Membrane keypads

We turn your idea into your membrane keypad

A membrane keypad is a flexible keypad, which is built up from several polyester foils. On the base foil ; the conductive tracks, switching contacts, embossing and the printed front foil are built up and glued in the different layers. Compared to the conventional keyboard, the keypad is protected against dirt, water and dust (IP65) and resistant to many chemicals. It is flexible and can be designed and manufactured in size, geometry, design and number of keys as required. Combinations with display or mechanical buttons can also be realized. Phoenix Mecano has been developing and producing customized membrane keypads and input systems with various technologies for almost 40 years. Different applications and environments require adapted solutions. The spectrum of membrane keypad solutions ranges from direct switching contacts to snap dome, from classic technology with conductive silver contacts to copper technology, from unembossed keys to input systems with touch screens. Consulting and engineering are carried out locally in Switzerland. This creates short and fast communication channels and saves time and money. Membrane switches are produced at Phoenix Mecano production facilities in Germany, Eastern Europe (Hungary) or Asia (China), depending on your wishes and requirements.

Front foil

Front foil – The business card of the device

Front foils are used to protect the surface of devices, machines and systems. At the same time, they can be used to create lettering, logos or other design elements according to your wishes. Just as with our membrane keypads, a front foil can be printed or embossed using various processes. Depending on the customer's requirements, an adhesive layer with or without a cutout is applied to the back. There are almost no limits to the design possibilities.

Protection

Reliable protection against dirt and water

Number of pieces

Front foils are supplied in quantities as low as 10 pieces

Design

Free choice of design and colors

Structure membrane keypad

How is a membrane keypad constructed?

The classic membrane keybpad consists of about six to eight levels, of which only the top level, the "front foil" (decorative foil), is visible in the later application. This front foil is manufactured individually according to your specifications. Depending on the technology, there are further layers underneath. The bottom layer is an adhesive layer for attaching the membrane keypad to the enclosure, for example. Different adhesive layers are available for this purpose, which are used depending on the nature of the surface and the substrate. In the middle of the different layers is the actual "heart" of the membrane keypad, the snap dome. It provides tactile feedback and ensures that the function selected by the user is transmitted to the electronics.

Aufbau einer Folientastatur in den verschiedenen Schichten

Membrane keypad and enclosure from a single source

Of course, a membrane keypad also needs a suitable enclosure. If you can't find a suitable enclosure from the large number of standard enclosures, or if you want to stand out with a customized design, we offer the possibility for a special enclosure. These are also designed and developed in Switzerland and manufactured in Phoenix Mecano's own global production facilities. We deliver the complete operating unit of enclosure and keypad ready to function from the initial design to the finished device.

Project current

How to make your input system a complete success

Idea / Concept

Send a sketch, CAD data or we visit you on site and record the requirements

Engineering

Construction with all technical features, buttons, colors and shape

Approval

Approval by the client and “good to print”

Production pilot series

Production of the pilot series. On request with initial sample test report

Series production

Production of membrane keypads or input units

Assembly on housing

Mounting of the membrane keypad on an housing or front panel

After the feasibility check and the quotation phase, our specialists create a detailed release drawing (good for printing) with all relevant data of your membrane keypad. This drawing shows materials, color definitions (in RAL or Pantone) as well as the conductor paths and the electrical circuit diagram. During this phase, any changes you wish to make can be incorporated into the design without incurring any costs. After approval we start the production of the pilot series.

Ideally we like to combine our membrane keypads directly with one of our enclosures to a complete operating unit. If this cut is made directly by us, you can be sure that the membrane keypad has been assembled correctly and you will not have any rejects due to possible assembly errors. In addition, your stock-keeping is reduced.

Why Phoenix Mecano