What is A “Silicone Conductive Keypad”?

Silicone conductive keypad is a special keyboard that combines the flexibility and electrical conductivity of silicone material. Silicone conductive keypad is mainly made of silicone material, which has excellent elasticity, wear resistance, aging resistance and high temperature resistance. At the same time, the silicone is embedded inside or coated with conductive materials (such as conductive carbon particles, metal mesh, etc.) to achieve conductive function.

Electrical conductivity: The Conductive properties of silicone conductive keypad are achieved by the conductive material within it. When the key is pressed, a circuit is formed between the conductive materials, which triggers the corresponding electrical signal.

Features & Benefits of Silicone Conductive Keypad Include:

Product Features

Electrical conductivity:

Silicone conductive pads conducts electricity through a conductive material (such as conductive carbon particles, metal mesh, etc.) embedded inside or coated on the surface. When the key is pressed, a circuit circuit is formed between the conductive materials, triggering the electrical signal to achieve signal transmission and device control.

Durability:

Silicone material itself has excellent wear resistance, aging resistance and high temperature resistance, so that silicone conductive keypad can withstand long-term use and a variety of harsh environments.

The elasticity of silicone is good, and the keys are not easy to be deformed or damaged under long-term use, which improves the durability and reliability of the keyboard.

Soft touch:

The touch of silicone is soft and comfortable, making the key operation easier and more pleasant, reducing the fatigue of the fingers for a long time.

Waterproof and dustproof:

The waterproof and dustproof performance of the silicone material is excellent, which can effectively prevent moisture and dust from entering the inside of the keyboard, and protect the circuit and conductive materials from damage.

Customizable:

Silicone conductive keypad can be customized according to customer requirements, including key layout, shape, size, color and conductivity, to meet the needs of different applications.

Lightweight and portability:

Silicone conductive keypad is generally lightweight and easy to carry and move, making it suitable for use in environments where frequent changes of use scenarios are required.

Product Benefits

Improve user experience:

The soft touch and good electrical conductivity make the silicone conductive keyboards more smooth and comfortable in operation, improving the user experience.

Extend equipment life:

Silicone conductive keypad durability and water and dust resistance protect equipment from damage and extend its service life.

Adapt to a variety of environments:

Silicone conductive keypad can be used in a variety of harsh environments, such as wet, dusty or corrosive environments, increasing the suitability and flexibility of the equipment.

Reduce costs:

Silicone conductive keypad relatively low cost, coupled with good performance and reliability, provides users with a more cost-effective option.

Environmental health:

Silicone material is non-toxic, tasteless, green and environmentally friendly, in line with modern people’s pursuit of health and environmental protection. At the same time, the silicone conductive keypad customizable design also meets individual needs.

What Special Features Can Be Incorporated into Silicone Conductive Keypad ?

Backlight: Some silicone conductive keypad are also backlit to improve visibility and ease of operation in low-light environments.

Waterproof and dust-proof: The waterproof and dust-proof properties of the silicone material make the silicone conductive keyboard have higher durability and reliability in specific environments.

Custom design: silicone conductive keypad can be customized according to customer requirements, including key layout, shape, size, color and conductivity.

BX Panel Silicone Conductive Keypad Technical Information

1. Mold design and development

Design according to demand: according to the samples or drawings provided by customers, design the mold of silicone conductive keys. Mold design should consider the key shape, size, elastic wall and other factors.

Mold testing and adjustment: The preliminary design of the mold needs to be tested to check the accuracy and feasibility of the mold. Adjust the mold according to the test result to ensure that the mold meets the production requirements.

2. Material preparation

Silica gel and conductive materials: Select suitable silica gel materials, and add conductive materials (such as conductive black particles) according to demand to enhance the conductive properties of the keys. The selection of silica gel material should consider its hardness, wear resistance, temperature resistance and other factors.

Mixing and cutting: the silicone material and raw rubber are mixed, and cut into strips suitable for molding after matching colors. At the same time, prepare auxiliary materials such as external release agent.

3. Forming

Vulcanization molding: The use of flat vulcanization machine (manual, automatic or vacuum) to heat and pressure vulcanization molding of silicone materials. After the mold is closed, the silicone material is formed into a key shape in the mold.

Control key factors: In the vulcanization molding process, it is necessary to strictly control key factors such as temperature, pressure and vulcanization time to ensure the quality of the keys.

4. Post-processing

Secondary vulcanization: According to customer needs, the secondary vulcanization of the semi-finished product keys after vulcanization. The purpose of secondary vulcanization is to remove the remaining vulcanizing agent decomposition in the key and improve the performance of the key.

Removing edge and edge treatment: Use a punch or manually remove the raw edge and edge of the key edge, so that the appearance of the key is more neat and beautiful.

5. Printing

Screen printing/radium carving: For silicone conductive keys that need to print characters or patterns on the surface of the keys, screen printing or radium carving processes can be used. Screen printing process prints the pattern on the surface of the key through screen plate and silicone ink; The laser engraving process uses lasers to carve characters or patterns on the surface of the keys.

Printing preparation: Before printing, prepare printing materials such as screen plate and silicone ink, and adjust the pressure and speed of the printing press.

Printing and curing: the silicone ink is evenly coated on the screen plate, and the ink is printed to the key surface by pressure. After printing is complete, curing treatment (such as drying or UV curing) is carried out to ensure that the ink is completely dry and cured.

What Industries Use Silicone Conductive Keypad?

Silicone conductive keypad is used in a wide variety of electronic devices that require electrical conductivity, including but not limited to:

Consumer electronics: remote controls, game consoles, virtual keyboards for smartphones and tablets.

Medical equipment: In medical equipment, silicone conductive keyboards are favored for their non-toxic, tasteless, corrosion resistance and other characteristics.

Industrial control: In the field of industrial control, silicone conductive keyboards can be used for operating interfaces in harsh environments, such as wet, dusty or corrosive environments.