Text version of the page

engineering

Leading Edge Technologies

Bergquist utilies leading-edge CAD systems to engineeryour custom membrane switch.Our CAD professionals can import your engineering files or we can create new ones from your specifications and prints.All switch layers are engineered on the CAD system to ensure consistent base-line accuracy for all production operations.Individual layers from CAD drawings are utilied for screenmaking and die board making,and are used to drive our laser cutter for prototypes and small production runs.
ENGINEERING OPERATINGENVIRONMENT GRAPHIC LIFE POWER LEVELS Involve our engineering staffearly in your design-build process to benefit from our switch design expertise. Our engineers are accessible and eager to assist you in ensuring that your circuit and graphic designs meet our manu- facturing capabilities. For example, there should be .125" between any exposed edge and the first trace of silver to properly HeatSeal switch layers. Also, circuits should be designed to avoid dielectric jumpers and still achieve proper pin-out. Involve us early, we can help in many ways. The type of material, its thick-ness, and the embossing of keys can all affect the life of the graphic layer. Polyester is recommended for long flex life. Our life testing indicates polyester outlasts poly- carbonate. Embossing and contact with chemicals may also reduce polycarbonate graphic life. Most membrane switches areused in logic level power applica- tions. Generally, screened silver inks are used with switching loads under one watt. Copper foil lami- nate may be used when switching loads are one watt and above. The environment your switchwill be operating in often deter- mines the switch material and its construction. Polyester has a long flex life and is resistant to solvents. Polycarbonate is available with a tough matte texture. In many cases a hardcoat can be applied to either material for added protection. For chemical, high moisture, dusty, and variable temperature environments (as well as unknown or uncontrol- lable environments), we recom- mend HeatSeal construction.

Materials – The Keyto Bergquist's Success

We began building membrane switches at a time when many companies’switches were failing in the field. Our engineers and sci- entists realized that the key to making durable membrane switches is to understand the chemistry of the materials, the electronics of the switch, the interaction of the layers, and how the combinations work in a harsh environment.Today, our laboratory facilities in Chanhassen, Minnesota areused to research materials compatibility in membrane switches, and develop processes that improve switch performance, durability and reliability. 9