White Papers
- Learn More About Membrane Switches
- Graphic Overlay Material for Membrane Switches
- Adhesives for Membrane Switches
- Graphic Enhancements for Membrane Switches
About Dyna-Graphics
Dyna-Graphics, founded in 1972, is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer specializing in human machine interface controls Dyna-Graphics supplies membrane keypads, silicone rubber keypads, and touchscreens for a wide variety of industrial applications. Located in Chaska, MN, a western suburb of Minneapolis, we focus on short to medium run products and have a 15 year relationship with our offshore partners for high volume production.
A membrane switch is composed of a number of plastic sheets laminated together. The materials of each of those layers determine the long-term quality objective of the design.
A careful look at the material recommendations for the top or graphic layer can show you the benefits of planning for your environment.
The top layer or graphic overlay is recommended in the chart below by the environments the switch will be exposed to. Weatherable materials are affected by the surface treatments applied - like selective textures or window clearing coatings.
Graphic Overlay Material for Membrane Switches
| Environmental Exposure |
Clear Polycarbonate |
Textured Polycarbonate |
Weatherable Polycarbonate |
Clear Polyester |
Textured Polyester |
Weatherable Polyester |
| Indoor - Temp. Controlled |
X | X | X | X | ||
| Indoor - Solvent Exposure |
X | X | ||||
| Outdoor - Exposure Unprotected |
X | X | ||||
| Display Window |
X | X | ||||
| Tactile Response Keypad |
X | X | X |
Use these references and other resources as a starting point to build and design your own solutions.
See Custom Control Panel Overlay printing.
Choosing the proper adhesive for your membrane switch project is important in determining the long term quality objectives of the design. There are several factors to consider; the substrate being adhered to, the surface texture of that substrate, and any environmental concerns.
Basically there are two substrates; HSE (high surface energy) and LSE (low surface energy). The surface texture determines the thickness of the adhesive.
The majority of membrane switch applications will either use a 3M 200MP adhesive family or a 3M 300LSE adhesive family. The 2 mil is used for smooth surfaces and the 5 mil is used for textured surfaces.
Adhesives for Membrane Switches
(On a scale of 1 - 10, where 10 is best.)
| Specifications | 3M 200MP | 3M 300LSE |
| Adhesion to HSE | 9 | 9 |
| Adhesion to LSE | 1 | 9 |
| Adhesion to Metal | 10 | 7 |
Use these references and other resources as a starting point to build and design your own solutions.
Click here for Converting 3M Technology into Successful Applications - Selection Guide
Click here to learn more about K-Motion membrane switch panel features
About Adhesives
Whenever possible, Dyna-Graphicsuses 3M brand adhesives in the
manufacture of our membrane
switches.
Although more expensive than
most adhesive brands their quality
control and consistency assures
Dyna-Graphics that our quality is
repeatable from lot to lot.
After determining the material (part1) and the adhesive (part 2) it is now time to consider the graphic design or the look of the new product which is often the responsibility of the marketing group.
The list below gives you some idea of what's available and what the different processes accomplish.
Graphic Enhancements for Membrane Switches
| Subsurface Printing |
Assures long lasting durability of graphics. Protects the graphics with the material between the user/environment and the ink. |
| Selective Texturing |
The ability to leave windows, words, keys, or logo glossy while offering a secondary matte surface finish. |
| Embossing | Raising of selective graphic features to enhance aesthetics or tactile feel. |
| Backlighting | Different techniques that allow the illuminating of icons, buttons or indicators from the back. |
| Dead- Fronting |
The technique to hide a translucent icon until it's backlit. |
| Display Window |
Transparent display/LED windows in various colors. |
| Digital Printing |
Printing from a digital-based image directly onto plastic film substrate. |
Click here for samples of our work
Click here for information on Custom Graphic Overlay Design & Production
About Graphic Enhancement
Every marketing group wants to maketheir product as appealing as possible
to their target customer. Graphic
enhancements help the designer
make their product standout from the
competition.
Dyna-Graphics can recommend which
unique and customizable options would
best achieve your desired results.
Contact Dyna-Graphics today to learn more about our custom membrane switches and control panel overlays.