{"id":9,"date":"2020-02-06T14:19:14","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T14:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/industrialnameplate.com\/blog\/?p=9"},"modified":"2021-04-16T20:41:53","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T20:41:53","slug":"how-long-will-it-take-to-produce-a-membrane-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.industrialnameplate.com\/blog\/how-long-will-it-take-to-produce-a-membrane-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Will It Take to Produce a Membrane Switch?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"membrane<\/p>\n

New technologies have made membrane switches increasingly complex.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s a good thing, as these switches perform complex tasks, whether it\u2019s for electronics, medical devices or military applications.<\/p>\n

Manufacturing membrane switches requires both technology and expertise. We\u2019re proud to offer both, and we\u2019re always happy to take questions from customers about how membrane switches come together. Here are some of the most common questions we get about membrane switch production.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How long does it take to produce a membrane switch?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are typically a few components involved in fabricating a switch:<\/p>\n

Artwork <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The first step is making sure the art is correct, a process that typically takes between one and three days, depending on the complexity.<\/p>\n

Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The next step is the actual printing process, the length of which depends on how the membrane switch is being printed.<\/p>\n

For larger volume projects, if the switch is being screen printed, your manufacturer would need to make a film and create screens before the printing process begins. This typically takes two days.<\/p>\n

If the membrane switch is printed with digital printing \u2013 as opposed to silkscreen printing \u2013 the process is more direct. Once the art files are approved it gets tucked out for printing on a larger sheet.<\/p>\n

Volume is a major factor here as well. Printing just a few membrane switches will of course be a shorter process compared to printing a higher quantity.<\/p>\n

Fabrication<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Membrane switches can be done using virtually any material, but the two most common are Lexan and Mylar. Lexan is a polycarbonate material prized for its durability and clarity.<\/p>\n

Mylar is the trade name for a type of a polyester film created using polyethylene terephthalate and prized for its tensile strength and transparency.<\/p>\n

When we make a membrane switch, we typically reverse print on Lexan \u2013 either 0.010 inches thick or 0.015 inches thick \u2013 allowing you to look through the Lexan to see the printed copy, meaning the ink is not exposed to the elements.<\/p>\n

This way, the Lexan can sustain abrasions, chemical exposure and other damage, while the ink remains protected. People can touch the membrane, but the ink will not wear off.<\/p>\n

Other common questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n