Construct a Switch
The five basic layers can be set up in a matrix for quick identification
Each construction can be labeled with five letters.
The position of each letter represents one of the layers.
| Code | Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 | |
| Graphic Layer | ||||
| polyester | a | a | a | |
| polycarbonate | b | |||
| elastomer | c | |||
| no graphic layer | x | x | ||
| Membrane Layer | ||||
| polyester, opaque conductor | a | a | ||
| polyester, transparent conductor | b | b | ||
| metal dome, metal conductor | c | |||
| elastomer, conductive pill | d | |||
| poly-graphic layer, opaque conductor | e | e | ||
| Tactile Layer | ||||
| metal dome | a | |||
| poly dome | b | b | ||
| graphic dome | c | |||
| packaged membrane | d | |||
| elastomer | e | |||
| non-tactile | x | x | x | |
| Static Layer | ||||
| polyester, opaque conductor | a | a | a | |
| polyester, transparent conductor | b | |||
| polyimide, copper conductor | c | |||
| PCB, copper conductor | d | |||
| packaged membrane, internal conductor | e | |||
| glass, transparent conductor | f | f | ||
| Rigid Layer | ||||
| aluminum | a | |||
| steel | b | |||
| plastic | c | c | ||
| glass | d | d | ||
| no rigid backer | x | x |
| Example 1:In this example the poly dome is formed in the membrane layer. |
” a a b a c ” is a tactile poly dome design where the dome is formed in the membrane layer.
| a | polyester | graphic layer |
| a | polyester, opaque conductor | membrane layer |
| b | poly dome | tactile layer |
| a | polyester, opaque conductor | static layer |
| c | plastic | rigid layer |
| Example 2This is a non-tactile membrane and shipped to the customer w/o a rigid backer. |
” a e x a x ” is non-tactile and has very few layers because the graphic (PET) layer is also the membrane layer. Note an “x” is used when a layer is missing. Again, note that the membrane & static layers can never be missing.
| a | polyester | graphic layer |
| e | graphic (PET) layer, opaque conductor | membrane layer |
| x | non-tactile | no tactile layer |
| a | polyester, opaque conductor | static layer |
| x | none | no rigid layer |
| Example 3Another non-tactile membrane but transparent using ITO coated glass as the static / rigid layers. |
” x b x f d ” is also a non-tactile design except it is a transparent membrane (touch screen) where the glass backer is also the static layer because the transparent conductor is integral with the glass.
| x | none | no graphic layer |
| e | polyester, transparent conductor | membrane layer |
| x | non-tactile | no tactile layer |
| f | glass, transparent conductor | static layer |
| d | glass | rigid layer |
Membrane Switch Definition | Construct a switch| Options Specifications | Request a quote |