Filter
Top Products
9
-45˚C to + 75˚C (See notes on polyester domes)
Life Cycle Testing
Holland Nameplate performs life cycle testing to insure that our customers have
a realistic expectation as to the typical number of cycles a particular design can endure.
Any specific life requirements should be communicated to Holland Nameplate’s
engineering department before the design begins.
Windows
The overlay materials used in membrane switches begin the process clear.
Colors are screen printed on the back of the overlay material. Areas that do not have
color printed on them become windows.
As mentioned in the section on hardcoats, window areas can have a variety of
hardcoats or textures added to them. It is recommended that small discrete LED
annunciator windows have the same texture as the background. Larger windows for
LEDs, LCDs, or VFDs may need a window with less light diffusing characteristics.
Window coatings in general are a trade-off between anti-glare characteristics and optical
clarity. The closer the display is to the overlay the less effect the coating will have on
display readability.
If LED displays are within .062" of the overlay, a velvet texture will usually yield
acceptable readability. For distances greater than .062", we recommend a matte finish
for the window coating.
If LCD displays are within .125" of the overlay, an anti-glare coating should yield
acceptable readability. For distances greater than .125" a gloss coating may be
necessary.
Insertable Legends
In some applications it is desirable to have the ability to customize some of the
legends, either when the switch is assembled to the end product or in the field. This
allows a customer to use one standard membrane switch for many different models of
similar instruments. It also allows customizing a membrane switch for specific
applications.
Switches can also be designed with legend cards that can be changed by the
end user. One very successful application is a scoreboard with an insertable legend card
for each sport. This allows the user to re-legend the switch for the sport that is being
played. Consequently, the switch can be kept relatively small with only a few keys.
To design a switch with insertable legends, a clear window is put into the area