The metal dome is made of stainless steel and is the momentary switch contact. A metal dome can be combined with a PCB and flex circuit to become a normally open tactile switch. Metal domes generally come in different shapes and classifications, but it depends on your product to choose the right application. First, let’s introduce the classification of metal domes:
If you are not sure which metal dome to choose to match your product, you can find the metal dome you need according to the type introduction below.
In general, we divide metal domes into three types, mainly by electroplating—nickel plating, silver plating, and gold plating. The purpose of metal dome plating is to reduce the resistance of the contact surface and increase the conductivity of the dome. Generally, the conductivity of stainless steel is about 10?. Nickel-plated resistance is less than 1 ohm. Silver plating, gold plating effect is better. But gold plating can significantly increase the cost of the product. We also recommend that you choose a silver-plated metal dome, which can maintain the cost of the product while increasing the effect of the product.
Overall, the silver-plated metal dome has good physical properties and can be called the best dome. The silver-plated metal dome is stable and corrosion-resistant in use, which can increase the service life of the dome. After testing, the service life of the silver-plated metal dome can reach more than 100,000 times. Of course, the choice of dome still depends on your actual needs to choose the appropriate dome type.
Let’s introduce the specific performance of the metal circle:
When using a membrane switch, different operating forces will give the inner metal dome a different operating feel. The lifespan of a membrane switch depends primarily on the metal dome inside. Then let’s introduce the performance of the metal dome in detail. The main performance of the metal dome is long life, good operating feel, and good resilience, heat resistance and cold resistance.
In a membrane switch, the metal dome is one of the core components of the key hub in the membrane switch. It controls the power on and off of the switch, and the main function of the membrane switch is to realize the disconnection and passage of overcurrent. In the early days, before there was no membrane switch, the metal dome used this dome to control the passage and disconnection of the current of the entire switch. If there is no such dome, the entire switch is equivalent to an empty shell, and the functions it wants to achieve cannot be used.
The metal dome is in the membrane switch, and the switch is turned on by lightly pressing the switch button, and the switch is turned off when the hand is released. The force of the metal dome mainly realizes its internal structure – this series of functions. The only thing that works is the internal metal shrapnel. The service life of this shrapnel alone can generally reach 1 million times. However, with the frequent use of switches, the current number of uses of touch switches can only reach 100,000 times.
Best Technology specializes in the production of metal domes, and has been in the metal dome industry for more than 20 years. We have rich experience in the design and production of metal domes. Best’s products can be used in a variety of applications and can be produced according to customers’ designs.
