Membrane Switch and Keypad Services Specifications

Help with Membrane Switch and Keypad Services specifications:

Capabilities

	Products
	Your choices are...
	Numerical Keypads		Numeric or alphanumeric switches and keypads for data entry, operation of menu-driven software, entry of word commands, etc.
	Graphical Keypads		Image or graphic-based keypads for machine or process navigation and operation.   Graphics may conform to international standards or be customized to the application.  Common graphics include arrows, pictorials of machine operations or processes, etc.
	Control Panels		Full function panels for monitoring and control of machine, process, or system variables and commands. May include inputs, outputs, and interfaces tailored to the application.
	Membrane Switch Overlays		Graphical or alphanumeric covering for keypads indicating key or switch functions.
	Other		Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary membrane switch, panel, or keypad product.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Switch Types:
	Your choices are...
	Flat Switch		Switch top flush with panel; no difference in relief.
	Raised Switch		Switch or key surface protrudes up from panel or keypad surface.
	Tactile Feedback		Definite tactile response to key pressing; operator can "feel" the switch or key being depressed.
	Non-Tactile		Very low travel switch closure throw (typically under 0.0010").  Operator is not required to feel key pressing.
	Other		Other unlisted key or switch physical or feedback configuration.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Features
	Your choices are...
	Backlit Switches		Switches or keys are backlit for use in dark or inconsistently illuminated environments.  Backlighting is frequently accomplished with an electroluminescent panel in the keypad or panel.
	LED Indicators		Switch or operation status is indicated by light emitting diodes (LEDs) incorporated into the keypad.  Possible uses include signifying operation (e.g., red = stop, green = go), process status, verification of system functions, machine interlocks, alarm conditions, etc.
	Outdoor Environment		Switch, keypad or panel is designed for outdoor use; often involves special sealing and resistance to water, sunlight, and temperature variations.
	Hazardous Environment		Special materials and sealing considerations for use near chemical, very high temperature, areas where fire or explosion are possible, etc.
	Vandal Proof		Keypad or panel casing is resistant to unauthorized tampering, access, disassembly, etc.
	Washdown Capable		Designed for full washdown; may include materials immune to degradation by detergent, robust sealing features, etc.
	EMI / RFI Protection		Measures for protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) including shielding and grounding of electronics and electrical circuits and conductors.  This is often required for regulatory compliance certifications.
	ESD Protection		Protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) may be accomplished with static-dissipative or conductive elements in the switch material, special electronics grounding practices, etc.
	Embossed Switches		Graphics or alphanumerical characters are raised or embossed from switch surface.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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Services

	Services
	Your choices are...
	Graphical Design / Layout		Services include graphical design and layout of switch or keypad characters and graphics.  May include product or company symbols or logos in addition to operational graphics.
	PCB Design / Layout		Full design and layout of the printed circuit board (PCB) circuitry for the membrane switch or keypad. This can be performed in-house, or possibly by a development partner.
	Just-In-Time Delivery		Supplier has Just-In-Time manufacturing capability of switches and keypads in order to reduce need for inventory maintenance.
	Samples / Short Runs		Supplier can produce samples, examples, or manufacture small quantities for testing and approval.
	Life Cycle Testing		Keys and switches are cycled through many thousands (or millions, depending on application) of actuation to test switch reliability, repeatability, wear characteristics of switch cover material, etc.
	Screen Printing		In screen printing, ink is stored in a screen frame and transferred onto the product or label with pressure.  Screen printing is often used for high color applications.
	Other		Other unlisted additional or secondary capability.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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Materials

	Switch Material
	Your choices are...
	Polyester		Common, durable membrane switch dome material.
	Polycarbonate		Very tough thermoplastic, sometimes specified for heavy-duty use or outdoor applications.  Polycarbonate has excellent mechanical properties, and can be molded to tight tolerances.   Brand Names include: Lexan® (GE), Caliber® (Dow), Makrofol® and Makrolon® (Bayer).
	Rubber / Silicone		Includes synthetic and natural rubber materials such as silicone rubber.  Fairly tough and compliant material, often used in tactile feedback applications where users can "feel" the key operation.
	Metal		Hard and tough alternative to thermoplastic or rubber materials.  Key actuation force and feedback may be adjusted by small variations in material thickness.  Metal may be used for domes, or perhaps for the key material itself.
	Other		Other unlisted key or switch covering material.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Textured Switch Material		Texturing such as pebbling, knurling, ridges or other texturing for aesthetic or operator tactile identification purposes
	Search Logic:		"Required" and "Must Not Have" criteria limit returned matches as specified. Products with optional attributes will be returned for either choice.

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Industry Served

	Industries & Applications
	Your choices are...
	Aircraft / Aerospace		Switches, keypads, and panels for the aerospace industry, both for aircraft and associated equipment.  Design considerations include certification by regulatory agencies, durability in extreme outdoor conditions, symbol conformance to applicable international or federal regulatory standards, thermal cycling, etc.
	Automotive		Products for the automotive and heavy transportation industries; can include very rugged materials with resistance to temperature extremes, weather conditions, etc.  Also include products with high standards of finish for automotive interior controls, dashboards, heating and lighting controls, setting and operation of comfort features, etc.
	Building Controls		Control consoles and panels for monitoring and control of systems such as HVAC, lighting, fire control and reporting systems, security systems, elevator or other transit systems, etc.
	Communications / Electronics		Applications such as cellular telephones, radio or television broadcast equipment, wireless networking, radar, etc.
	Financial Services		Keypads and controls fro devices such as automated teller machines (ATMs), credit card terminals, bank deposit stations, account access devices, etc.
	Manufacturing / Automation		Keypads and controls for machines, factory controls, process monitors, machine tool or process controllers, etc.
	Medical		Medical and hospital equipment, monitors, diagnostic devices, etc.  Such equipment often requires special regulatory certifications for safety, EMI / RFI compliance, and other categories.
	Retail		Keypads and controls for machinery such as cash registers, point-of-sale computers, inventory tracking and management devices, etc.
	Security & Identification		Products such as controls and consoles for personnel access systems, detention center systems, airport and law enforcement equipment, and other security devices.
	Other		Other unlisted industry or application.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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Location

	Your choices are...
	North America		Companies are located in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
	United States Only		Companies are located in the United States.
	Northeast US Only		Companies are located in the Northeast United States, namely Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
	Southern US Only		Companies are located in the Southern United States, namely Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
	Southwest US Only		Companies are located in the Southwest United States, namely Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
	Northwest US Only		Companies are located in the Northwest United States, namely Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
	Midwest US Only		Companies are located in the Midwest United States, namely Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
	Canada Only		Companies are located in Canada.
	South / Central America Only		Companies have facilities in South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, or Chile; or in Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, etc.
	Europe Only		Companies are located in Europe, namely Germany, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, etc.
	South Asia Only		Companies are located in South Asia, namely India, Pakistan, Nepal, etc.
	Near East Only		Companies are located in the Near East, namely Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, etc.
	East Asia / Pacific Only		Companies are located in East Asia, namely China, Japan, Taiwan, etc.
	Other		Other unlisted country or region.
	Search Logic:		Products with the selected attribute will be returned as matches. Leaving or selecting "No Preference" will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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