All Categories
This section provides an overview for membrane switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 23 membrane switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked membrane switch companies as of December, 2024: 1.Industrial Print Technologies, 2.Butler Technologies, Inc., 3.Epec.
Table of Contents
Membrane Switches are switches that use a sheet of PET film or other thin film as the contact point on a circuit.
Membrane switches are widely used as buttons for home appliances, inspection equipment, and other devices that require manual switch operation. The switches have contacts on switch circuits inside sheets of thin films. By manually pressing the thin films, the switches are connected. Because the switches are not exposed to the outside air due to its structure, it can be said to be a very dustproof and waterproof switch.
Membrane switches include those that use a disc inside to provide a clicking sensation when the switch is pressed, and those that have letters and numbers printed on a film on the surface.
Membrane switches are widely used for circuitous switch connections in products that require manual pressing of buttons and switches.
Examples include home appliances, electronic devices, inspection equipment, laboratory equipment, and automotive parts. They are also used in many other products around us, such as:
When selecting membrane switches, in addition to their dustproof and waterproof characteristics, various specifications required of switches, such as heat resistance, durability, and size, must be considered.
The principle of membrane switches is based on the operation of thin-film mechanical switches, in which the upper contact sheet inside a thin-film surface sheet, such as PET film, is pressed by a finger against the lower contact sheet stacked via a spacer, and the contacts touch each other to energize the switch.
The surface sheet is the part that is actually touched by the users hand and are printed with numbers and letters, and some products are waterproofed. A conductive button is attached to the upper contact sheet, and the components on the lower contact sheet are the button and circuit wiring to match the upper contact sheet.
The spacer is designed to prevent the button on the upper contact sheet from making contact with the button on the lower contact sheet under normal conditions, and has a hole in it to match the button. When the button is pressed, the entire sheet is pushed in and the contacts make contact with each other to energize. The backing sheet is used to bond the membrane switch to the device that uses it.
While this sheet configuration is the basis of a membrane switch, the surface sheet may also serve as the upper contact sheet, or an embossed or metal dome may be used in combination to achieve a clicking sensation.
There are so many types of membrane switch constructions to accommodate their versatile and varied applications. The three basic types are as follows:
The flat type has a flat surface with no unevenness, making it easy to make it thinner. It has the simplest structure and can be placed freely. However, there is no click feeling when the switch is pressed.
This surface sheet has an embossed surface, which provides a click feeling and stroke when the switch is pressed.
A metal plate called a metal dome is incorporated inside the surface sheet to create a mechanical clicking sensation.
Membrane switches are structurally multi-layered, so LEDs can be mounted inside to make them easier to visually recognize when the switch is ON or OFF. The membrane sheet is made of transparent PTFE.
Membrane sheets are often made of transparent PET sheets. When multiple functions are to be expressed by using the emission colors of adjacent LEDs, it is necessary to devise the arrangement of LEDs and the internal layer structure to prevent light leakage.
Membrane switches are used in automotive applications and are used in sensor applications to detect occupants.
With the introduction of mandatory seat belt usage for example, automakers have built systems to encourage passengers to fasten their seat belts. Membrane switches are embedded in the seat surface, and the membrane switch is activated by the sinking of the seat surface due to seating.
The presence or absence of the membrane switch makes it possible to detect whether or not a person is sitting in the seat. In many cases, palm-sized membrane switches are used in order to prevent malfunctions caused by uneven seating positions.
The current primary use of membrane switches is in PC keyboards. Wiring circuits for a variety of switches corresponding to multiple keys are formed in a printing process on a large sheet covering the entire keyboard. Multiple conductive buttons are then attached and energized by pressing the keys.
Membrane switches are now widely used in many PC keyboards because they can easily be made thinner, and are dustproof and waterproof.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Flexible Circuit, established in 2000 and based in Minneapolis, United States, is a manufacturer of flex-printed circuits, and circuit assemblies. The company also and designs and provides EV Battery monitoring solutions. The company-made battery monitoring solutions are used in different vehicles, including automotive, recreational, tools and equipment. The company supports the design, prototyping and production of EV batteries. The company has set up a manufacturing facility in Zhuhai to manufacture high-density printed circuit boards such as FPC, Rigid Flex, flexible heaters and SLPs.
Industrial Print Technologies (IP Tech), established in 2019 in USA, is a manufacturer of custom membrane switches and graphic overlay printing. The company provides with industrial labels, nameplates, custom touch screens, and flexible circuits various industries. It offers human-machine interface design and production services for a wide range of industries. The company specializes in providing parts and membrane switch manufacturing solutions to meet project requirements.The company operates in strict compliance with ISO standards, with an established ISO infrastructure integrated into its business model and organizational culture.
RSP Inc. has been a contract manufacturer of plastic molding and leveraging products in Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA, since 1964. The company's catalog features touch screens, rubber keypads, printed graphics, and membrane switches. It also manufactures PCB assemblies, wire harnesses, prototypes, metal fabrications, and light guide films for use in the education, energy, industrial, printing, and medical sectors. The company is FDA-approved, UL-listed, RoHS compliant, and certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485.
DuraTech Industries, founded in 1977, is a manufacturer of custom graphics and die-cut components in Commerce Street, La Crosse, WI. The company is Thomas-certified and produces graphic overlays, touch screens, printed electronics, in-mold decorating, and structural electronics. It also manufactures membrane switches, flexographic labels, fills nameplates, and keypads used in appliances, automotive, electronics, industrial, and medical industries. The company offers bin stocking, prototyping, engineering, product development, and large program management services.
Butler Technologies, Inc., founded in 1990, is an engineered and design-driven manufacturer specializing in fabricating, printing, and assembling custom products based in Butler, PA. The company offers user interface components such as membrane switches, graphic overlays, membrane keypads, touch screens, and dials. It also makes printed technologies such as biometric sensors, flexible heaters, and force-sensing resistors used in utility vehicles, health & wellness, food safety, industrial control, and military applications. The products comply with UL, ITAR, and RoHS2; the company is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified.
Epec is an American manufacturer of high-reliability electronic components established in 1952 in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The company produces various electronic manufacturing components used in a wide range of industries, including battery packs, printer circuit boards (PCBs), cable assemblies, and fan motors. They also offer custom engineering, supply chain management, and after-sale support services to their customers. Epec operates internationally via a network of facilities and offices in the United States, China, and United Kingdom. The company has served notable clients such as Medtronic, Schneider Electric, and Samsung.
JN White, in Center St., Perry, NY, has been a manufacturer of custom printing and industrial components since 1960. The company products are membrane switches, complex user interfaces, graphic overlays, precision cut components, and backlightings. It also creates electrostatic discharge shieldings, custom labels, and decals used in medical devices, defense, industrial electronics, consumer appliances, and agriculture industries. The company offers services such as rapid prototyping, membrane switch assembly, vendor-managed inventory, and membrane switch testing.
CoBex Recorders, Inc. was established in 1994 and is a manufacturer company of recording products based in Coconut Creek, Florida, United States. The company offers various types of recorders such as single pen recorders with ink chart, single pen recorders inkless chart, two pen recorders with ink chart, and temperature recorders with ink chart. The company also sells various charts, parts, and accessories needed to be used with the recorders. The company is open for customized recorders manufactured according to the customers' specifications.
CPC Label, founded in 1973 and headquartered in Linwood, New Jersey, is a supplier and manufacturer of label printing, rigid metal nameplates, and polycarbonate overlays. The company offers a range of products that include data transfer labels, graphic overlays, membrane switches, brass nameplates, and stainless steel nameplates. These offerings find specific applications across industries such as electronics, manufacturing, automotive, medical devices, and industrial control systems. CPC Label's solutions enhance branding, identification, user interfaces, and product information, serving as essential components in diverse products and equipment across sectors.
Motson Graphics, Inc. is an American AS9100D and ISO certified print manufacturer originally founded as the J. Frank Motson Company in 1928 in Philadelphia before eventually moving operations to Flourtown, Pennsylvania. Key functions they perform include: standard printing for screens, dials, gentape instruments and back lit panels; conductive circuitry printing for membrane switches, capacitive sensors, and antennae; and protective painting and powder coating for military and aerospace applications. The company has provided paint and print services for companies in diverse industries such as consumer electronics, automobiles, medical, and general industry, notably having worked with General Electric, Ford, and Boeing.
Ingraphics, Inc., established in 1981, headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial graphics and labels. The company offers products such as custom decals, overlays, and nameplates iin which these graphics and labels are used in industries such as electronics, automotive, and appliances for product branding, identification, and safety information. The company ensures product quality, providing durable solutions for their customers' diverse industrial applications, enhancing product visibility and communicating essential information to end-users and consumers.
Techprint, Inc. is an American ISO 9001 certified contract manufacturer specializing in printing services as well as printed electronics products that was established in 1974 and based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The company's capabilities include screen, flexographic, and digital printing, laser and die cutting, embossing, and lamination. They also offer printing of electronic circuits using conductive ink for products such as sensors, lighting, and antennas. Techprint primarily serves clients in the medical, automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace sectors.
Industrial Nameplate, Inc. (IN) is an American manufacturer of identification products for use in industrial and military grade parts that was established in 1968. Based in Warminster, Pennsylvania, the company primarily produces nameplates, labels, and membrane switches, as well as utility tags, markers and badges. These are fabricated to various specifications (e.g. adhesive, pressure-sensitive) utilizing laser marking, etching, or filling processes. IN also offers contract manufacturing services to its clients in the military, defense, space exploration, and aerospace sectors.
Eastprint Incorporated, established in 1978, and located in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA, is a manufacturer and designer of membrane switches. They offer custom membrane switches, flexible printed circuits, and graphic overlays. These products find applications in industries such as medical devices, automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.Their printing solutions provide user-friendly interfaces, control panels, and durable labels, enhancing product functionality and branding. Eastprint Incorporated is backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications.
Elite Technology is an American ISO 9001 certified contract manufacturer of injection molded products that was established in 1993. Based in Garner, North Carolina, the company offers various injection molding capabilities, including plastic and silicone injection molding, design for manufacturability, prototyping, quality control, and logistics services. It primarily produces light guide films, electronic membrane switches, resistive touch screens, and elastomeric connectors. Elite Technology mainly serves clients in the consumer electronics, aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.
Quad Industries, founded in 1998, is a manufacturer of user interfaces, control panels, and flexible sensors in St. Niklaas, Belgium. The company produces user interfaces such as membrane switches, silicone keypads, and capacitive touches. It also creates printed electronics such as printed sensors, film heaters, and medical wearables used in home appliances, medical, industrial, and automotive industries. The company is ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems and does prototyping, manufacturing, engineering, research, and development.
Nelson Miller was established in 1937 and is based in the City of Industry, California, USA, as a designer and manufacturer of custom turnkey assemblies. The company's product list encompasses nameplates, dials, and panels; membrane switches; capacitive touch switches; and elastomeric rubber keypads, among others. It also provides plastic injection molding, global sourcing, and identification solutions. The products and services aid in global sourcing and provide identification solutions, catering to the specific needs of different industries for branding, user interface design, and component manufacturing. The company serves various industries, including manufacturing, electronics, consumer goods, automotive, aerospace, and medical.
Trombetta, Inc. is an American ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of DC power switching and related power management products that was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1932. The company offers controller area network (CAN) devices for automotive or industrial systems, DC contactors for high current switching up to 48VDC, and power splitters for power distribution applications. It also offers digital switching systems, voltage regulators, and industrial work solenoids. The company’s products are commonly used in heavy machinery, power sports such as motocross racing, and the electric vehicles industry.
Artistic, a part of the Canva Group, founded in 1937 and located in Montréal, Québec, is a manufacturer that specializes in industrial identification products. Functioning as a one-stop shop in the visual identification and communications sector, the company serves the markets of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company offers comprehensive solutions for large-scale poster printing, employing both digital and screen printing methods, utilizing various types of materials including coroplast, cardboard, vinyl, PVC, as well as dibond, sintra, and more.
SSI Electronics, founded in 1983, is a manufacturer and supplier of products for human interface with machines, devices, and instruments in Graphic Drive, Belmont, MI. The company manufactures membrane switches, hybrid keypads, flex circuits, graphic overlays, medical sensors, and custom electrodes used in the industrial, medical interface, dental, medical disposable, and agricultural fields. The company has certifications such as ISO 13485 and ISO 9001:2015 and is a member of ASTM International and FDA.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial Print Technologies |
7.8%
|
| 2 | Butler Technologies, Inc. |
7.4%
|
| 3 | Epec |
7.2%
|
| 4 | DuraTech Industries |
5.7%
|
| 5 | Flexible Circuit |
5.1%
|
| 6 | CoBex Recorders, Inc. |
5.1%
|
| 7 | Trombetta, Inc. |
4.9%
|
| 8 | RSP Inc. |
4.7%
|
| 9 | Ingraphics |
4.5%
|
| 10 | Eastprint, Inc. |
4.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the membrane switch page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
17 | 94.4% |
Japan
|
1 | 5.6% |
Nagano Techtron Co., Ltd.
480+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
We offer membrane switch products in flat type, click emboss type, metal dome type, LED mounting type, and character illuminated type. ■Summary We...
5 models listed
Nagano Techtron Co., Ltd.
320+ people viewing
Last viewed: 6 hours ago
We offer membrane switch products such as polydome type, rubber key type, 7 segment type, waterproof type, and oil-resistant membrane. ■Summary We...
5 models listed
Ishii Notation Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
■Summary This is a highly reliable, thin sheet switch panel that uses Ishii's original "Excel Switch" and emphasizes functionality and durability. ...
Ishii Notation Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
■Summary The thin sheet switch panel using Ishii's original "ISI Switch" is a highly reliable product that emphasizes functionality and durability....
Sanko Name Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
■What is a membrane switch? ・Membrane switches are sheets that have a switch function by printing and processing circuits on a thin film base mate...
Nimatsu Electric Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 8 hours ago
PRINTEC is a manufacturer of high-quality membrane switches, sub-panels, surface sheets, etc., founded in Taiwan in 1992. PRINTEC's products are wi...
Koden Co., Ltd.
10+ people viewing
■Flat type ・The surface sheet is flat and the structure is the simplest. ・There is no click feeling, and the total thickness of the switch can be...
