What is the structure of a thin-film panel?
Release date:
2022-02-11
Thin-film panel What is the structure?

1. Panel Layer
The panel layer of the thin-film panel is typically made from colorless and transparent materials such as PET or PC, with a thickness generally below 0.25 mm, and features exquisite silk-printed patterns and text—this is because the panel layer plays the dominant role.
Due to their function on logos and buttons, the selected materials should possess characteristics such as transparency, ink adhesion, high elasticity, and anti-folding properties.
2. Buffer Layer
The cushion layer plays a crucial role in tightly connecting the panel layer with the circuit layer, achieving both sealing and connectivity. This layer typically requires a specific thickness.
Between 0.02 and 0.05 millimeters, it exhibits strong adhesion and excellent aging resistance. During production, specialized double-sided adhesive films for membrane switches are typically used. Additionally, some membrane switches require waterproof and high-temperature resistance properties; therefore, the cushion layer must also be made from materials tailored to meet these specific demands.
3. Circuit Layer
This layer utilizes high-performance polyester film (PET) as the substrate for the switch circuitry, with silver paste carbon printed using a specialized silk-screening process.
Alternatively, gold paste typically exhibits conductivity with a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.175 millimeters, with 0.125 millimeters being the most common PET specification.
4. Apply Adhesive
Located between the upper and lower circuit layers, this component serves to seal and connect, typically utilizing a PET double-sided adhesive with a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 millimeters. When selecting this material layer, it is essential to carefully consider the overall product thickness, insulation properties, tactile feel of the circuit key pocket, as well as the sealing performance.
5. Back Adhesive
The use of adhesive is closely related to the film switch panel and specific materials; commonly used adhesives include double-sided tape, 3M adhesive, and waterproof glue.
PVC film panels and PET Thin-film panel Which one performs better?
**Advantages of PVC (Polycarbonate):** PVC offers excellent processing versatility, allowing for the embossing of various textures on its surface to enhance the material's aesthetic appeal. It exhibits outstanding chemical resistance, being resistant to dilute acids, weak bases, alcohols, and alcohol ethers. Additionally, PVC film panels feature high dielectric strength, non-directional properties, superior adaptability, and low haze levels. In terms of thermal performance, PVC films maintain stable characteristics even under temperature fluctuations ranging from -30°C to 130°C, making them highly resilient to sudden temperature changes. Furthermore, PVC films demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, offering superior impact resistance and high elasticity. With a yield strength of approximately 60 N/mm², PVC is one of today’s most robust plastics used in high-impact applications. PVC film panels are ideal for a wide range of applications, including signage and other decorative panel solutions. **Advantages of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Film Panels:** PET films provide excellent key-on/off cycle life along with remarkable corrosion and abrasion resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability. They also deliver outstanding insulation performance. **Disadvantages of PET Film Panels:** While PET panels offer superior performance, they come at a slightly higher cost compared to PC panels and lack inherent UV resistance. **Applications:** PET film panels are particularly well-suited for demanding applications such as instrument and electrical control panels where reliability and performance are critical.
How should a damaged membrane panel be repaired?
Thin-film panel 1. For repairing the malfunction: If the operation panel (button board) is contaminated with oil causing circuit abnormalities, clean it with alcohol. 2. For replacing the Key (microswitch): If the microswitch has aged and sustained fatigue-related damage, replace it with a microswitch of the same specifications. 3. Regarding button damage: Typically, this occurs due to carbon film wear in the membrane switch. In such cases, repair can be performed using carbon film specifically designed for computer repairs.
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