What are the different categories of membrane panel switches? (Part 2)
Release date:
Www.zdxtt.com
2020-12-14
Thin-film panel switch The classification
Protruding thin film
The keys on the membrane panel switches are typically color-coded to indicate their position, shape, and size. Consequently, operators must rely solely on visual inspection to ensure accurate operation, as there is no feedback mechanism available. This lack of feedback can undermine confidence in machine monitoring and slow down operational efficiency. Therefore, during the panel design phase, careful layout planning and the inclusion of process holes are essential to enable precise positioning during molding. Additionally, the height of the three-dimensional protrusions should generally not exceed twice the thickness of the substrate material. To achieve aesthetically pleasing product designs, the raised elements of the convex membrane switches can be crafted into a variety of intricate shapes and variations.
Material Types of Thin-Film Panel Switches
PVC, 60°C, 0.175–0.5 mm / PVC glossy surface—stable against acids, bases, and salts at room temperature. It offers excellent wear resistance, flame retardancy, noise reduction, vibration damping, and electrical insulation properties. However, its thermal stability is relatively unstable. Low-cost standard signage and panels. PCMPC, -60 to 120°C, 0.175–1.0 mm—features high light transmittance, minimal water absorption, superior dimensional stability, and outstanding resistance to bending, tensile stress, and compression. Additionally, it exhibits excellent performance in low-temperature environments, strong electrical insulation, and exceptional resistance to atmospheric aging.

Poor drug resistance, low fatigue tolerance, and susceptibility to stress cracks. The output interface wiring typically uses carbon-based materials printed directly, without any protective coating. Over time, exposure to air oxidation causes a gradual formation of a flaking layer, ultimately leading to open-circuit failures and prematurely ending the product's lifespan. These are the primary failure points in membrane switches, largely determined by environmental factors. Regardless of whether the switch is actively used, its physical degradation typically occurs within 3 to 10 years. This product boasts a broad range of general applications, effectively meeting the requirements of most membrane switch panels. Additionally, the high light transmittance of the glossy PC surface makes it particularly well-suited for designs incorporating LCD windows.
Smooth-surface PET (PET) exhibits excellent chemical resistance at temperatures ranging from 30 to 120°C and a tensile strength of 0.1 to 0.2. It is insoluble in common organic solvents but is susceptible to alkaline environments. This material demonstrates outstanding performance in mechanical properties, electrical characteristics, rigidity, hardness, and thermoplasticity. Additionally, it boasts exceptional water absorption, wear resistance, and abrasion resistance, while maintaining excellent dimensional stability.
Tensile strength can be significantly higher in PC and PVC compared to aluminum film. Due to the difficulty of surface finishing PET into a matte finish at low cost, textured PET is an ideal substrate for manufacturing membrane switch circuits. These PET materials are particularly suitable for products with high surface requirements or those featuring LCD windows.
Sealing Material for Circuit Layers: The substrate used in manufacturing circuits should be a polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) film (Potyester or PET). It offers excellent insulation properties, high-temperature resistance, superior mechanical strength, good light transmission, outstanding air tightness, and excellent flexibility and bendability, making it an ideal material for thin-film panel switch circuitry.
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