Metal Dome & Dome Array blog – Best Technology

What is a silver metal dome switch?

Posted on November 29, 2024 by seo_li

What is a silver switch? The core component of a silver switch is a silver-plated metal spring. Metal dome is usually made of materials with good elasticity and conductivity, such as stainless steel, copper alloy, etc., and then is plated with a layer of silver on its surface. Silver is a metal with excellent electrical conductivity. Plating it on the surface of the metal spring can significantly improve the conductive performance of the switch.

BEST Technology supports the production and design of different types of metal dome switches, using stainless steel 301 or 304 materials for production and supporting tin, gold, silver and other processing processes on the dome to meet actual needs.

What is a silver dome switch?

Silver-plated metal dome switch is an electrical device that uses silver-plated metal dome in the switch. This kind of switch usually consists of contact pieces, contacts, spring pieces, etc., among which the metal spring piece is one of the core components of the switch. The metal dome plays the role of conducting and disconnecting circuits in the switch, and its performance directly affects the electrical performance and service life of the switch.

The functions and advantages of silver-plated metal dome:

Conductive properties: Silver is a good conductive metal with good electrical and thermal conductivity. The silver-plated metal dome can significantly improve the conductive performance of the switch and reduce resistance, thus improving the response speed and stability of the switch.

Mechanical properties: Silver has good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, which can enhance the durability and stability of the dome and extend the service life of the switch.

Appearance quality: The silver plating layer can reflect light, giving the switch better visual effects and aesthetics.

Application scenarios of silver-plated metal dome switches:

Silver-plated metal dome switches are widely used in various electrical equipment, such as lamps, household appliances, industrial equipment, etc. Due to its excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, silver-plated metal dome switches are particularly suitable for applications that require high strength conductivity and high durability.

Manufacturing process of silver-plated metal dome switch:

There are many methods of silver plating, the commonly used ones include electroplating, chemical plating and hot plating. Among them, electroplating is one of the most commonly used methods. By placing an object in an electrolyte and connecting the object to a power source through a capacitor, electrons deposit a layer of metal on the surface of the object to form a metal film.

To sum up, silver-plated metal dome switches have been widely used in various electrical equipment due to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and aesthetics.

What materials does the dome switch consist of?

The main materials of dome switches include stainless steel 301 or 304. These materials have the characteristics of ultra-thin (0.05mm-0.1mm thickness) and ultra-thick (generally higher hardness), and are usually used to make button springs and metal springs.

The working principle of the dome switch is to press to make the center point of the dome concave and contact the circuit on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), thus forming a loop, allowing current to pass through, and making the product work normally.

Dome switches are widely used in membrane switches, contact switches, PCB boards, FPC boards, medical equipment and other products. Common metal dome shapes include circles, crosses, triangles, ovals, etc. These shapes of dome are suitable for different application scenarios and needs.

Can the dome switch be silvered?

The dome switch can be silver-plated. Silver plating is an electrochemical process that mainly uses the principle of electrolysis to deposit a layer of silver on the surface of the dome switch. Put the dome switch into the plating tank, and by controlling parameters such as current density, plating time, temperature, etc., the thickness and quality of the silver plating layer can be accurately controlled.

Silver is a very conductive metal and has a very low resistivity. Silver plating on the dome switch can significantly reduce the contact resistance between the dome and the contact point.

Silver plating can form a protective film on the surface of the dome to prevent the dome from being eroded by external environmental factors (such as oxygen, moisture, corrosive gases, etc.). In some harsh working environments, silver-plated dome switches can better maintain their performance.

The surface of the silver-plated dome switch is brighter and more beautiful, which has certain advantages in some electronic equipment with high appearance requirements (such as consumer electronics products). In addition, the silver plating can also improve the solderability of the dome switch.

What are silver switches good for?

The switch made of silver-plated metal spring has the following main uses and advantages:

1. Improve electrical conductivity: Silver is a good conductive metal with good electrical and thermal conductivity. It can effectively improve the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the switch, ensuring the stability and reliability of the switch in various electrical applications.

2. Enhance mechanical properties and corrosion resistance: Silver has good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The silver-plated metal dome can withstand greater pressure and wear, extending the service life of the switch.

3. Improve appearance quality: The silver-plated surface can reflect light, giving the switch a better visual effect, better aesthetics and decoration.

4. Wide range of applications: Silver-plated metal dome is widely used in various electronic devices. It has small size, long life, flexible operation, stable and reliable performance, and is suitable for operating signal input of various electronic devices.

In summary, switches made of silver-plated metal dome have significantly improved electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and appearance quality, and are widely used in various electronic devices to meet the needs of different application scenarios. .

What are the characteristics of silver switches?

The main features of silver-plated metal dome switches include good electrical conductivity, strong oxidation resistance, long service life and low resistance.

Silver-plated metal dome switches have very good electrical conductivity because silver is an excellent conductor and can provide stable current transmission. In addition, the silver plating layer can effectively prevent the metal dome from oxidation and extend the service life of the switch. The silver plating layer can also reduce resistance and improve the response speed and stability of the switch.

Due to its excellent electrical conductivity and anti-oxidation capabilities, silver-plated metal dome switches are often used in situations where high-quality electrical conductivity is required, such as precision instruments, aviation instruments and other fields. These fields have high requirements on the stability and reliability of switches, and silver-plated metal dome switches can meet these needs.

Compared with galvanized switches, silver-plated metal dome switches have more advantages in conductive performance and anti-oxidation, but the price may be higher. Although galvanized switches also have good corrosion resistance, their conductive properties and anti-oxidation capabilities are not as good as silver-plated switches.

In summary, silver-plated metal dome switches are suitable for high-end electrical appliance manufacturing fields that require high conductive properties due to their excellent conductive properties, anti-oxidation capabilities and long life.

In short, as an important electronic component, silver dome switches play an important role in electronic equipment and systems due to their good conductivity, reliable elastic recovery, corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.

Posted in FAQ, Metal Domes | Tagged dome switch, metal dome | Comments Off

What is a marine switch panel?

Posted on November 28, 2024 by seo_li

What is a marine switch panel? A marine switch panel is an operating interface installed on a ship to control various equipment and systems. It usually consists of a series of switches, buttons, indicator lights, etc., which can realize the operation of equipment operation, internal lighting and environmental control. When the marine switch panel adopts membrane switch technology, it brings many advantages to the operation and control of the ship.

BEST Technology specializes in the production of various types of membrane switch panels, supports the design and development of different types of membrane panel switches, and has rich design and manufacturing experience.

What is a marine membrane switch panel?

A marine membrane switch panel is a membrane switch panel designed and used for ships, with specific characteristics and application scenarios.

A marine membrane switch panel is an operating system that integrates key functions, indicator elements, and instrument panels. It consists of four parts: panel, upper circuit, isolation layer, and lower circuit.

When the panel is not pressed, the membrane switch is in a normal state, its upper and lower contacts are disconnected, and the isolation layer isolates the upper and lower circuits.

When the panel is pressed, the contact of the upper circuit deforms downward, overlaps with the lower circuit and makes the circuit conductive. The conductive circuit gives a signal to realize its corresponding function. When the finger is released, the contact of the upper circuit rebounds, the circuit is disconnected, and the loop triggers a signal.

Marine membrane switch panels are widely used in various control systems and instrument panels of ships. They are moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant, shock-resistant and highly sealed, and can work stably in harsh marine environments. They are small in size, comfortable to press, easy to replace and low in cost, and are suitable for the automation and intelligent control needs of various ships.

What types of marine switch panels are there?

The types of marine switch panels mainly include the following:

Ordinary push-button switch: suitable for simple power on and off control.

Ignition key switch: used to start the engine or motor operation.

Multi-function combination switch panel: contains multiple independent small switches, which can operate multiple devices at the same time.

LED indicator switch: It has an indication function and can also be used as a small contactor to drive the work of electrical equipment.

Automatic water level switch: used in monitoring and controlling water level and water flow.

Pressure sensor controlled electric valve switch: mainly used for regulating and managing liquid pressure.

Double-pole double-throw switch: or relay coil control circuit board small toggle switch, etc.

What is the manufacturing process for marine switch panels?

The manufacturing process of marine membrane switch panels mainly includes the following steps:

Cutting: separating raw materials from larger area and volume raw materials.

Film production: This is an important link, involving the setting of the screen printer and the selection of the screen to ensure the quality and efficiency of the screen printing.

Plate making: by coating the photosensitive paste on the screen printing screen, and then using the film to complete the plate making work on the platemaking machine.

Silk screen printing: This is the core process of thin film panel manufacturing, involving printing the design pattern on the panel.

Mold production: using tools such as engraving machines, milling machines or laser cutting machines to make molds.

Cutting: using special tools and equipment to cut the shape of the thin film panel.

Assembly: Assemble the panel, surface glue, upper and lower lines, key glue and back glue into a whole.

Quality inspection: Perform quality inspection on the finished film panel to ensure that the product is qualified.

Material selection and characteristic requirements for marine membrane switch panel:

Panel layer: Usually use colorless and light-transmitting sheets such as PET or PC below 0.25MM, with high transparency, high ink adhesion, high elasticity, anti-folding and other characteristics.

Pad glue layer: used to closely connect the panel layer with the circuit layer, the thickness is generally between 0.02-0.05MM, with high adhesion and anti-aging properties.

Control circuit upper and lower layers: Use polyester film (PET), the thickness is generally within 0.05-0.175MM, and the most common is 0.125MM PET, and use a special process to screen print silver paste, carbon paste or gold paste to make it conductive.

Glue layer: PET double-sided adhesive is used, with a thickness of 0.05-0.2MM. When selecting materials, the overall thickness, insulation, feel of the circuit buttons and sealing of the product should be considered.

Back adhesive layer: Depending on the material to which the membrane switch is attached, ordinary double-sided adhesive, 3M adhesive, waterproof adhesive, etc. are often used.

These steps and material selections jointly ensure the manufacturing quality and performance of marine membrane switch panels.

What are the characteristics of marine switch panels?

The characteristics of marine membrane switch panels mainly include the following aspects:

Excellent sealing performance: The membrane switch is an integrally sealed part, and the contacts are not affected by the external environment. It can effectively prevent corrosion and oxidation, and at the same time prevent dust pollution, and is suitable for various harsh environments.

Small size and light weight: The weight of a general membrane switch ranges from a few grams to dozens of grams, and the thickness is generally about 1mm, which is very easy to carry and disassemble.

Beautiful: Modern silk screen printing technology allows membrane switches to be designed with various patterns and texts, and the appearance is beautiful and generous.

Strong durability: The membrane switch has a long service life, can withstand millions of press operations, and is not easy to wear.

Excellent conductivity: The circuit of the switch can be printed with carbon paste, silver paste, copper platinum, etc. The conductive layer can be folded at will and can withstand high-voltage electric shock without damaging its function.

Low cost: The price of the membrane switch is low and has a high cost performance.

Waterproof, oil-proof, anti-pollution, anti-static interference: Using special materials and technologies, the membrane switch has these protective functions and is suitable for various complex environments.

Good weather resistance and chemical resistance: It can maintain good performance within a certain temperature range and has good resistance to most chemicals.

These characteristics make the membrane switch perform well in the marine environment, can adapt to the complex environmental conditions at sea, and ensure the stable operation of the equipment.

Why Use a marine switch panel?

The main reasons for the use of marine membrane switch panels on ships include its simple structure, beautiful appearance, good environmental resistance and long service life.

First of all, the marine membrane switch panel has a simple structure and beautiful appearance, which can well adapt to the decorative style of the interior of the ship and enhance the overall aesthetics.

In addition, the membrane switch panel has good environmental resistance and can work stably in harsh environments such as humidity and vibration to ensure the normal operation of electrical equipment.

Secondly, the marine membrane switch panel has a long service life, which can reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement and reduce the operating cost of the ship. Regular inspection and maintenance of the membrane switch panel, such as checking the appearance and wiring, cleaning the surface and interior, checking electrical equipment, fuses and protection devices, and grounding devices, can ensure its normal operation and service life.

Finally, the marine membrane switch panel has a wide range of applications on ships, which can control electrical equipment such as lights, motors, fans, etc., and improve the efficiency and safety of the ship.

In short, as an important part of ship control and operation, the performance and quality of the marine switch panel are directly related to the safety and operation efficiency of the ship. The marine switch panel using membrane switch technology has many advantages such as waterproof and moisture-proof, durable and reliable, beautiful plane, and convenient operation, and has been widely used in the field of ships.

Posted in FAQ, Membrane Switches | Tagged membrane switch, metal dome | Comments Off

What is the hole vent on the metal dome array?

Posted on November 27, 2024 by seo_li

What is the vent hole on the metal dome array? As the name implies, the vent is a hole set on the metal dome array to achieve ventilation. Its main function is to allow air to circulate between different parts of the metal dome array, thereby regulating environmental factors such as internal air pressure, temperature and humidity. In some specific application scenarios, the vent can also prevent static electricity accumulation, remove water vapor and impurities, etc.

BEST Technology uses high-quality metal materials, such as stainless steel, copper alloy, etc., which have good elasticity, conductivity and corrosion resistance, and can ensure the long-term and stable use of the product. From the design stage to the production process, it ensures that the final product fully meets customer expectations.

What is an air vent hole?

In the metal dome array, the vent refers to a hole set in the dome array structure for gas circulation. It is a specially designed channel that allows air or other gases to be exchanged between different areas of the dome array, or between the dome array and the external environment.

What is the hole vent on the metal dome array?

The shapes of vents are various, and the common ones are round, square, rectangular, etc. Circular vents are relatively easy to realize during processing, and their structure is relatively uniformly stressed, and they can better maintain shape stability when pressure changes. Square and rectangular vents may have more advantages in space utilization, especially in matching the shapes of other equipment components.

What is the function of the vent holes on the metal dome array?

During the use of the metal dome array, when the metal dome array is pressed or operated, the air below it will be compressed. The vent hole can discharge the compressed air smoothly to avoid the formation of a local high-pressure area below the metal dome array.

Similarly, when the metal dome array returns to its original state, the external air needs to be replenished to the space below in time. The vent hole can ensure the smooth flow of air, maintain the air pressure balance between the metal dome array and the external environment, ensure that the metal dome array can be elastically reset normally, and enable the key to quickly return to its initial state and prepare for the next operation.

Although the main function of the metal dome array itself is not to dissipate heat, in some electronic devices, the metal dome array is in close contact with heating components such as circuit boards as buttons or connecting parts. The vent hole helps to dissipate heat. When heat is generated inside the device, the flow of air through the vent hole can take away some of the heat and prevent excessive accumulation of heat in and around the metal dome array.

How to arrange the air vent hole?

There are many ways to arrange the vent holes in the metal dome array.

Center position layout: It is a common method to set the vent hole in the center of the pot piece. When the pot piece is pressed, the pressure is mainly concentrated in the center area, and the vent hole in the center can most effectively discharge the compressed air.

Edge position layout: The vent hole is arranged at the edge of the pot piece. The edge of the pot piece may be easier to circulate with the outside air. Setting the vent hole here can take advantage of the structural characteristics of the equipment to allow air to flow in and out naturally.

Evenly distribute multiple vent holes: For some larger pot pieces or application scenarios with high requirements for air pressure balance and air circulation, evenly distribute multiple vent holes. This arrangement method allows the air below the pot piece to be evenly discharged from multiple directions when it is pressed, avoiding excessive local air pressure.

Arrangement combined with the shape and structure of the shrapnel: Arrange the vent hole according to the shape and internal structural characteristics of the pot piece itself. This method can maximize the function of the vent hole without affecting the mechanical strength and elastic properties of the pot piece.

How to design the air vent hole properly?

There are three ways to make the vent hole on the shrapnel array, including:

1. Design the vent hole between the shrapnel and the gasket

The first way is the most popular and easiest to implement, which is to design it between the metal shrapnel and the gasket. In this way, we can design the vent slot anywhere, and the path can be long or short, depending on the distance between the two metal shrapnel. In this way, the vent slot must be located between the gasket between the two metal shrapnel so that the air can be discharged smoothly.

2. Open a small hole on the top of the ball fixture

If the space between the metal domes is limited, a small hole can be opened on the dome fixture to facilitate air circulation, which can also allow air to be discharged.

3. Punch a hole in the PCB

The shrapnel array or metal shrapnel is almost always assembled with PCB or flexible circuit. So a hole can be punched in the PCB, and in this way, air can flow out of this small hole.

Each of these vent locations has its own advantages and can be selected based on specific design considerations. The choice of vent location affects factors such as trigger force, key feel, and prevents the shrapnel array from sticking or poor responsiveness in the application.

What are the advantages of air vents?

1. Optimize key feel

Air pressure balance: When the pot is pressed, the air below it will be compressed. The vent allows the compressed air to be discharged smoothly, making the pressing process smoother.

Quick reset: After releasing the button, the outside air quickly enters the pot through the vent, helping the pot to quickly return to its original state.

2. Extend service life

Reduce the impact of internal pressure: In the absence of vents, the air below the pot is constantly compressed during repeated pressing of the pot, which will form internal high pressure. The presence of vents effectively avoids the accumulation of this internal pressure, allowing the pot to work under normal air pressure, thereby extending its elastic life.

Prevent water vapor and dust accumulation: In some environments, water vapor and dust can easily enter the device. The vents help maintain air circulation and reduce the retention of water vapor and dust under the pot, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the pot by these factors.

3. Auxiliary heat dissipation function

Air convection heat dissipation: In electronic devices, the pot is often in contact with heat-generating components such as circuit boards. The vents can promote air convection, so that heat can be dissipated from the pot and its surroundings through the flow of air.

Avoid local overheating: Local overheating may have an adverse effect on the performance of the pot. The vents can prevent the temperature of the pot and its surrounding areas from being too high, and ensure that the pot works within a suitable temperature range.

4. Improve waterproof and dustproof performance

Combined with waterproof breathable membrane: The vents can be used with waterproof breathable membrane. The waterproof breathable membrane allows gas molecules to enter and exit through the vents, but can prevent water molecules and larger dust particles from entering.

What are the disadvantages of air vents?

Without protective measures, the waterproof and dustproof performance may be reduced, and some design and production costs will also be increased.

Water ingress risk: The presence of vents provides a channel for external liquid to enter the pot. Without proper protection, water can easily enter the pot under the vents.

Dust ingress risk: Dust can also enter through the vents. The accumulation of dust particles may interfere with the normal operation of the pot, especially in outdoor or industrial environments with a lot of sand and dust.

Increased design complexity: In order to ensure that the vents can achieve good ventilation functions while minimizing their negative effects, they need to be designed in coordination with other designs, which increases the difficulty and workload of the design.

Increased production costs: From a manufacturing perspective, the processing of vents requires additional process steps. Whether the vents are made by stamping, drilling or other forming methods, the production cost will increase.

Although the vents on the metal dome array may seem small, they play an important role in fields such as electronic equipment and precision machinery. By adjusting environmental factors such as air pressure, temperature, humidity and static electricity, the vents can improve the performance and reliability of the metal dome array and extend its service life.

Posted in FAQ, metal dome array, metal dome related | Tagged hole vent, metal dome, metal dome array | Comments Off

What is a Polyester Dome?

Posted on November 26, 2024 by seo_li

Polyester dome is a dome mainly made of polyester material. Polyester dome has excellent elastic recovery ability. Compared with metal dome, polyester dome is relatively soft and will not produce too strong rebound force, thus providing users with a more comfortable operation experience.

What material is a dome made of?

Phosphor bronze, tin bronze: have good conductivity and wear resistance, suitable for application scenarios requiring high conductivity and wear resistance.

Stainless steel: have high elasticity, corrosion resistance and wear resistance, suitable for use in harsh environments. Stainless steel domes are usually nickel-plated or silver-plated to improve their conductivity and appearance.

Beryllium copper: have high elasticity, high strength and good conductivity, suitable for application scenarios requiring high precision and stability.

Spring steel: have high elasticity and fatigue resistance, suitable for occasions requiring frequent deformation.

Brass: have good conductivity and corrosion resistance, suitable for application scenarios requiring good conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Domes are widely used in many fields such as industry, military, electronics and daily life. Its ingenious design and diverse functions make it an ideal choice for mechanical transmission, electrical connection or disconnection, pressure sensing and other functions.

What is a dome array?

A dome array is a component structure formed by arranging multiple domes together according to certain rules and layouts. The position, spacing and arrangement of these domes in the array are usually designed according to specific application requirements.

The spacing between domes is an important parameter of the dome array. The size of the spacing depends on the size of the dome, the elastic range and the requirements of the application scenario. If the spacing is too small, the domes may interfere with each other during operation, affecting their normal elastic deformation and function; if the spacing is too large, it will waste space and increase the size of the device.

The domes in the dome array can be of exactly the same specifications or a combination of multiple specifications according to different functional requirements. When all domes have the same specifications, the manufacturing and installation are relatively simple, and they are mainly used to realize multiple contact points with unified functions, such as membrane switches with multiple buttons of the same function.

In the connection between circuit boards or the electrical connection inside electronic equipment, dome arrays can be used as a reliable connection method. Through the elastic contact between the dome and the contact point, good electrical conduction is ensured, and it can adapt to a certain degree of vibration, displacement, etc., to ensure the stability of the connection.

What is a Polyester Dome?

Polyester metal dome is a composite elastic element. Its structure is layered. The outer polyester layer protects, insulates and assists deformation, and the inner metal core provides elasticity. The two are closely connected by a special process. Polyester has excellent insulation, corrosion resistance and flexibility, while metal has good elasticity and (partially) high conductivity.

During operation, the external force first causes the polyester to deform and buffer, and then the metal leads the elastic deformation. After the external force is removed, the metal drives it to restore its original state. It is commonly used in electronic equipment buttons, electrical connection components and automotive electronic equipment. It provides reliable elastic feedback, stable electrical connection and other functions, adapts to complex working conditions and prolongs service life.

What does Polydôme consist of?

Similar to metal dome, polyester dome (Polydome) is also composed of three parts:

Mylar: Made of PET (polyester), located on the top of Polydome, the normal color is transparent, and conductive ink and gaskets can be seen. Normal thickness is 0.10mm and 0.125mm.

Conductive ink: Located under the raised semicircular area of ??Mylar, it is made of silver and carbon ink. The lower the resistance value of the conductive ink, the higher the percentage of silver, and vice versa. Silver thickness: 0.004-0.006mm; carbon: 0.005-0.006mm.

Spacer: Also made of PET (polyester), located at the bottom of Polydome, normal color is white or transparent. Regular thickness is 0.15mm, 0.20mm.

Rubber glue: Located on the top of Mylar, normal color is green, thickness is 0.125mm, can be firmly attached to silicone/rubber keys, membrane switch panels.

Bottom glue: In fact, if the customer wants to stick Polydome to the circuit board, the additional glue is already together with the Spacer, so that the glue cannot be separated from the Spacer.

Why use Polyester Dome?

Advantages of polyester film buttons (compared with conductive silicon buttons):

1. High reliability

2. Longer service life

3. Better click feeling

4. Design flexibility

5. Easier to assemble

Advantages of polyester film dome (compared with metal dome array):

1. Easy to recover after bending without affecting function

2. Lower material cost than metal dome

3. The same diameter dome has a larger adjustment range of force and stroke

4. Suitable for products that require smaller buttons and less pressure

5. PAD that does not damage the circuit can better protect the onboard circuit and extend the service life of the product

6. Easier to assemble

7. Excellent pressure stability

Disadvantages of polyester dome (compared with metal dome array):

1. Poor fatigue resistance and easy to damage after repeated operation.

2. Small stroke/stroke range

3. Low operating voltage/current

4. Large contact resistance

5. Small size

6. Short service life: metal dome >= 1 million times

7. Fixing performance: needs to be fixed to the product with screws.

8. The click feeling is not very good

9. The installation cost is high, and even the sample production requires tools

How Polyester Dome (Polydôme) works?

The polyester film dome will be placed above the PAD of the PCB, FPC or other circuit board. When the polyester film dome is pressed, the center point of the dome switch will be pressed down in the direction of the PAD of the circuit board, and the silver ink under the dome will be connected with the circuit on the circuit board, thus forming an electronic circuit, so that the circuit is closed and the entire product can work normally.

If you use Polydome with rubber glue, or glue on the bottom, the assembly method is roughly the same as that of the metal dome array.

Instructions for using Polyester Dome (Polydome)

1. Do not use it in a high temperature environment (>40?) for a long time, otherwise the polyester dome will lose its elasticity.

2. Do not use it in an extremely low temperature environment (<-25?) for a long time, otherwise it will affect the service life of the dome.

3. Do not use it outdoors for a long time.

4. Do not press the dome with sharp or hard objects.

As a new type of elastic element, polyester dome has good elasticity, corrosion resistance, insulation performance, light weight and high strength. The combination with metal dome has expanded its application field and improved its performance advantages.

Posted in FAQ, metal dome array, metal dome related | Tagged metal dome, metal dome array, Polyester Dome | Comments Off

What is adhesive sheet metal?

Posted on November 25, 2024 by seo_li

Adhesive sheet metal is to bond two or more layers of metal sheets together with a specific adhesive. Metal dome can be manufactured through precision machining processes with high-precision size and shape. This enables the metal dome to be accurately positioned and installed in the adhesive metal sheet, ensuring the stable performance of the adhesive metal sheet.

BEST Technology supports different numbers of metal dome to bond them to different materials, has multiple mounting lines, and supports small batch proofing design.

How to adhesive metals?

There are mainly the following methods of metal bonding:

Welding: Welding is one of the most common methods of metal bonding. Commonly used welding methods include arc welding, TIG welding, etc. Welding can make metals tightly adhesive together.

Glue: Different types of glue can be used for different types of metals. When using glue, it is necessary to remove oil and oxides on the metal surface to ensure the bonding effect.

Screws: Screws are a common method for fixing metals. Screws are used to fix different parts together instead of tightly bonding metals.

Rivets: Using rivets to fix two pieces of metal together requires the use of special rivet tools, which can provide a reliable connection.

Bolts and nuts: Clamp two pieces of metal together with bolts and nuts. You need to drill holes in the metal and make sure the bolts and nuts are firmly tightened.

Solder: Use solder to bond two pieces of metal together. It is suitable for some light applications, but the connection strength may not be as good as electric welding.

Mechanical connection: Use mechanical methods such as threaded connection and slot connection to connect metals together, such as nuts and bolts, circlips, etc.

Cold solder: Cold solder, also known as metal adhesive, is a special material that can bond different metals together. When used, just apply it to the metal surface and then connect the two metals together in a short time.

What is dome metal?

Dome metal, also known as metal dome, is a thin sheet of metal material (such as beryllium copper, stainless steel, spring steel, brass, etc.).

It has a specific shape and size, can be deformed when subjected to external force, and quickly return to its original shape after the external force is removed. This property makes metal dome perform well in achieving mechanical transmission, electrical connection or disconnection.

High elasticity: metal dome can maintain stable rebound ability after repeated deformation.

Excellent conductivity: metal itself has good conductivity, which can quickly conduct the circuit when the key is pressed to realize signal transmission.

Low contact resistance: the contact resistance between the metal dome and the conductive contact is low, ensuring good circuit conduction effect and reducing signal loss and energy loss.

Corrosion resistance: by selecting suitable metal materials (such as stainless steel), the metal dome can be used for a long time in harsh environments without corrosion.

Strong wear resistance: metal dome has high hardness and strong wear resistance, can withstand long-term use without wear and tear, and extend service life.

High precision: modern manufacturing technology enables metal dome to achieve extremely high size and shape accuracy to meet the needs of precision equipment.

Good stability: after rigorous design and testing, metal dome can maintain stable performance under various working conditions.

Strong customizability: metal dome of different shapes, sizes and elasticity can be designed according to specific application scenarios.

What is the best adhesive for metal to metal construction?

The adhesives commonly used for metal and metal structures have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no absolute best.

1. Epoxy adhesive

Principle: It is like mixing two special things together. They will react and finally become a very strong, net-like thing that sticks the metal tightly.

Advantages: It can stick the metal very firmly, not afraid of the erosion of various chemicals, and can also change some of its characteristics according to needs, such as making it softer or harder, and drying faster or slower.

Disadvantages: It dries too slowly, sometimes it takes several hours or even several days to dry completely. Another thing is that it is brittle after drying, and it may crack if it encounters impact or vibration.

2. Acrylate adhesive

Principle: Rely on something that can make it change quickly, so that it can quickly change from liquid to solid and stick the metal together.

Advantages: It also has a certain resistance to changes in temperature and humidity, and it is not easy to fail due to environmental changes. It is also elastic and not easy to be pulled apart.

Disadvantages: There will be a very pungent smell when sticking, which is not very comfortable to smell. When it encounters some organic solvents, it may not work well, and the viscosity will decrease.

3. Polyurethane adhesive

Principle: The two main components interact to generate an elastic polymer to stick to metal.

Advantages: It is very elastic and tough, can adapt to the deformation and vibration of metal, and will not break easily. Even if you apply force repeatedly, it can last for a long time. It can also be used normally in cold places without becoming hard and brittle.

Disadvantages: It is very afraid of moisture. When the humidity is too high, it may not stick well or stick firmly. When it first sticks, the force is not very strong, and it takes a long time to achieve the best effect.

When actually using it, you should think carefully about what the metal is like, what kind of environment it will be used in, how strong it should be stuck, and how fast it can be done, and then choose the right adhesive. Moreover, before sticking, be sure to clean the metal surface, grind it, and remove all oil and dirt, so that it can stick well.

How to assemble metal dome on PET adhesive sheet?

To assemble metal domes on PET adhesive sheets, the following methods are usually used:

1. Manual assembly:

Prepare tools and materials: PET adhesive sheets, metal domes, tweezers, glue, etc.

Clean the surface: Make sure the surfaces of the PET adhesive sheets and metal domes are clean, free of oil and dust.

Apply glue: Apply an appropriate amount of glue to the location where the metal dome needs to be installed on the PET adhesive sheet.

Place the metal dome: Use tweezers to carefully place the metal dome on the location coated with glue, making sure that the dome is aligned with the adhesive sheet.

Press and fix: Gently press the metal dome to make it fully contact with the PET adhesive sheet and ensure that the glue is evenly distributed.

Wait for drying: According to the instructions of the glue, wait enough time for the glue to dry and cure to ensure that the metal dome is firmly fixed on the PET adhesive sheet.

Use automated equipment: If large-scale production or improved assembly efficiency is required, consider using automated equipment, such as an automatic dome press. This machine can realize automatic feeding, positioning and pressing of dome, improving production efficiency and quality.

How to make a metal dome array?

The process of making a metal dome array can be divided into the following steps:

Design: Use software tools to design according to the specifications, shape and size of the required metal dome array. Consider factors such as the material, thickness, elasticity, etc. of the dome.

Material preparation: Select suitable metal materials, such as stainless steel, copper, etc. Ensure that the material has good elasticity and conductivity.

Make molds: Make molds for metal dome arrays according to design requirements. The molds can be made using metal processing techniques such as milling and electrospark machining.

Stamping or cutting: Put the metal material into the mold, and use equipment such as a stamping machine or laser cutting machine to stamp or cut to make a single metal dome.

Surface treatment: Perform surface treatment on the metal dome, such as polishing, electroplating, etc., to improve its appearance and corrosion resistance.

Assembly: Assemble the prepared metal domes according to the design requirements to form a metal dome array. Welding, bonding or other connection methods can be used.

Testing: Test the prepared metal dome array, including elasticity test, conductivity test, etc., to ensure that its performance meets the requirements.

Packaging: Pack the qualified metal dome array for transportation and storage.

It should be noted that the specific steps for making metal dome arrays may vary due to different design requirements and production processes. During the production process, operations should be strictly carried out in accordance with relevant standards and specifications to ensure product quality and safety.

Adhesive metal plates can combine the advantages of different metals. Different metal combinations and adhesives can be selected according to different application requirements to achieve customized performance. In adhesive metal plates, metal dome can provide additional strength and reliability to the material and increase the service life of the material.

Posted in FAQ | Tagged metal dome, metal dome array | Comments Off

What is a surface mount switch?

Posted on November 22, 2024 by seo_li

A surface mount switch is an electronic switch mounted on a PCB using surface mount technology. It achieves on-off control of the circuit by directly soldering the switch components on the surface of the PCB. Compared with traditional plug-in switches, surface mount switches have the advantages of small size, light weight, high mounting density, and strong reliability.

BEST Technology has multiple surface mount lines and specializes in manufacturing various types of spring switches, supporting small batch proofing design. The products produced have many advantages, such as good elasticity, fast response speed, and long life.

What does surface mount mean?

Surface mount technology is a technology that directly mounts electronic components with no pins or short pins on the surface of the PCB. This technology solders the components to the pads of the PCB through methods such as dip soldering, thereby realizing the assembly of electronic components.

Surface mount components are usually smaller, thinner, and can achieve higher assembly density, making electronic products smaller and more compact, meeting the requirements of modern electronic products for miniaturization and portability. The welding points are firm, which reduces the failures caused by loose pins, cold soldering and other problems, and improves the reliability and stability of electronic products.

What is surface mount switch?

A surface mount switch is an electronic switch component designed and manufactured based on surface mount technology.

1. Structural features

Miniaturization: Its design is to meet the needs of modern electronic equipment for lightness, thinness and shortness, and the overall size is extremely small.

Contact structure: The key components such as internal contact points and shrapnel are all made of high-precision processing and special materials to ensure good conductivity and elasticity.

2. Working principle

Mechanical button type: When the button is pressed, the shrapnel or contact under the button is deformed, so that the originally disconnected circuit is closed and the current can pass; after releasing the button, the shrapnel relies on its own elasticity to restore its original state, and the circuit is disconnected again.

Touch sensing type: Using the capacitance effect of the human body, when the finger touches the surface of the switch, it will change the capacitance value of the touch area, thereby triggering the induction and control logic of the internal circuit to realize the on and off of the circuit.

Sliding type: By sliding components such as sliders or rollers, the connection state of internal contacts is changed to achieve the conduction or disconnection of different circuits.

3. Performance advantages

High precision and high reliability: Advanced technology and strict quality control in the manufacturing process make surface mount switches highly consistent and stable.

Good high-frequency performance: Due to short pins and small parasitic parameters, surface mount switches perform well in high-frequency circuits, with fast signal transmission speed and low loss, which can meet the requirements of modern high-speed electronic equipment for signal transmission.

What is the use of surface type switch?

Surface mount switches have a wide range of applications in many fields, mainly including the following aspects:

Household appliances: Surface type switches are widely used in household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.

Automotive industry: In the automotive industry, surface type switches are often used in smart surfaces of car interiors, such as touch switches.

Electronic communications and: In electronic communications and measuring instruments, surface type switches are used to control the switching function of equipment.

Industrial control: In industrial control and medical equipment, surface switches are used to control the start and stop of equipment. They are simple to operate and highly reliable.

How does surface mount work?

First, prepare surface mount components with pins or electrodes at the bottom or side. Then, solder paste is printed. According to the design of the PCB pad layer, a steel mesh is made so that the solder paste can be applied to the pad through the steel mesh.

Then the SMT machine absorbs the components, places them on the corresponding pads of the PCB after identification, positioning, movement and precise alignment, and places them for misunderstanding detection and correction.

After that, soldering and curing are carried out. Reflow soldering is mostly used. By controlling parameters such as temperature, the solder paste is melted to form solder joints to achieve connection. In some cases, wave soldering is used.

Finally, inspection and testing are carried out, including appearance, solder joint and function inspection to ensure product quality and normal operation of the circuit.

What is an SMD switch?

An SMD switch refers to a switch packaged with surface mount technology. SMD switches are characterized by small size, light weight and high reliability, and are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras.

The package form of SMD switch is flat, usually directly pasted on the surface of the circuit board through the patch process, without inserting holes on the circuit board. This packaging method makes SMD switch occupy less space in electronic equipment and is suitable for equipment with limited space.

Due to the characteristics of small size, light weight and high reliability of SMD switch, it is widely used in electronic equipment such as mobile phones and digital cameras that require miniaturization and high reliability. These characteristics of SMD switch make it one of the indispensable components in modern electronic equipment.

Why use surface mount technology?

The main reasons for using surface mount technology (SMT) include the following:

Miniaturization and lightweight: SMT technology makes electronic components smaller and lighter, so that electronic products can be designed to be more compact and lightweight.

Production efficiency and automation: The SMT process is highly automated, suitable for large-scale production, can significantly reduce labor costs, and has high production efficiency.

High reliability: The lead length of SMT components is shorter, which reduces inductance and capacitance, improves electrical performance, and reduces failure rate and improves product reliability.

Adapting to the development of modern electronic components: Integrated circuits (ICs), especially large-scale and highly integrated ICs, are widely used in modern electronic devices, so SMT technology has become a necessary assembly method.

Good high-frequency characteristics: SMT components perform well in high-frequency circuits and are suitable for electronic devices that require high performance.

What is surface mount advantages and disadvantages?

Surface mount technology has the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

Miniaturization: Using surface mount technology allows electronic components to be directly mounted on the PCB surface without drilling, greatly reducing the size and space occupied by components, significantly improving assembly density, and making electronic products more miniaturized and thinner.

High performance: Short or no pins on components reduce the delay and parasitic effects of signal transmission, making the high-frequency performance of the circuit better, effectively reducing electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference, and improving the speed and quality of signal transmission.

High reliability: The solder joint defect rate is low, and the components are tightly connected to the PCB. When subjected to external forces, it is not easy to loosen, fall off or have poor contact, and can adapt to harsh working environments.

High production efficiency: It is easy to realize automated production, which greatly improves production efficiency and shortens production cycle. It is especially suitable for mass production and can meet the needs of rapid market updates.

Cost-effectiveness: In mass production, production efficiency is improved, material waste is reduced, and labor costs are reduced.

Disadvantages

Difficult maintenance: The components are small in size and the pin spacing is narrow. Once problems such as poor welding or component damage occur, it is difficult to locate and operate during rework and repair.

Heat dissipation problem: For some high-power components that generate a lot of heat, surface mounting may not be conducive to heat dissipation, because the components are closely attached to the PCB, and the heat is not easy to dissipate, which may cause the temperature of the components to be too high.

High requirements for surface quality: The quality factors such as the finish and flatness of the PCB surface have a great influence on the welding effect.

In short, the spring switch occupies an important position in the surface mount switch. Its characteristics such as small operating force, good feel, long life, and small size bring many advantages to the surface mount switch. It not only improves the performance and reliability of surface mount switches, meets the high requirements of modern electronic devices for operating experience, but also helps to achieve miniaturization design, making electronic devices lighter and more portable.

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What is a smd dome switch?

Posted on November 21, 2024 by seo_li

SMD dome switch, full name Surface Mount Device Snap Action Switch. It is a miniaturized switch designed specifically for modern electronic devices, mainly mounted on PCB using surface mount technology. This switch is usually compact and lightweight, making it very suitable for use in electronic devices with limited space.

BEST Technology is a professional metal dome manufacturer with rich experience in the design and manufacture of different types of metal domes. It has SMD technology and can realize the design and installation of various SMD dome switches.

What is a SMD switch?

SMD switch, full name surface mount device, is a packaging form of electronic components. SMD switches are characterized by small size, light weight and high reliability. They are usually used in the manufacture of electronic products, especially electronic devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras.

SMD switches are widely used in various electronic devices due to their small size and light weight. They are usually mounted on circuit boards using surface mount technology (SMT), without the need for additional soldering steps, simplifying the assembly process.

What are dome switches?

Dome switches are electronic components that use metal domes to achieve switching functions. Dome switches usually consist of the following parts: housing, button, dome, soldering piece, pin, etc.

Dome switches are widely used in various electronic devices, such as televisions, stereos, telephones, etc. They have the characteristics of simple structure, small size, flexible operation, stable and reliable performance, etc., and are suitable for occasions that require frequent operation.

In addition, dome switches are also commonly used in automobiles, ships, robots and other fields to ensure normal and stable operation in different working environments.

How does a dome switch work?

The working principle of the dome switch is to deform the dome through external force, thereby changing the on-off state of the circuit.

When the switch button is pressed, the dome is deformed by external force and contacts the soldering piece downward, so that the two sets of pins of the switch are connected, and the circuit is in the on state. When the button is released, the dome returns to its original state, disconnects from the soldering piece, and the circuit is in the off state.

Are dome switches good?

The dome switch performs well in many aspects and has the following advantages:

Long life: The life of the dome switch is usually long, and can reach more than one million operations, ensuring its durability.

Stable performance: The dome switch has stable performance, sensitive response, uniform force, strong conductivity, and stable rebound.

Good operating feel: The dome switch has a good feel during operation, uniform force, high stroke accuracy, and a crisp sound can be heard during operation, which helps users confirm the operation and avoid misoperation.

Wide range of application: The dome switch is suitable for a variety of electronic devices, such as household appliances, toys, computer products, digital products, remote controls, medical equipment, etc.

However, the dome switch also has some disadvantages:

Easy to damage: After long-term use, the internal metal dome may be damaged, affecting the service life and performance of the switch.

Environmental adaptability: When the lining is uneven or the bending arc is too large, the dome may cause short circuit, malfunction and non-rebound.

High cost: The imported metal dome used in high-end products is expensive, but has better operating feel and heat and cold resistance.

What is the advantage of SMD?

The advantages of SMD dome switches mainly include the following aspects:

1. Small size and light weight: SMD dome switches are small in size and light in weight, which is convenient for surface mounting. They are suitable for high-density and miniaturized electronic products and can meet the strict requirements of modern electronic equipment for space and weight.

2. High conductivity: SMD dome switches have good conductive properties, which can effectively interfere with the spillover of electromagnetic waves, reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), and improve the stability and reliability of equipment.

3. Good elasticity: SMD dome has a certain elasticity and can withstand certain vibrations and shocks, which improves the stability of the equipment.

4. Good wear resistance: SMD dome is packaged with material tape, which is convenient for SMT automated installation, has good wear resistance, good pressure resistance, good plasticity, and is suitable for long-term use and high-frequency operation.

5. Diversified connection methods: SMD dome has a variety of connection methods, which can be customized according to the needs of different electronic equipment to meet various complex application scenarios.

6. Save labor costs: SMD dome is packaged with tape, which is convenient for SMT automated installation, can significantly save labor costs and improve production efficiency.

What are the 4 types of switches?

Single-control switch: This is the most common type of switch, which can independently control the switch of an electrical appliance, usually used to control the lights or other electrical equipment in a room.

Double-control switch: This switch can control the same electrical appliance at two different locations. When installing, you need to install switches at both points and connect the wires correctly.

Triple-connected two-control switch: This switch controls the same electrical equipment with three switches, and can also control each other. It should be noted that there are many connected wires, so special attention should be paid during installation.

Touch switch: This is a fashionable switch type that controls the switch of the electrical appliance by touch, providing a convenient operation method.

What is the difference between mechanical and dome switches?

There are many differences between mechanical switches and dome switches, as follows:

1. Structure:

Mechanical switch: The structural form is relatively diverse and complex, and common ones are toggle switches, rotary switches, push button switches, etc. The overall volume is relatively large, which can meet different installation and use requirements.

Dome switch: The structure is relatively simple and compact, usually composed of a base, a button, a dome and a contact point. The dome is the core component, which is elastic and can be deformed when pressed. The contact point is used to connect the circuit. It is small in size and suitable for use in electronic devices with limited space.

2. Working principle:

Mechanical switch: Relying on the physical contact and separation of mechanical parts to realize the on-off control of the circuit. The switching of its on-off state requires a large operating force, and there will be obvious mechanical displacement during the operation.

Dome switch: Use the elastic deformation of the metal dome to control the on-off of the circuit. When the switch button is pressed, the external force causes the dome to deform and form a passage; when the external force disappears, the dome returns to its original state and the circuit is disconnected. The operating force of the dome switch is small, and it has high sensitivity and response speed.

3. Performance characteristics:

Mechanical switch: The operating force is relatively large, and it can withstand large currents and voltages. It is suitable for circuits with high power requirements.

Dome switch: small operating force, light feel, small force required when pressing, easy to operate, and fast rebound speed. However, the current and voltage that the spring switch can withstand are relatively low, and it is generally suitable for low-power electronic devices.

4. Application scenarios:

Mechanical switches: widely used in various occasions where manual control of circuit on and off is required, such as household appliances, industrial control equipment, power systems, etc.

Spring switches: mainly used in consumer electronics, computer peripherals, communication equipment and other fields that have high requirements for switch volume, operation feel and response speed.

5. Cost:

Mechanical switches: usually the production process is relatively complex, and the material and manufacturing costs are high, especially some mechanical switches with special functions or high reliability requirements, the cost will be higher.

Spring switch: simple structure, relatively easy production process, in the case of large-scale production, the cost is relatively low. However, for some spring switches with high quality requirements and special performance, the cost may also be high.

As an important electronic component, SMD spring switch has been widely used in the electronic field with its small size, high reliability and fast response. Among them, metal springs, as the core component of SMD spring switches, play a vital role.

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What are button domes?What are they used for?

Posted on November 20, 2024 by seo_li

Button domes, also known as metal domes or pot pieces, are elastic metal sheets, usually made of metal materials such as stainless steel and copper. It is mainly installed inside the buttons of electronic devices to transmit external forces and realize circuit connection and disconnection.

BEST Technology specializes in the production of various types of metal domes and has rich experience in metal dome manufacturing. We focus on product quality, use high-quality metal materials, and undergo precision processing and strict testing to ensure that the metal domes have good elasticity, conductivity and durability.

What is a dome button?

Dome buttons are a common electronic component, usually used in various electronic devices as switches or buttons. The core component of dome buttons is the key dome, also known as metal dome.

What are button domes?What are they used for?

The key dome is an important part of the touch switch and is located in the conductive part of the PCB board (mostly above the gold finger on the circuit board). When the button is pressed, the center point of the dome is concave and contacts the circuit on the PCB, thus forming a loop, and the current passes through, so that the entire product can work normally.

Key dome is usually made of ultra-thin (0.05mm-0.1mm thickness) and ultra-thick (higher hardness) stainless steel 301 or 304 materials. These materials are stamped into shape by a mold and cleaned to be the finished product. If stable resistance and low resistance are required, the surface of the dome needs to be specially treated, such as nickel plating and silver plating.

Key dome is widely used in various electronic devices, especially in membrane switches. Its advantages of strong conductivity, stable rebound and good feel make it the only metal component in membrane switches.

What is the point of a dome?

Metal dome has a wide range of applications in many fields, mainly including the following aspects:

Electronic industry: Metal dome has important applications in the electronics industry. They can be used as connectors on circuit boards to achieve connection and communication between circuit components, simplify the design of circuit boards, improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce production costs.

Mechanical equipment: In mechanical equipment, metal dome is often used to control the tiny mechanism of the torque limiter so that it can be started or stopped accurately.

Medical equipment: In medical equipment, metal dome can be used as a sensor or conductive element to participate in vital sign recording and monitoring.

Other applications: Metal dome is also used in mobile phone cards, mobile phone antennas, membrane switches, contact switches, PCB boards, FPC boards, micro motors, relay switches and other products.

What is a touch dome?

Touch dome is an elastic element used for touch-type key switches, commonly used in touch screens, keyboard switches, rockers and other parts of electronic products. The main characteristics of touch dome are excellent material, good elasticity, long life, and can provide stable feedback and touch during touch operation.

Touch dome is usually made of stainless steel, phosphor copper, beryllium copper and other materials. Stainless steel is widely used because of its corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The manufacturing process includes stamping die stretching and stress treatment to ensure its elasticity and toughness.

What is the weakest point of a dome?

The weakest point of a metal dome is usually its contact point or contact surface.

The following defects may occur in the process of using metal dome:

Overpressure: The pressure is uncontrollable, and the load may exceed the normal preset pressure value of the dome, causing the dome to deform.

Excessive crushing: Using sharp objects or nails to scratch the dome.

Contact too large: The contact design is unreasonable, resulting in improper cooperation between the contact and the dome, affecting the normal use of the dome.

Unbalanced contact surface of the dome: The periphery of the dome placement is unbalanced.

Poor contact: Pay attention to the reserved space when installing the dome reasonably.

These defects may cause the elasticity of the metal dome to deteriorate, thereby affecting its use effect and life.

Are button domes tactile?

The button dome itself has no tactile sense, but can provide tactile feedback.

Button dome is usually made of metal or conductive rubber. Its working principle is to deform under the action of external force, thereby changing the on-off state of the circuit.

When the button is pressed, the dome is deformed by the external force and contacts the welding piece or contact, making the circuit conductive; when the button is released, the dome returns to its original state and the circuit is disconnected. This deformation process allows users to feel a clear sense of operation.

Stainless steel domes are often used in applications that require high precision and high stability because of their good stability and resistance to deformation. Phosphor bronze domes are widely used because of their high cost-effectiveness, but they have poor stability and are easily deformed due to temperature changes.

In addition, the structure of the button dome includes parts such as the shell, button, dome, solder or contact, pin, etc., which work together to provide tactile feedback.

What are the characteristics of button domes?

The main characteristics of button domes include:

Hardness: The hardness of the dome is generally between 350HV and 550HV to ensure its durability and stability.

Shape: Button domes have a variety of shapes, such as round, triangular, oval, etc. Circular domes are the most commonly used shape, and are widely used in various electronic products because of their short travel and good feel.

Surface treatment: In order to reduce resistance and improve conductivity, the surface of the button dome is usually specially treated, such as nickel plating and silver plating.

Application areas: Button dome is widely used in various electronic products, such as household appliances, computer products, digital products, remote controls, medical equipment, etc.

What are the disadvantages of dome?

The disadvantages of dome mainly include the following aspects:

Resilience problem: The resilience of the dome directly affects its performance and reliability. If the resilience is not good, it may cause problems such as poor contact, functional failure and shortened life.

Durability limitation: Although the durability of the dome has been considered in the design and manufacturing process, it may still be affected by factors such as wear and aging during long-term use, resulting in its performance degradation.

Cost problem: High-quality dome usually has a higher cost. For some users with limited budgets, it may be necessary to weigh the balance between performance and cost.

Dust influence: When dust enters the metal dome without dots, it may cause the defective rate of conduction performance to increase. Although the metal dome with dots can effectively reduce the defective rate of conduction performance, it still needs to be pressed a few more times to make the dust fall off when dust enters.

Over-pressing ring: Using sharp objects or scratching the dome during punching will affect its elasticity.

The contact is too large: unreasonable contact design will affect the normal use of the dome.

Poor contact: too small a gap between the silicone button and the PCB board may lead to poor contact. It is necessary to install the dome reasonably and pay attention to the reserved space.

In short, although the button dome looks small, it plays a vital role in electronic devices. It is made of metal material, with its unique structural characteristics and working principle, it provides electronic devices with good operating feel, fast response speed, long service life and small and light advantages.

Posted in metal dome array, Metal Dome Assembly, metal dome related | Tagged button domes, metal dome, metal domes | Comments Off

What is an electroluminescent panels?

Posted on November 19, 2024 by seo_li

Electroluminescent panels are display devices that emit light through electric field stimulation. Electroluminescent panels are usually manufactured using thin film technology, and the thickness can be very thin, generally less than a few millimeters. At the same time, due to its light material, it is relatively light in weight, easy to install and carry.

BEST Technology is a company that has been focusing on the manufacture and assembly of membrane switches for many years. It can manufacture three types of backlight switches, electroluminescent (EL) backlight, fiber optic lighting and light guide film (LFG) lighting.

What is an Electroluminescent backlight?

Electroluminescent backlight (EL backlight) is a phenomenon in which electrons are excited by an electric field to hit the luminescent center, causing the electrons to jump, change, and recombine between energy levels to emit light. This backlight technology uses the voltage applied to the two electrodes to generate an electric field, and the electrons excited by the electric field bombard the luminescent center, thereby generating light.

Electroluminescent backlights are widely used in various fields, including electronic watches, car dashboards, etc. Due to its thin, flexible and strong characteristics, EL lamps have become an ideal choice for nighttime backlighting of vehicle dashboards. In addition, EL backlight is also used in LCD screens to provide a uniform backlight effect.

How do electroluminescent panels work?

The basic working principle of electroluminescent panels:

Electric field excitation: When the current passes through the electroluminescent material under the action of a DC or AC electric field, the electrons are excited and collide with the luminescent center, causing the electrons to jump, change, and recombine between energy levels, and finally release light energy.

Luminescence process: When electrons jump from a high energy level to a low energy level, photons are released, which are captured and imaged to form visible light.

Electroluminescence is an optical and electrical phenomenon, which is different from incandescent luminescence, chemiluminescence, sonoluminescence, etc. Electroluminescence is not accompanied by a violent heating process, but is directly converted into light energy through electrical energy, so it is called “cold light”.

What is the difference between LED and electroluminescent wire?

LED (light emitting diode) and electroluminescent wire are two different luminescent technologies, which differ in many aspects:

1. Light emitting principle

LED: LED is a semiconductor device, and its light emitting principle is based on the release of energy when electrons and holes in semiconductor materials recombine. Different semiconductor materials and doping components can produce light of different colors.

Electroluminescent wire: The light emitting principle of electroluminescent wire is the electroluminescent (EL) effect. It is mainly composed of a multi-layer structure such as a light-emitting layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating layer.

2. Appearance and structural characteristics

LED: LED is usually a small, independent light-emitting device with various packaging forms. The plug-in LED has two pins and looks like a small light bulb. There is a transparent or colored packaging shell on the outside, which can protect the internal chip and change the light-emitting angle.

Electroluminescent wire: The electroluminescent wire is a linear structure as a whole, which is usually soft and can be bent into various shapes. Its outer layer is generally a transparent plastic or rubber insulating layer, and the inner layer is a light-emitting layer and a conductive layer.

3. Luminous characteristics

LED: The brightness of LED can be adjusted by changing the current. Within the appropriate current range, the brightness is roughly linear with the current.

Electroluminescent wire: The light emission of electroluminescent wire is relatively uniform, and a relatively consistent luminous effect can be produced along the length of the wire. Its luminous intensity is relatively weak, and it is generally used to provide soft background light or decorative lighting, rather than for strong lighting purposes.

4. Energy consumption and efficiency

LED: LED is an efficient light-emitting device with high luminous efficiency, which can convert most of the electrical energy into light energy. Under the same brightness requirements, LED has lower energy consumption than traditional incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps, and can effectively save energy.

Electroluminescent wire: The luminous efficiency of electroluminescent wire is relatively low, generally between a few lumens/watt and tens of lumens/watt. This means that when producing light of the same brightness, electroluminescent wire consumes more electricity than LED.

5. Application scenarios

LED: Due to its high brightness, adjustability and wide color range, LED is widely used in the field of lighting, such as indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, car headlights, display screens, etc.

Electroluminescent wire: Electroluminescent wire is mainly used for decorative lighting and indication purposes. It can be used to decorate the outlines of cars, ships, and buildings to create a unique nighttime visual effect.

What are the disadvantages of electroluminescent lighting?

Electroluminescent lighting has the following disadvantages:

Limited luminous brightness: Compared with some common high-intensity lighting sources such as LED, the brightness of electroluminescent lighting is relatively low. It is not suitable as the main large-area high-intensity lighting equipment.

Limited color performance: Although electroluminescence can achieve luminescence of multiple colors, it can present relatively few colors in terms of color purity, saturation and color gamut range, which may not meet the needs of some application scenarios with extremely high color requirements.

Lifespan is affected by many factors: The luminous performance of electroluminescent materials will gradually decay with the increase of usage time, resulting in problems such as reduced brightness and color change, thus affecting its service life.

Susceptible to environmental influences: Electroluminescent materials are sensitive to factors such as humidity, oxygen, and ultraviolet rays in the environment. In a humid environment, the performance of electroluminescent materials may be degraded or even damaged.

What is the lifespan of the electroluminescent panel?

The service life of an electroluminescent panel is generally between 25,000 hours and 50,000 hours. The specific service life will be affected by many factors.

Factors affecting the service life of electroluminescent panels:

Ambient temperature: High temperature will accelerate the aging of electroluminescent panels and reduce their service life.

Voltage stability: Voltage fluctuations will damage electroluminescent panels.

Quality: Choosing high-quality electroluminescent panels can significantly increase their service life.

Ways to extend the service life of electroluminescent panels:

Maintain a stable ambient temperature: Control the ambient temperature through air conditioning or heat dissipation equipment to avoid high temperature damage to the electroluminescent panel.

Ensure voltage stability: Use a voltage stabilizer or voltage regulator to ensure voltage stability.

Choose high-quality products: Buy well-known brands and high-quality electroluminescent panels to reduce early damage caused by quality problems.

How to backlight a membrane or touch switch?

1. Preparation of materials and tools

Electroluminescent (EL) sheet: Choose the appropriate EL sheet according to the shape and size of the membrane or touch switch. It can also be cut as needed, but be careful to avoid damaging its internal structure.

Driving circuit: The EL sheet requires a special AC driving circuit, and its input is connected to a suitable power supply.

Glue: Such as transparent glue or double-sided tape, used to fix the EL sheet.

2. Setting steps

Connect the driving circuit: Connect the EL sheet electrode to the output end of the driving circuit to ensure a firm connection.

Fix the EL sheet: Use glue to fix the EL sheet tightly on the back or inside of the membrane or touch switch to avoid bubbles or wrinkles affecting the luminous effect.

Test and adjustment: Turn on the power to test the luminous effect. If it is uneven or the brightness is insufficient, check the output voltage of the driving circuit, or adjust the position and fixing method of the EL sheet, and pay attention to the influence of ambient temperature and humidity on its luminous performance.

As a new type of luminescent material with unique properties and broad application prospects, the combination of electroluminescent panels and membrane switches can provide membrane switches with richer functions and more beautiful appearance, bringing more innovations and possibilities to the development of the electronics field.

Posted in FAQ | Tagged electroluminescent panels, membrane switch | Comments Off

What is a touch switch?

Posted on November 18, 2024 by seo_li

A touch switch is a switch device that controls the on and off of a circuit by touch operation. It abandons the physical button structure of traditional mechanical switches and adopts advanced touch sensing technology to achieve a more convenient, sensitive and fashionable operating experience.

BEST Technology specializes in the production of different types of touch switches. From design to production, we strictly control the quality. Whether it is capacitive or resistive touch switches, they have extremely high sensitivity and stability.

What is a touch switch?

A touch switch is an electronic switch designed using the principle of touch sensing chips, mainly used to replace traditional mechanical button wall switches. It controls electrical appliances or lights and other equipment through partial contact with the human body, without pressing buttons. It can achieve switch control after touching. It is easy to operate, beautiful and does not require excessive force.

The working principle of the touch switch is based on the principle of inductive capacitance. When the human body touches the switch panel, a part of the capacitance value will be coupled to form a small current signal. These signals are amplified and filtered by the signal processing module and converted into digital signals, which then control the action of the relay to realize the opening and closing of the circuit.

Are touch switches reliable?

The reliability of touch switches is relatively high, but there are also some disadvantages.

Advantages of touch switches:

High safety: The touch switch adopts a fully enclosed design, which is not easy to damage, and has good waterproof and moisture-proof properties. It is not easy to cause electric shock and leakage during use.

Fast response speed: The touch switch responds quickly and can sense when the finger approaches, with a response time of less than 0.05 seconds.

Luminous navigation: Many touch switches are designed with luminous LED prompts for easy operation in the dark.

Easy to clean: The switch panel is thin and designed with dustproof function, which is easy to clean and does not require special maintenance.

What are the disadvantages of touch switches?

The disadvantages of touch switches mainly include the following aspects:

Sensitivity problem: Some touch switches may have problems such as fingers not being recognized or needing to be pressed hard, resulting in inconvenience in use.

Mistouch problem: The touch switch has high sensitivity and is easy to touch by mistake, resulting in accidental switching of lights or electrical appliances.

Environmental impact: The touch switch has high environmental requirements, and factors such as temperature, humidity, and static electricity may affect its normal use.

Power consumption: The household touch screen switch is always charged after being connected, and it will consume more power after use.

Short service life: The service life of the touch switch is relatively short, and it does not have a long service life like ordinary switches.

High price: Compared with traditional key switches, the manufacturing cost of touch switches is higher and the price is relatively more expensive.

Maintenance issues: After long-term use, the touch button may malfunction, causing the switch to fail.

How does a soft touch switch work?

The working principles of soft touch switches are mainly capacitive and resistive. The details are as follows:

1. Capacitive working principle:

Induction electric field formation: The circuit under the button of the capacitive soft touch switch will generate a uniformly distributed electrostatic field. The human body itself is conductive and carries a certain charge.

Capacitance value change: When a finger approaches or touches the touch panel of the switch, an additional capacitance is formed between the finger and the touch panel. The proximity of the finger causes the capacitance value between the touch panel and the finger to change, thereby increasing the total capacitance.

Signal detection and processing: When the change in capacitance value reaches the preset threshold, the detection circuit converts this change into an electrical signal and transmits it to the control chip. The control chip determines whether a touch operation occurs based on the received signal, and then controls the on and off of the switch to realize the opening or closing of the electrical equipment connected to the switch.

2. Resistive working principle:

Circuit conduction: Resistive soft touch switches are usually composed of two electrodes, and there is a certain resistance between the two electrodes. When a person’s finger touches the two electrodes, a conductive path is formed between the two electrodes due to its own conductivity, allowing current to pass.

Signal amplification and judgment: The amplifier or other current-sensitive element in the circuit detects the change in current and amplifies it. The amplified signal is transmitted to the control circuit, which determines whether it is a valid touch operation based on factors such as the strength and duration of the signal, thereby controlling the state switching of the switch.

In contrast, capacitive touch switches are more widely used because they have higher sensitivity and stability, and can achieve touch operations through a certain thickness of insulating material. The circuit of the resistive touch switch is relatively simple, but it may require a greater pressing force during use and is easily affected by environmental factors.

How to test a touch switch?

Appearance inspection: Check whether the surface of the touch switch has obvious physical damage such as breakage, cracks, scratches, etc. If these problems exist, it may affect the normal operation of the switch and be easily affected by external factors such as dust and moisture.

Functional test: Gently touch the touch area of ??the switch with your finger or other touch tool to check whether the switch can respond to touch operations quickly and accurately. Touch the touch area in different positions multiple times to ensure that the switch can work properly in all positions.

Performance test: Test the sensitivity of the touch switch under different environmental conditions, such as different temperatures, humidity, and light. For example, in a humid environment, the touch switch may be affected by moisture and cause a decrease in sensitivity.

Pressure test: Use professional pressure testing equipment, or simulate different pressures by placing objects of different weights on the switch to check whether the switch can accurately identify pressure changes and respond according to the preset functions.

What is a capacitive touch switch?

A capacitive touch switch is an electronic component that uses the capacitance of the human body and objects to sense touch actions and switch states. Its working principle is based on the change of capacitance. When a finger or other object approaches the sensing area of ??the capacitive touch switch, a capacitance change occurs. The circuit inside the switch senses the touch action by detecting this change and switches the switch state.

A capacitive touch switch is mainly composed of the following parts:

Shell: Usually made of plastic or metal materials, the shape and color can be designed according to the specific application scenario.

Touch panel: Made of conductive materials, such as metal or conductive coating, common shapes include round, square and rectangular, etc.

Inductive circuit: It is composed of multiple conductive layers and insulating layers, and is used to sense and detect touch actions.

Control circuit: It processes the signal output by the inductive circuit and switches the switch state according to the touch action.

What is the difference between inductive and capacitive switches?

There are significant differences between inductive and capacitive proximity switches in terms of working principle, detection material and response speed.

1. Working principle

Inductive proximity switch: It uses a sensing head with a coil. When a metal object approaches, the magnetic circuit where the sensing head is located changes, generating an electromotive force, thereby changing the state of the output circuit.

Capacitive proximity switch: It detects the approach of an object by measuring the capacitance of a capacitor. When an object approaches a capacitive proximity switch, the capacitance between the electrodes changes, thereby changing the working state of the switch.

2. Detection material

Inductive proximity switch: It is usually used to detect conductive materials such as iron, copper, and aluminum, and has poor induction effect on non-metallic objects.

Capacitive proximity switch: It can work on a wider range of materials, including non-metallic materials such as plastic, wood, paper, and glass, and is suitable for objects of various materials.

3. Response speed

Inductive proximity switch: reacts faster to larger objects, but slower to smaller objects.

Capacitive proximity switch: has smaller restrictions on the size of objects and faster response speed.

In short, a touch switch is a switch device that uses capacitive sensing or resistive sensing technology to control the on and off of a circuit through touch operation. It has the advantages of being stylish, easy to operate, safe and reliable, energy-saving and environmentally friendly, and is widely used in home decoration, commercial places and industrial fields.

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