customKeypads, a part of customDesignTechnologies and one of the UK's leading suppliers
of membrane keypads, has recently produced a new membrane panel for Weltech's new 8010 series automatic bird weighing machine
controllers.
Based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, Weltech is a leading manufacturer of weighing,
feed and climate control systems for the poultry industry worldwide. The company's SP-1 and DP-2 bird weighing platforms are
widely used in broiler, breeder, laying and rearing operations throughout the world and combine with the Weltech system 8000
controller to provide automatic bird weighing systems.
The system 8000 controller features a drilled metal box with an overlay
panel above a PCB within to provide the numerical switch panel. With considerable use by heavy-handed production workers in
the inhospitable environments of the poultry industry, Weltech found that the overlay was eventually splitting.
This resulted in water ingress to the control panel itself ultimately causing them
to fail also.
Andy Price of Weltech commented, 'These controllers are being used on a daily basis
and we eventually began to see the overlays becoming torn around the metalwork. As this became apparent, we decided that the
next generation controllers would need to be more robust.'
In designing the new generation 8010 series controllers, Weltech carefully considered
its options for the front panel.
The company eventually decided that a membrane keypad would not only avoid the
problem of splitting overlays but would also remove the need for a drilled metal box and dispense with the PCB and switches.
In addition, the membrane keypad would be totally water resistant.
The new front panel was designed with extra large buttons (20mm diameter) so that
production workers wearing gloves would be able to operate them easily.
The company approached customKeypads
with its designs who produced a membrane keypad with a pillow embossed key area. Metal dome construction was chosen to provide
a positive feel and feedback and the controller window features a gloss hardcoat for additional protection.
Weltech's new 8010 series controllers are being launched in Atlanta in January
2003 and will provide both a cost-effective and inexpensive helping hand to the world's poultry industry, providing a wealth
of information at the touch of a button. With customKeypads robust membrane panels they will continue to deliver reliable
service for many years to come.
For more information, please contact: Chris Millington, customKeypads,Greatworth
Park, Greatworth, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 2HB. Tel: 01295 762100, Fax: 01295 768888.
Press enquiries to: Tim Jennings, Marshall Jennings PR Limited, Wyvols Court, Swallowfield,
Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1WY. Tel: 0118 988 0288, Fax: 0118 988 0388.
