FPC circuit membrane switch

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Choose TouchScreenMan for the best FPC circuit membrane switches. Unmatched reliability, durability, and performance for your next project.

Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) are two common flexible circuit options used in manufacturing membrane switches, which are a popular technology in human-machine interfaces (HMI) due to their high reliability, relatively low cost, and customization level. In this article, we will discuss FPC in depth, focusing on its advantages, disadvantages, and key characteristics in membrane switches.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FPC versus PET

Advantages of FPC:

Higher reliability: FPC is more reliable than PET and is better suited for applications in harsh environments.
Resistance to vibration and extreme temperatures: FPC is more resistant to vibrations and temperature fluctuations, making it an ideal choice for industrial control applications.
Surface-mount component compatibility: FPC allows for the reliable connection of surface-mount components like LEDs, capacitors, and integrated circuits.

Drawbacks of FPC:

Higher cost: FPC is more expensive than PET due to the use of copper as the conducting element.

ITEM	VALUE
Button	PET + metal dome
Resistive or Capacitive	Resistive
Circuit	PET
Application	Laser Engraving Cutting Machine

ITEM	VALUE
Button	PET + metal dome
Resistive or Capacitive	Resistive
Circuit	PET
Application	Household Electric Appliances

ITEM	VALUE
Button	PET + metal dome
Resistive or Capacitive	Resistive
Circuit	PET
Application	Automatic

ITEM	VALUE
Button	PET + metal dome
Resistive or Capacitive	Resistive
Circuit	PET
Application	Automatic

ITEM	VALUE
Button	PET + metal dome
Resistive or Capacitive	Resistive
Circuit	PET
Application	Water Pump

ITEM	VALUE
Button	PET + metal dome
Resistive or Capacitive	Resistive
Circuit	PET
Application	Medical

Key Characteristics of FPC

Conductive element: FPC uses copper as the conductive element, offering lower electrical resistance compared to PET’s silver ink.
Component connection: FPC connects components through soldering, which is stronger than the conductive adhesive (epoxy) used in PET.
Trace width: FPC has a smaller trace width than PET, allowing for higher component density and fine-pitch connections.

FPC and PET Manufacturing Processes

PET: The conductive material (silver ink) is printed or screen-printed onto the substrate, similar to printing inks on an overlay.
FPC: Copper conductive traces are created through etching processes similar to those used in printed circuit board manufacturing.

Cost Comparison

FPC circuits have a significantly higher cost compared to PET circuits due to the use of copper as the conductive element and the increased demand and price of copper. The cost varies depending on the size and complexity of the membrane switch, but generally, FPC’s cost is higher.

Reliability

FPC circuits have higher reliability compared to PET circuits due to their component connection technique through soldering, which is stronger than the conductive adhesive used in PET. This makes them more suitable for applications in challenging environments and extreme vibrations or temperature changes.

Membrane Switch Applications

Industrial control: Membrane switches, especially those using FPC circuits, are primarily used in industrial control applications, offering a good tactile feel and long service life.
High-precision electrical circuits: FPC film switch circuits have small (0.5 mm) lead spacing and low resistance values, resulting in long-lasting performance.

In the world of membrane switches, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the right materials. From PET to FPC, businesses are faced with a seemingly endless array of choices, each with its own unique set of advantages and drawbacks.

So if you’re in the market for high-quality FPC products and expert guidance, look no further than TouchScreenMan. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and how we can help you achieve your goals. With our help, you can take your membrane switch applications to the next level and beyond.