Membrane Switch Test

The membrane switch is the most common polyester, printed in a plastic substrate and hardened, consisting of silver or graphite impregnated ink, and a low power electrical switch combined with various adhesive layers and ending with a graphic coating. The most important benefits of designing membrane transition to your product include ease of cleaning, environmental tightness, low profile and the ability to create a visually attractive interface.

Test methods for membrane switches are made to assess that the materials used in making the membrane switch or printed electronic assemblies are affected by the absorption and diffusion of moisture and moisture vapor. This is an accelerated environmental test carried out by exposing the test sample to high relative humidity continuously at a high temperature.

Absorption of moisture by many materials causes swelling that destroys its functional benefits, causing loss of physical strength and changes in other mechanical properties. Insulating materials that absorb moisture can cause electrical properties to deteriorate.

Physical changes:

• Differential shrinkage or expansion rates or induced stretching of unlike materials.
• Cracking of surface coatings.
• Leaking leakproof compartments.
• Deformation or breakage of the components.

Chemical changes:

• Separation of components
• Failure of chemical agent protection

Electrical changes:

• Changes in electronic and electrical components.
• Electronic or mechanical failures due to the rapid water of condensate formation.

Materials

OLUROLAB uses the latest technology and equipment to test membrane switches. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) can be used to identify the exact "fingerprint" of a material. Additional tests are carried out to measure adhesion between key layers and to simulate environmental conditions.

Key Operation

Special equipment drives millions of keys to test reliability. Additional tests include key functional performance, high temperature / humidity testing, and low temperature testing in switch packages.

ASTM Membrane Key Test Methods

• Contact Closing Loop of F1578 Membrane Switch
• F1592 Detention Hollow Vision Systems
• F1598 Test Method for Determining the Effects of Chemical / Solvent Exposure to Membrane Switch / Graphics Overlay (Spot Test Method)
• Test Method for Determining the Contact Bounce Time of the F1661 Membrane Switch
• Test Method for Verifying the Specified Dielectric Strength of the F1662 Membrane Switch
• Test Method for Determining the Capacity of the F1663 Membrane Switch
• Test Method for Determining Circuit Resistance of F1680 Membrane Switch
• Test Method for Determining the Insulation Resistance of the F1689 Membrane Switch
• F1842 Test Method for Ink or Coating Adhesion Determination on Plastic Surfaces for Membrane Switch Applications
• F1896 Test Method for Determining the Electrical Resistance of a Printed Conductive Material
• F1995 Test Method for Determining Adhesion Strength of a Surface Mount Device (SMD) in a Membrane Switch by Applying Slip Force
• Test Method for Silver Transition for F1996 Membrane Switch Circuits
• Test Method to Determine the Sensitivity (Regiment) of the F1997 Tactile Membrane Switch
  F2073 Test Method for Non-Destructive Short Circuit Testing of a Membrane Switch
• Test Method for Determining the Color of the Backlit Membrane Switch with F2359 Diffused Light Source