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Mechanical Used for:
- telephones, microwave ovens, key boards
Membrane Switches used for
- Appliances like microwave ovens ,Gas station pumps, and medical devices
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603.224.0651
Bovie Screen has been manufacturing membrane switches for over 40 years.
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December 2010
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TECH TIPS
A monthly news product sheet from:
Bovie Screen Process Printing
Precision in Technical Printing Since 1950
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Membrane switches became a common standard component in the late 60's
and have grown in popularity ever since. With some exceptions,
these switches combine many major advantages over mechanical switches.
The cost of a membrane switch is almost always less than that of a similar number of mechanical switches.Each
mechanical switch requires individual mounting through a panel hole
including hardware,soldering or wiring into the circuitry. This same
cost is per switch multiplied by the number of switches
needed.Mechanical switches take up more space than a membrane switch
due to moving parts and housings.
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| THE ADVANTAGES OF MECHANICAL SWITCHES
Mechanical switches do have some advantages. They have greater
cycle life, usually 3MM to 10 MM vs a membrane switch at 500,000 to one
MM 1 .They have a better tactile feel as feedback.There are many more
wiring and functional options with mechanical switches such as linear
adjustment and multi-contact arrays. They can be used to switch higher
voltages directly. |
 | MECHANICAL SWITCHES
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ADVANTAGES OF MEMBRANE SWITCHES
Complete
coverage of an electronic panel eliminates the need to paint finish and
or screen nomenclature on a panel. This presents an attractive finished
product in one package. The same circuitry of a membrane switch can be
used with different overlays for OEM applications or to hide or reveal
various switch combinations. Ease of cleaning with a damp cloth is
another attribute. When used in high voltage applications , there is no
electrical danger.LED indicators and read out windows are easily
incorporated into the overlay of the switch.LED'S can be placed
directly into the membrane.
Perhaps
the two greatest advantages of membrane switches are the ease of
repair and replacement and visual graphics. Should switches fail in the
field, they can easily be peeled off and replaced as a unit and plugged
into the circuit board in minutes with few tools required. Finally,
membrane switches allow free range of design and graphics.
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