Functionality and structure
of a membrane switch
A membrane switch consists of several layers of film and adhesive.
The standard structure of our flexible keyboards always consists of 6 individual layers.
Front film: It consists of a resistant polyester film that is screen-printed with an individual design.
Adhesive: The adhesive layer bonds the front film (decorative film) to the retaining film.
Retaining foil: It fixes the snap disk to the conductor track foil and holds it permanently in position to prevent functional failures.
Spacer foil: The spacer foil optimally compensates for the height of the contact springs and connects the retaining foil with the conductor track foil.
Conductor track foil: This layer forms the electrical function of the membrane switch. The conductor tracks are printed with silver conductive paste according to an individual circuit diagram and fitted with contact springs and LEDs. The use of a printed circuit board is also possible as an option.
Adhesive: The final adhesive layer enables the membrane switch to be easily and securely integrated into the customer’s application. As an option, we can also supply the membrane switch pre-assembled on a carrier plate or already integrated into an enclosure.
Membrane switches in
different designs
We develop membrane switches that are the perfect fit for your application in terms of mechanics, design and function. Membrane switches can be flexibly expanded using a wide range of additional components – for example with intensive lighting, complex electronics or safety functions.
Hardware components
Function on foil
Flexible membrane switches based on a printed circuit board are ideal for confined installation spaces. They are lightweight, space-saving and allow easy integration even on curved surfaces.
Function on printed circuit board
Membrane switches on printed circuit boards offer stability and space for complex electronics. They are particularly suitable for applications with increased requirements for robustness and service life.
Key feedback
Membrane switches are available with or without a snap-action disk. Versions with a snap-action disk offer perceptible tactile feedback, while versions without a snap-action disk offer a soft, cost-effective keystroke.
Lighting
Our key illumination in a wide range of colors impresses with its high brightness and long service life. Illuminated membrane switches can be flexibly realized on printed circuit board or on PCB.
Touchscreen + display
Membrane switches in combination with touchscreens or displays offer the user proven button operation plus modern functions. The connection is made reliably via adhesive frames or full-surface OCA bonding.
Embossing + doming
Buttons with embossing or molded-on button domes (doming) offer optimum finger guidance and even enable blind operation. The raised areas can be individually designed and can be up to X mm high.
Connections
Flexible membrane switches are connected via a customizable ribbon cable using ZIF, Crimpflex or Duflex connectors. The connection of a membrane switch on a circuit board is possible on a customer-specific basis (mention CAN?).
Housing + carrier
Membrane switches can be mounted on an individual carrier plate or housing for better stability. This protects electronic components and facilitates installation in the customer’s application.
Konstruktion + Entwicklung
Qualität + Nachhaltigkeit
Advantages of a membrane switch
- Flat, closed surface, easy to clean
- Individually printable in shape, color and symbolism
- Tactile feedback for better operation
- Lighting for visual highlights and better readability
- Can be combined with touchscreens or displays
- Integration of EMC protection for increased requirements
Advantages of a membrane switch
- Flat, closed surface, easy to clean
- Individually printable in shape, color and symbolism
- Tactile feedback for better operation
- Lighting for visual highlights and better readability
- Can be combined with touchscreens or displays
- Integration of EMC protection for increased requirements
Where are membrane switches
used?
Medical technology:
Device operation with disinfectable surfaces and tactile feedback
Mechanical engineering:
Robust controls can also be operated with gloves
Household technology:
Durable user interface with a variety of designs
Building technology:
Intuitive access control, even outdoors
Membrane switch or touch – which
technology is right for my project?
Touch systems offer individually customizable user interfaces and enable a modern, intuitive user experience.
Membrane switches impress with their durable,
reliable technology with clear tactile feedback and
manageable acquisition costs.
Start your project!
New development or redesign?
We are your partner from prototype to series production.