Silicone materials

In addition to the excitement that surrounds our new science about silicone is an excitement of vision for new commercial applications. Beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary, silicon-based products provide an advantage in nearly every industry segment of today’s economy. Easily tailored, these materials provide routine features, such as high temperature stability and resistance to aging and chemical assault. These advanced materials are used for wide range of products, depending on the material, like:

• Silicone keypads  

• Rubber keypads  

• Memabrane switches 

• Molded plastic parts

BASIC KEYPAD DESIGN
Silicone keypad design will vary with the functional and aesthetic requirements of the application. A designer
may consider the options detailed in this section which show alternative key styles and the new possibilities
for adding legends and backlighting to the design.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The membrane switches shape and size can be designed so that almost any actuation force and tactile feel can be realized. Most applications require positive tactile feel with relatively long life, so an actuation force of approximately 125 - 150 grams is typically recommended with an accompanying snap ratio of approximately 40 - 60%.
Features of Silicone Rubber Keypads:
 Multicolour designs easily accommodated
 Design-in of both Tactile and Linear feedback
 Translucent materials available
 Water and contamination proofable
 Cost effective
SILICONE MOLDING
Molding is a repetitive process in which material is melted and injected into a mold cavity where the article is cooled down. After cooling, the mold opens and the finished/semifinished molded plastic parts are ejected. Molding is a process that is used for high volume parts, complex variable geometries, and when tight
tolerances are required. The process of molding silicone rubbers is a very complex process, and involves much more variables than when dealing with thermoplastics.

Introuduction

Thank you for your interest in Silicone Keypad Products. This booklet-free design guide  has been designed to offer basic information on Silicone Keypad technology and to provide some basic design constraints to ease the flow of your new project.

This guide provides basic design rules and information needed to help

designers during the initial stage of design of rubber keypads, silicone keypads, membrane switches and molded plastic parts.

 It also shows various technologies used in keypad manufacturing to serve the various needs of customers. Conductive silicone rubber keypads were originally developed for the electronics industry as an economical design alternative to discrete switches. 30 years later they are the most widely used form of switch technology, mainly due to their reliability, long life and multitude of design opportunities.

Silicone Dynamics has over 10 years experience in silicone keypad design

and manufacturing.

Silicone Dynamics uses many different technologies and offers design support to small and medium size businesses in the electronics market.

With support available throughout the USA we can respond to inquiries quickly and support your design team with Silicone, Membrane discrete keypad switch solutions, and custom plastic enclosures.

Beneficial of using Silicone Products

Traditional  keypads are being used in various practical applications, in both home and office, but these types are not designed to withstand extreme conditions and harsh environments. This is why molded silicone rubber keypads emerged as the most practical alternative. Most appliances use electronic devices that are susceptible to damage due to liquid spills. Sealed silicone keypads, on the other hand, may act as a shield and protects these devices from spills, particularly the devices' electronic component.

Custom Silicone keypads are resistant to corrosion, chemical substances and oxidation as well. Due to this, it can prevent the metal and mechanical parts from being destroyed easily and this are one vital thing traditional keypads cannot do. Silicone products are more resistive to wear and tear as well, even if it is subjected to constant use. Aside from that, silicone Rubber Keypads are protected by flexible rubbers to prevent malfunction and becoming sticky.

Another benefit of using custom silicone keypads and Membrane Switches is that it is almost silent. When these keypads are being used, you will not hear any noise and so it will not be a bother to those people around you, particularly when you are working in the office. Aside from that, it is very comforting for your fingers as you do not have to exert too much effort when using it due to its soft touch feature.

The use of custom silicone in keypads may go beyond the applications standard and rational keypads can offer. These applications involve usage under harsh environments. Custom silicone and custom rubber keypads can be used by a product assembly service for a whole bunch of products that will be used for home and commercial purposes. Mobile phone keypads, multimedia equipment, computer keyboards and appliance keypads can make use of these silicone keypads and membrane switches for whatever application it may serve.