Special Metal Dome Array are PET thin sheets containing metal springs, used as tactile switch components on PCB or FPC circuit boards. A Metal Dome made of stainless steel is embedded in a PET thin sheet. By pressing the center point of the spring to contact the PCB circuit, a circuit is formed to achieve a switching function.
Dome array with actuator working principle
Conduction Mechanism: When pressed, the center of the spring plate depresses and contacts the conductive circuit on the PCB (e.g., gold fingers), forming an electrical pathway; when released, the spring plate springs back to break the circuit.
Haptic Feedback: Utilizes the elasticity of stainless steel to provide stable spring force (long lifespan), producing a distinct “click” sensation during operation.
The benefits of metal dome arrays
Compact and lightweight design;
Suitable for product structures with limited space;
Comfortable and resilient to the touch, with ventilation holes on the PET board corresponding to the metal dome;
Primarily used in low-cost single-layer and double-layer PCBs.
Metal dome array use cases
Mobile phones
GPS systems
Modern medical equipment
Electronics: MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, portable CD players, toys, cordless telephones
Household appliances: Microwave ovens, dishwashers, tumble dryers, commercial scales, remote controls
Other: Entertainment equipment, office equipment, security systems, industrial equipment, telecommunications handheld instruments.
Custom Metal Dome Arrays
Hongmao offers customisable metal dome arrays featuring pre-loaded polyester dome carriers with pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. We assemble dome arrays to your specifications, accommodating your choice of dome style and quantity, and cutting to your designated dimensions and shapes. Furthermore, a single array can incorporate metal domes of varying sizes, shapes, and actuation forces.
We accommodate various special requirements, including cut-outs for other components on the circuit board. For applications demanding high actuation force, we can manufacture laminated metal dome arrays featuring dual domes at each position.
The standard carrier material is polyester, unless you request an alternative material. Array installation is quick and straightforward: simply peel off the backing, align the array, and adhere it to the circuit board or film. As all domes can be installed simultaneously, production time is significantly reduced.
Dome Arrays can be manufactured as simply as say one or two domes on a polyester backing to large panels which may incorporate a large number of domes in a pattern to suit a custom application. Different size/types of domes can be incorporated into the array design.
