starting out with Membrane Keypads or looking to resource your Membrane Keypads from within the UK. This way you can get a feel for how your Membrane Keypads. This way you can get a feel for how your Membrane products are going to work before you commit to full production volumes. Always produced to our consistent high ISO9001:2015 approved quality.

Why not contact one of our UK Sales Team today to discuss your Membrane Keypad / Keyboard requirements and see how our competitive prices and years of technical experience can help you with your needs.

What materials can I use?

Membrane Keypads are predominantly manufactured from Polyester. Polyester is available in a range of surface finishes and surface properties. Selection is based upon environmental criteria and specifics of use.

How much does advice cost for Membrane Keypads?

We do not charge for advice regarding membrane keypads

Can you provide support on the design of our Keypad?

We have some of the most experienced engineers and design team to support your requirements. We can design from scratch or receive your files in whatever format you have available.

Can you copy an existing design?

Customark have a dedicated design team who can ensure an exact match to your existing supply.

Can we incorporate a clear window?

Customark can manufacture membrane keypads with clear windows. These can also be tinted or replaced with a ‘hard’ window which is sometimes specified for harsh conditions.

Can your Membrane Keypads be used outside?

Yes, they can. Careful design, selection of material and adhesive is required to achieve the desired IP rating

Can you provide samples?

Yes, Customark can provide samples using our rapid prototyping service

Can we have tactile switches?

We can manufacture membrane keypads with either non tactile or tactile keys. Use of embossing and metal domes provides great feedback in operation.

Can you embed LEDs?

Customark can provide embedded LEDs, whether single colour or RGB LEDs

Can we have raised keys?

Yes, the term is embossing and if you are unsure as to what is available, there are a range of options for this process that we can talk you through.

If we look at a standard Membrane keypad, they are normally made up of four layers. The top layer is termed the ‘graphic’.

The next layer is a spacer layer which houses the tactile domes or LEDs. It is designed to create a small gap between the circuit and the graphic overlay for effective switch travel and containment.

Layer three is the circuit. This is where the conductive tracks are printed and terminate on and ‘FPC’ tail which connects to a PCB either by a ziff connector or female Molex type connector.

The final layer is the adhesive layer which created the bond between the mounting surface and the membrane keypad

There are variations to this theme dependent on the specifications of the individual keypad. These can all be discussed in detail and advised accordingly.

The membrane keypad graphic is normally produced on Polyester or polycarbonate. There are a wide range of surface finishes available including the following

• Gloss
• Hard coated
• Fine textured
• Soft touch
• Anti Microbial (Fine textured)

Polycarbonate and Polyester can be embossed to provide to enhance the tactile feel of the keys. Selective lacquers can also be applied to the top surface to enhance the visual and tactile feel. Optically clear windows can be printed by the application of clear lacquers onto the matt surfaces which will protect displays without impairing any detail.

For more information on available materials you can visit the following links

http://autotype.macdermid.com/

http://sfs.sabic.eu/product/lexan-film/

Advice can be offered regarding alternative material or finishes.

What layers make up membrane keypads?

The spacer layer is made up of thin film polyester with adhesive on either side. Selection of the correct spacer material is crucial to match the dome height, LED’s or any other SMT that may be added the circuit.

The circuit layer is made from a heat stabilised polyester. These are available in a range of thicknesses to suit the PCB connection. More information can be found on the following link

http://autotype.macdermid.com/

There are a wide range of adhesives available. The correct adhesive has to be specified with consideration to the environment the keypad is going to be subject to as well as the mounting surface. IP ratings of IP67 can be achieved as long as the mounting procedure is followed. We can
support this with advice or application where necessary.

The adhesive can be pre-cut to avoid areas such as embossed keys, windows or LED holes.

A full range of adhesives to suit just about every application can be found here

https://www.selfadhesive.co.uk/tapes.html

There are a significant range of metal domes available to choose from for your membrane keypad. The are specified by size and actuation force in grams. The size ranges from 4mm to 20mm and a maximum actuation force of 700 grams.