Silicone Rubber Keypad

Silicone Rubber is a synthetic rubber compound with various desirable properties. Silicone Rubber Keypad is integral to many of the manufacturing and production processes nowadays because of the wide range of options they provide in terms of creativity and innovative design. Silicone Rubber is versatile and convenient enough to offer a range of design opportunities to the manufacturer of different products. It can be easily molded or extruded with comparatively low energy application.

Silicone Rubber Keypads are manufactured through the process of compression molding in carbon steel tools using highly elastic and non-toxic silicone rubber compounds. All the keypads are treated to a two-hour curing cycle at a temperature of 200°C. The process of post-curing becomes essential to remove catalyst and oxidant residue that the keypad retains during the molding process. This also helps in improving the thermal stability and stabilizing the physical properties of the silicone.

Actuation Force Tolerances is another important factor to be kept in mind while manufacturing Silicone Rubber Keypad. One must keep in mind to design the shape and size of the membrane of the rubber switches to suit almost any actuation force and tactile feel. Generally, the applications require positive tactile feel with a longer life and so an actuation force of approximately 125-150 grams is recommended along with an accompanying snap ratio of approximately 40-60%.

Another important aspect is the snap ratio (or click ratio) of the Silicone Keypad that is directly effective on the tactile feel of the operator. One must choose Keypads with snap ratios of 40-60% for excellent tactile feel and long life. Snap ratios lower than 40% have low tactile feel but comparatively longer life.

The reliability and life of the switch depend upon the selected membrane, the durability, and the quality of the material. Other important factors are actuation force, snap ratio and a proper post-curing cycle.

RSP Inc was founded over 50 years ago as Ryan Screen Printing Inc. and has been one of the top ranking design and manufacturing partner for various leading companies in the industry. RSP, Inc excels in offering Silicone Rubber Molding, Silicone Rubber Keypads, plastic injection molding, touch screens, wire harnesses, contract manufacturing and complete turnkey assembly & packaging. For more information regarding the company, one can log on to http://www.rspinc.com/.