The Single-layer structure metal dome array/(pot lid conductive film) consists of only one layer of adhesive PET, which is called Mylar (a type of plastic film). The metal spring is directly adhered and fixed beneath the Mylar (dome carrier). Additionally, to enhance the feel, a ventilation hole is reserved for each spring on the product surface, allowing the air beneath the spring to be expelled when pressing, ensuring the product has good rebound and feel.
Because the exhaust hole is located on the Mylar, if the product is not used in a completely enclosed space, the dust particles in the air will pass through this hole and enter the product along with the air, gathering beneath the spring tab, thereby affecting the conductivity performance of the spring tab. In severe cases, the product will fail to conduct electricity.
Even if this hole is not made on the Mylar but is instead placed below the corresponding tab on the circuit board, dust particles will still enter beneath the tab. And if no exhaust hole is reserved on the Mylar, it will affect the feel and lifespan of the tab.
The single-layer metal spring conductive film is mainly used in some early membrane switches, nameplates, contact sheets and other industries. Some mobile phone manufacturers, such as Motorola, also use single-layer spring conductive films on certain mobile phones, and they generally use white Mylar. While the most commonly used single-layer structure is transparent Mylar.
Meanwhile, since there is only one layer of Mylar, the thickness of the product (excluding the shrapnel) is thinner than that of the double-layer conductive film (generally around 0.05mm, while the double-layer one is approximately 0.125mm). If the distance between the button and the inner plate is too small to be used, and if a double-layer conductive film is used, then a single-layer structure can be employed.
Characteristics of round metal dome array:
a. The product is lightweight and compact.
b. Excellent grip and rebound properties, with ventilation holes on the projectile.
c. Primarily used in cheaper single-layer PCBs.
d. Applicable when the distance between the key and the circuit board is extremely limited.
Applications
Mobile phone market, Handheld / PDA, GPS systems, Point of Sale Terminals; Automotive: Telematics, Window controls, Seat controls & Steering wheel systems Remote Keyless Entry system (RKE); Consumer Goods: MP3 players, Digital cameras, Camcorder, Portable CD players, Toys Cordless Phones; White Goods: Microwave, Dishwasher, Dryer, Commercial scales, Small appliances Medical; Others: Entertainment, Office, Security systems, Industrial, Telecom Handheld instruments
Custom Design Dome Array
Dome arrays are carriers pre-fitted with polyester domes, featuring pressure-sensitive adhesive on the reverse. Arrays can be pre-fitted with domes to your specified dimensions and shapes. Domes of varying sizes, shapes, and spring rates may be placed on the same array.
The standard carrier material is polyester, though this can be adjusted to meet specific requirements. Array installation is swift and straightforward: simply peel off the backing (release paper), align the array, and adhere it to the circuit board or film substrate. As all domes can be installed simultaneously, production time is significantly reduced. Custom dome arrays also eliminate ‘double doming’ and positioning errors, markedly enhancing product quality.
To initiate the custom dome array design process, please provide the following information:
Part appearance drawings/printouts, clearly indicating overall dimensions, dome component numbers, dome locations, and aperture layout.
The anticipated annual usage volume for this part.
Metal dome array packing
Peel & Place Metal Dome means the metal dome can be easily Peeled off from release liner and then Placed on printed circuit board, flex circuits, or membrane switch. The metal dome is on a pressure sensitive double sided adhesive PET sheet (array), with a release liner/backing.
This process eliminates the need for additional adhesive tape to secure the metal dome onto circuit boards or membrane switches. When combined with alignment holes or contour line designs, contact alignment becomes more precise, significantly enhancing assembly efficiency and substantially reducing costs.
In essence, this process is identical to our ‘Metal Contact Array’ product, differing only in nomenclature due to packaging requirements. When comprising solely a single fixed-size metal contact and bonding array, it is termed a ‘Single-Key Contact Array’, ‘Independent Contact Array’, or ‘Die-Cut Contact Array’. Each metal stud is centrally positioned within a die-cut, adhesive-backed square or circular area, complete with an easy-peel backing. Simply specify the stud array dimensions, colour, thickness, and metal stud parameters for customisation.
Currently, all our circular, four-legged, triangular, and elliptical series metal studs can utilise this peel-away packaging, suitable for both individual studs and quantities of several dozen.
