
Precision Switch Technology
Customized & Complete
Douglas Corporation delivers over 65 years experience meeting the exacting demands for high quality membrane switches and graphic overlays from the world's leaders in the appliance, electronic, automotive and other industries.
Today's environment of "Zero Defects", ISO, SPC, JIT delivery and other management concepts, all geared toward premium membrane switches and graphic overlays delivered on time, demands quality. That's why Douglas has developed company-wide practices which assure uncompromised production excellence on every program we're awarded. That means you can expect perfection in all facets of membrane switch and graphic overlay production...even down to color, finish and surface texture match.
We live and breathe
precision. Whether your switch project involves a multi-tasking circuit
design, assembly and surface mounted components or precise print registration
our skilled people put their knowledge to work everyday in an environment
of total quality control at each stage of the process.
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We Provide:
Custom design expertise.
Single source manufacturing.
Assembly of surface mount
components/circuit boards/backplates.
Multi-tasking switch pattern designs.
Custom molded boxes, bezels and
frames
with switch installation.
Precise color matching and repeatability.
Water resistant designs to Nema 4.
100% function testing of all circuits in-house.
Specifications:
Specifications will vary depending on materials, construction
and circuitry. Please consult Douglas Engineering for specific characteristics.
Electrical
Operating Voltage: 0-30 VDC.
Operating Current: 100 MA Max.
Operating Contact Resistance:
Less than 100 OHMS typical
(measured at the connector).
Contact Bounce:
Less than 10 Milliseconds typical.
Conductors:
Printed silver conductive inks or carbon blend
(PC board assemblies available).
RFI and Static Shielding
available in most configurations.
Mechanical
Life Expectancy: Douglas guarantees
1,000,000
actuations per switch
position
or 12 months.
Actuation Force: 2 -12 oz. range available
depending
on customer specification.
(4
- 8 oz. is considered medium actuation
force
for non-tactile configuration).
Switch Travel: .005" to .030" typical.
Overall Thickness: .020" to .050" typical.
Environmental
Storage Temperature:
-40°C (-40°F) to +70°C (158°F).
Storage Altitude: Sea level to 40,000 feet.
Operating Temperature and Altitude:
Variable depending on customer requirements
(can be designed to operate in most environments).
Humidity: No delamination after 24 hours
at 85°C and 85%RH.
The specifications above are general. For information
on more specific applications, contact one of
Douglas Corporation's design engineers.
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DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS:
Design freedom begins when you integrate membrane switches into your product. Because no single configuration can always meet your requirements, we will tailor your membrane switch and graphic overlay to fit the application and your specifications.
Materials:
Depending on the application and environmental
requirements, Polyester and Polycarbonates are commonly
used. Thickness ranges are .007" to .010". Blended
materials and
UV hardcoat surfaces are additional options.
Selective Texturing:
For hardcoats as well as aesthetic enhancement
of the
graphic overlay.
Embossing:
Embossing of the key pads for key location can
be
achieved by full key pad embossment or rim embossment.
Windows:
Transparent and deadfront display windows for
viewing
LCD and LED displays.
Termination:
Tail termination is accomplished by snap fit connectors,
solder tabs, or exposed silver tabs (.100" centers typical).
Tactile Feedback:
Stainless steel domes range from 8-12mm. Poly
domes are
embossed onto a polyester layer or circuitry.
Shielding:
Shielding from EMI/RFI can be accomplished by
a layer of
metallized polyester or by screening a layer of selective
graphite ink.
Backlighting:
Douglas offers several options for the various
information
readout devices available to fit customer requirements.
Panel Cutouts:
Die cut holes and access for mechanical switches
may be
incorporated into membrane switch designs.
Back-Plates and Printed Circuit Boards:
Available as a finished assembly with Douglas
membrane
switches.
Environmental Design:
Applications subject to various degrees of moisture
or high
humidity are engineered and constructed accordingly.
Graphic Design and Engineering Assistance:
Full service art and engineering departments are
ready to
provide complete or partial assistance in the aesthetic design
of
graphic overlays and the engineering of correct switch
construction
for your application.
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Quotation Request:
The more information supplied regarding application,
requirements
and environment, the more accurate our quotation will be.
Switch application.
Quantities required for prototypes
and production.
Material requirements.
Graphic overlay material,
polycarbonate or polyester.
Overlay finish requirement.
Number of colors to be printed
on graphic overlay.
Overall dimensions or prints.
Embossing requirements.
Type of termination required and
tail length.
Dome type, if tactile feel is needed.
Pinout requirements.
Other special requirements.
ISO 14001:2004 and ISO/TS 16949:2002 CERTIFIED

Call us at 1-800-806-6113 for a
free copy of our capabilities CD!
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