some questions and answers about metal dome and dome array

Shortly after we our new circle metal domes lauching (http://www.metal-domes.com/blog/2006/08/29/new-circle-metal-domes/) on Aug 28, we have received many responses from our clients or friends from related industry. One client told me “It’s really eye opener!” . 

Thank you everybody, your attention and support is the vital source for us to continue develop new products. At the same time, some person ask ask questions about this new domes. Let’s share the questions and the answers with everyone, hope it’ll be helpful for you.

 Q1: (Anders, from Denmark) The domes you send us looks interesting. I have a few questions. Are you able to coat the underside of the dome with gold?

 A1:  Right now, we can make the gold plating for the F(4-legs) and Triangle Series metal domes, either single or double side. 

 Q2: ) Is it possible to make a large dimple, for oblong metal domes, you write about in your email? 

 A2: The large dimples now is available in Circle series domes. But we are continue to develop new products, I’ll let you know when we have it.

 Q3: (from Tim, U.S.A):  how many domes are on the array?  what sizes are the domes and what is the actuator force?

  A3: A metal dome array is a kind of PET sheet that carriers metal dome contacts. So for domes on the array, it’s depended on what you need. Generally based on the follows two factors:
 
   a, the size of a array
   b, the size of a dome
   c, assembly requirement of PCB or membrane switch
 
Let’s look at the metal dome array used in cell phone, Nokia 2300. The size of PCB (motherboard of cell phone) is about 37 x 48 mm, so the size of array is about 35x 45mm. There’re 19 metal domes on the array, and diameter of dome is 4-5mm.

The actuator force is about 200 gf ( in Nokia 2300 or other similar cell phone). It’s also depend upon the different various.

Hope these answers and question will be helpful in understanding the metal domes and metal dome arrays. We know our industry is related difficult to understand, and hope more people can join us.

If you have other questions or comments, please feel free to let me know. We’re glad to answer them. Please leave your reponse here or email me at sales@metal-domes.com