Application Note Metal Line outdoorschurter.com/downloads Tough but elegant Examples of use for SCHURTER Metal Line buttons and switches Switches for harsh outdoor applications are exposed to the most extreme influences: Vandalism, weather, fluctuations in temperature, fine dust and more. With Metal Line, SCHURTER proves that robustness, functionality and absolute reliability are entirely compatible with aesthetics and elegance. After all, switches are meant to be touched. They are constantly pressed. And our fingers are highly sensitive sensors. We immediately sense the surface texture of a switch. Cheap or high quality? We decipher this in an instant. Furthermore, the demands placed on designers and manufacturers of input systems for a high level of aesthetics are rapidly increasing. What is SCHURTER's response to these demands? The Metal Line. Metal Line The Metal Line from SCHURTER includes a variety of switches using various technologies designed specifically to protect against destructive damage and for use in extreme environments. Metal Line switches are extremely resistant. They meet the mechanical shock requirements up to IK07 according to DIN EN 50102. The switches are designed for a lifetime of up to 20 million activations. They are used in input systems in harsh industrial environments as well as in applications with high user interface. High-quality metal housing is a feature shared by all Metal Line switches. This not only makes them extremely robust and durable, but also ensures they can withstand tactically and visually demanding applications. Stroke or piezo The Metal Line consists of buttons and switches designed with classic stroke technology (short and medium stroke) or piezo impulse activation. The components of the Metal Line are specified according to IP protection classes. The piezo buttons and switches of the completely sealed PSE series meet at least one protection class from IP67, which corresponds to temporary submergence. The pushbuttons in the MSM series are designed with different protection classes between IP40 and IP67. There is also a distinction between the IP protection of the mechanical level and the electrical contact level in this series. For example, the electrical contact level can be designed in protection class IP67, while the mechanical level corresponds to protection class IP40. Feedback A button is designed to give its user a clear confirmation of whether the system has detected their input. This feedback can be communicated acoustically, tactically, visually or by the release of the function selected on the device. A visual feedback is possible with the illumination of a single light integrated in the button, multicolor light variations or by means of the corresponding indicator on the display. Functions that are seldom used on the input system - such as a Help function - should be triggered by buttons with pronounced tacti-lity, since our fingers will recognize this feedback the fastest. Lighting and lettering Clear feedback, visibility and quick detectability of the function form the basic requirements Metal Line switch with a completely backlit actuating surface made of robust ceramic, which can be labeled using laser technology to suit the individual customer requirements for a button. The initial variants of the SCHURTER Metal Line switches were designed for installation diameters of 16 to 22 mm. In order to provide the user with the possibility of visual feedback, these variants were extended to incorporate spot and ring lighting. For the special requirements of creating a button within the series for the visually impaired, the PSE 22 model was designed with the option of integrating Braille lettering. The possible adaptations to fulfill specific customer requirements are almost unlimited in the Metal Line. For example, there are the brand new metal buttons with a completely backlit actuating surface, which can be labeled using laser technology to suit the individual customer requirements. The special feature of this new development is the extremely robust ceramic surface of the backlit actuation surface. Outdoor: Problems The use of input systems outdoors involves a lot of challenges and problems. In order to select the right components to be used, all the influencing factors in the environment of the respective input system must be taken into account. The location, climatic requirements and the function to be triggered are all essential factors in this process. In most cases, where appliances are exposed in the open without any form of protection, calculations must take into account sub-zero temperatures and there- ULSCHURTER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Application Note Metal Line outdoorschurter.com/downloads fore also snow and ice. Under such conditions, switches with stroke can temporarily malfunction. Water can penetrate into the gap between the moving parts. If the temperature falls below zero, this freezes, and the actuator can no longer be pressed down to make full contact. Pollution, dust, exhaust gases or even spilled liquids are other factors that can make life difficult for an input system. Input systems set up outdoors are often more exposed to deliberate vandalism and improper handling. It is essential that they feature high impact...