How much does it cost a
CUSTOM-MADE MEMBRANE KEYPAD?
Add value to your product with a custom-made membrane keypad. See the all costs on this page!
A team of designers is at your disposal. We will deliver a state-of-the-art solution. The production of a Membrane Keypad uses advanced and proprietary processes. At the same time, a full operating temperature range of about -30°C + 85 °C is guaranteed. Bernini Design included the manufacturing service of membrane keypads in 2004. In the past, our customers had difficulties finding top-quality products on the market. We decided to invest in professional equipment to deliver turn-key solutions to our valuable customers.
WHAT IS A MEMBRANE KEYPAD?
In its basic form, it is a sort of plastic cover mainly used for electronic modules. It features pushbuttons and transparent areas suitable for LED indicators and display. It may include cut-outs for plugs and connectors. A high-performance adhesive on the bottom layer fixes the entire membrane keypad to the enclosure. A flat cable carries all required connections.
An Advanced custom-made keypad may include surface-mounted LED indicators embedded in the plastic cover. There are several solutions to achieve tactile feedback on the buttons. The shape and dimensions of a custom-made membrane keypad are limitless.
WHY TO USE MEMBRANE KEYPAD?
When it comes to making an extraordinary product from a performance point of view with a user-friendly interface the only solution is to design and manufacture a custom-made membrane keypad. You have wide options of colours and drawings. Most important of all you can achieve IP65 ingress protection. If the design follows particular rules you can obtain an IP68 ingress protection. The membrane buttons are reliable and capable of supporting over 200.000 operations. The drawback is the current. To interface with membrane-based buttons you must use advanced electronic circuits. The membrane keypads are not recommended for emergency push buttons where a normally closed action is required.
HOW A MEMBRANE KEYPAD IS MADE?
The basic concept is simple. There are 4 to 8 layers of plastic materials like polyester and polycarbonate. Some layers play an insulator or spacer role. Other layers feature conductive tracks for buttons. The exterior or visual layer features the printing of the drawings, logo, and symbols. The following picture shows the electrical connections of a typical membrane keypad.
Designing a membrane keypad is not an easy job. When it comes to special and reliable applications particular care is required in making the channel to compensate for the rise of air pressure when you push a button. See the picture.
This is critical when you require an IP68 product. When you release the button, the humidity can damage the electric circuits. The basic materials used for making membrane keypads are
and
Both polymers have pros and cons. Because of the complex chemistry of these materials, it is difficult to explain all the details. We have the experience to choose the proper material according to your final application.
A MEMBRANE KEYPAD TYPICAL WIRING DIAGRAM
The common types of membrane keypads offer various solutions for electric circuits. The push buttons feature a normally open (n.o.) circuit. This means that the contact closes when you push the button. Versions normally closed (n.c.) are expensive to arrange. We do not recommend using them in normal applications. Here is an example of seven pushbuttons (n.o.) connected to a single common connection terminal. For every button N.O., the connections might be completely isolated. However, using a single common connection is typically a more affordable option that reduces the number of connections.
The majority of applications for N.C. buttons are in safety circuits. However, a current greater than 100 mA is needed in this instance, and a 250 V open circuit is possible. There is no economical way to do this with membrane technology.
MEMBRANE KEYPAD APPLICATION AREAS
FACTORY AUTOMATION
HEAVY INDUSTRY
INSTRUMENTATION
IoT DEVICES
Our controlled temperature and humidity chambers allow for testing at extreme temperatures. We provide 100% tests and burn-in on request. Silicon gel solution technology will be used when you require a military temperature range of about -55/+125°C.
IN THE PICTURE EMBOSSED BUTTONS
Imprinted buttons improve the feel of the material. You 'feel' the button with your finger. The sensation of pressing a button is also perceptible. From a mechanical perspective, a thermal process gives the button its shape. For this treatment, the polycarbonate material is especially appropriate. The ultimate pressure required to initiate the electric circuit can be selected by incorporating an appropriate metal or plastic dome.
Normal viewing of a membrane keypad's visual overlay leaves out the most significant details. Every symbol and design is printed on the underside of a transparent substance. It is between 100 and 150 microns thick. This procedure ensures the graphic overlay's long-term stability. Several textures are available in the polycarbonate, resulting in a very pleasing visual appearance.
YOUR NEEDS COME FIRST
Our products are tailored around your needs, and we run spot buy, stock holding, just in case, and scheduled ordering systems for our customers. Continuous improvements and our attention to quality are fundamental to everything we manufacture.
You can be assured that your membrane keyboards have been manufactured to the highest standards. The Membrane Keyboard's quality is our daily obsession.
We manufacture silicone rubber keypads as well. The basic chemistry is methyl vinyl silicone rubber filled with a percentage of special materials to increase the performance of friction, temperature, ozone resistance, UV resistance, repeated shocks, and so on.
How much does it cost to make a membrane keypad design?
The design of the drawing, the number of keys, the number of pieces required, the overall size in square centimetres, and other minor factors determine the cost of a custom-made membrane keypad. Development cost examples are classified into 3 categories: "A", "B" and "C". In the following section, you will find the development costs and the price per square centimetre for each category. The prices refer to keyboards with flexible support and flexible flat cable with a 2.54 mm pitch connector. Special membrane keypad versions need complex evaluation. Send us your drawing and we will manufacture a professional product. We offer industrial design services at reasonable prices as well.
CUSTOM MEMBRANE SWITCH PROTOTYPES
PRICE EXAMPLES
The prices are are purely informative and does not include freight. To get an official offer mail to bernini@bernini-design.com
The 'A' CATEGORY
UP TO 8 BUTTONS
ONE DISPLAY WINDOW/ 6 LEDs
DIMENSIONS MAX 100X100mm 4 COLORS
'A' CATEGORY EXAMPLE PICTURE
METAL OR POLY DOME
100mm FLEX CABLE
TOOLING COST +5 FREE SAMPLES
299€
100 pcs price: 6€/ each
The 'B' CATEGORY
UP TO 12 BUTTONS
TWO DISPLAY WINDOW/ 6 LEDs
DIMENSIONS MAX 120X120mm 6 COLORS
'B' CATEGORY EXAMPLE PICTURE
METAL OR POLY DOME
120mm FLEX CABLE
TOOLING COST + FREE 5 SAMPLES
349€
100 pcs price: 7€/each
The 'C' CATEGORY
UP TO 24 BUTTONS
THREE DISPLAY WINDOW/ 24 LEDs
DIMENSIONS MAX 300X300mm 8 COLORS
'C' CATEGORY EXAMPLE PICTURE
METAL OR POLY DOME
200mm FLEX CABLE
TOOLING COST + 5 FREE SAMPLES
449€
100 pcs price: 9€/each
Calea Chişinăului 32A
700177 Iaşi
VAT RO31228395
J22/275/2013
bernini@bernini-design.com
0040 721 241 361