A metal dome array is a structure composed of multiple metal domes arranged and combined according to a certain pattern. These metal domes are usually made of materials with good elasticity and conductivity, such as stainless steel, copper alloy, etc. Each metal dome has a unique shape and size, and is carefully designed and processed to meet specific application requirements.
What is a metal dome?
A metal dome is a thin sheet made of metal materials (such as stainless steel and copper alloy). It has two key characteristics: elasticity, which can be elastically deformed by external force, and can quickly return to its original shape after the external force disappears. It can be used for buffering, rebounding and providing tactile feedback; the second is conductivity, which can be turned on when in contact with circuit contacts to ensure signal transmission.
It has various shapes, including round, square, triangular, etc., and some have multi-layer structures. It plays a key role in many fields such as electronic device buttons, switch devices, automotive electronic components, industrial control equipment, etc.
What is a metal dome array?
A metal dome array is a structure composed of multiple metal domes, usually including a fixed sheet body and a movable sheet body, between which are arranged multiple elastic sheets distributed in an equidistant angle ring array. One end of these elastic sheets is connected to the movable sheet, and the other end is against the fixed sheet to form a force-balanced structure.
The metal dome array is mainly composed of the following parts:
Fixed sheet: fixed part, providing stable support.
Moving sheet: movable part, opposite to the fixed sheet.
Elastic sheet: connects the fixed sheet and the movable sheet to provide elasticity and force balance.
Limiting assembly: includes fixed limiting sheet and movable limiting sheet to ensure stable movement and positioning of the dome.
What are the types of metal dome arrays?
The types of metal dome arrays mainly include the following:
S-type, C-type, N-type, circular, Z-type, spoon-shaped: These shapes of metal domes are widely used in electronic devices, and common shapes include S-type, C-type, N-type, circular, Z-type and spoon-shaped.
Circular, cross-shaped, triangular: These shapes of metal domes are often used in products such as membrane switches, contact switches, PCB boards and FPC boards.
Oval: Oval metal domes also have certain applications. Their diameters range from 3mm to 20mm, and their forces range from 100g to 600gf.
How does a metal dome array work?
The working principle of metal dome arrays mainly depends on their physical structure and material properties. Metal domes are usually made of ultra-thin or ultra-thick stainless steel materials, and common materials include 301 or 304 stainless steel.
These domes play a key role in membrane keys. When pressed, the center point of the dome is concave and contacts the conductive part on the PCB board, thus forming a loop, allowing current to pass through and ensuring the normal operation of the product.
The application scenarios of metal dome arrays include but are not limited to:
Membrane switches: used for the switching function of various electronic devices.
Contact switches: used in situations where contacts need to be conductive.
PCB boards and FPC boards: used for circuit connections.
Medical devices: used in medical devices that require precise touch and conductivity.
What are the advantages of a metal dome array?
The advantages of metal dome array mainly include the following aspects:
High reliability: metal domes have high reliability and durability, and can withstand the test of long-term use and multiple plugging and unplugging.
High conductivity: metal domes have good conductivity and can ensure stable signal transmission.
Automatic recovery: metal domes have good automatic recovery performance and can ensure the reliability of connection.
Strong adaptability: metal domes are suitable for various types of sockets and connectors and can work normally in various harsh environments.
High elasticity: The core characteristic of metal domes lies in their excellent elasticity, which can maintain stable rebound ability after repeated deformation.
Low contact resistance: The contact resistance between metal domes and conductive contacts is low, which can ensure good circuit conduction and reduce signal loss and energy loss.
Corrosion resistance: By selecting suitable metal materials (such as stainless steel), metal domes can be used for a long time in harsh environments without corrosion.
Strong wear resistance: Metal domes will rub against other parts during frequent key operations, but due to their high hardness and strong wear resistance, they can withstand long-term use without easy wear.
High precision: Modern manufacturing processes enable metal domes to achieve extremely high size and shape accuracy to meet the needs of precision equipment.
Good stability: After rigorous design and testing, metal domes can maintain stable performance under various working conditions.
What are the applications of a metal dome array?
Metal dome arrays are widely used in many fields, mainly including the following aspects:
Electronic communication equipment: Metal dome arrays are often used in computers, mobile phones, electronic communication equipment, etc., to play the role of conduction, switching, clamping, etc., to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.
Automotive electronics: In automotive electronic systems such as smart driving and smart parking, metal dome arrays are used to connect and fix various electronic components to improve the stability and reliability of the system.
Furniture electronics: In home appliances, metal dome arrays are often used in automatic alarm systems to ensure home safety.
Medical devices: In medical devices, metal shrapnel arrays are used to connect and fix various components to ensure accurate operation and safe use of the equipment.
Other electronic products: Metal shrapnel arrays also play an important role in membrane switches, contact switches, PCB boards, FPC boards, micro motors, sensors, relay switches and other products.
As an important electronic component, metal shrapnel arrays play an important role in electronic equipment, automotive electronics, industrial control, medical equipment, smart homes and other fields. It has the advantages of high reliability, high precision, good conductivity, flexible design and low cost, and can provide users with a good operating experience and reliable electrical connection.
