CDT Custom Keypad Specifications…

Keypad Metal Domes

• 1 million operations
• Sizes available from stock are 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm, Rectangular dome available 25.4mm x 12.7mm
• Normal size is 12mm for maximum reliability etc.– embossed area can be much larger to give impression of larger button
• Minimal tactile feel for 6mm
• Spacing depends on structure.  2mm minimum but it does depend on embossing etc.
• Actuation Force = 170 to 397g
• Key Travel = 0.6 to 1.5m

 

Keypad Mylar Domes

• 1 million operations
• Sizes possible are 6mm to 12mm
• Recommend minimum is 8mm to give tactile feel
• Spacing depends on structure.  2mm minimum but it does depend on embossing etc
• Actuation force 150g +/- 30g for 8mm diameter key
• Key Travel is dependent on embossing height

 

Keypad Flat Type

• 5 Million operations
• Best for high temperature operations
• Key travel 0.1 to 0.5mm
• size range 7mm to 12mm

 

Kaypad Temperature Range

• Metal dome – Operating Temp range – 20C to +55C
• Mylar dome – Operating Temp range – 20C to +55C
• Flat Mylar – Temp range – 40C to +80C

 

Keypad Embossing

• Types of embossing:  Dome, Pillow, Frame
• Cannot do sharp corners – min radii 0.5mm
•  Min. 4.0mm between embossed keys
• The minimum diameter for metal dome is 5mm and 0.3 to 0.4 mm height
• The minimum diameter for Mylar dome is 6.5mm and 0.5 mm height

 

Keypad Graphic Layer

• AUTOTEX – is a textured polyester film made by Autotype -Available in two textured finishes, Velvet and Fine ( F150 is the standard on most keypads) and also a UV version
• Windowtex can be applied to produce clear transparent windows – not UV stable
• AUTOFLEX EBG180 – is a gloss polyester film – not highly UV stable.  It has a hard coat finish     to withstand scratch and chemicals
• Matt lacquer can be applied to produce a selective textured finish on gloss keypad

 

Keypad LED’s

• Operational temperature   – 28c to +80c
• Standard Colours – red, green, orange. Other colours to order  e.g. white, blue but these are more expensive
• Bi colours, red/green and red/yellow
• ‘Ultra Bright’ LEDs are used as standard – spec sheet available
• LEDs are mounted behind an embossed window.  This window is normally clear but can be colour tinted to order.
• The LED Window can be supplied as flat but this is achieved by making the keypad thicker.  It also changes the feel of the keys.

 

Keypad Window

• Choice of hardcoat, antiglare, diffused – Please Note coatings are not UV stable –see UV section.
• Can reinforce with clear rigid plastic ( 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm etc )
• Reinforcing will need spacer dots to separate the layers

 

Keypad Waterproofing

• IP67 is the max achievable
• Achieved by a 5mm complete unbroken gasket around edge
• IP67 = total protection against dust and temporary immersion in water

 

Keypad Design Guidelines

• Printing – thinnest line poss to print is 0.15mm
• 4mm between key embossed areas
• 5mm between key and cut out
• 3mm from edge of keypad to window
• 5mm from edge of keypad to a cut out
• SMD LEDs – allow 3.5mm diameter embossing for single colour and 4mm diameter for Bi-colour
• Overall keypad size – allow 0.20mm clearance each side in recess
• 3.25mm between the edge of LED window and the edge of the frame embossed key
• 5mm gap needed between circuit and edge of keypad
• 5mm additional edge clearance needed for IP65.
• The largest possible size keypad – 500mm x 500mm
• Bending of keypad – no, flat only
• The smallest radius that the tail can be bent is 1mm but try to keep a gentle curve

 

Keypad Connector / tail

• Female connector – Crimpflex 2.54mm pitch, 1mm pin size.  Industry standard.  Spec sheet available on request
• Male pins available
• ZIF connector – various pitches available
• Polarisation is possible – Add extra pin out and get insert from Nicomatic.  Part No. PHK-101
• Locking female housings can be supplied.  Spec sheet available on request.   Minimum order quantity applies
• Average resistance of one track in a tail with 1mm track width, 250mm long, together with connectors = 25ohms.
• The smallest bend radius for the tail is 1mm
• We supply mylar protection on all tails to protect from chafing in case of vibration inside enclosures
• Crimpflex OF series Housing Features:-

Suitable for use with 0.635mm pin headers

Stackable edge to edge

2.54mm pitch

No polarisation/locking

2-25 Ways (26-51 on request)

Single row

Mates with 12-17-NI-XX-1 pin header

 

Keypad Adhesives

• 3M adhesive – type 200 MP
• Becomes known as 467 / 468 when supplied with backing paper.
• 468 is thicker depth than 467, and is suitable for rougher surface finishes, otherwise the same
• Chemical resistance spec sheets available
• 200MP adhesive is NOT suitable for polypropylene
• use 300MP for polypropylene

 

Keypad Shielding

• To protect from RFI and also static electricity
• Can be done with either full or a grid pattern printed layer
• Window can also be shielded with ITO (Indium Tin Oxide)
• Printed on backside of top layer
• One pin needed to take to earth – can be extra track in tail or separate connector.

 

Keypad EL Backlighting

• EL (electro luminescence) is available
• Single layer of material under top surface
• .3mm to .5mm thick
• Colours – green blue white orange yellow. (Colours vary in brightness, please ask)
• Temp –25C to +60C (operational)
• Life 5000 to 10000 hrs continual
• 110 volts / 400HZ to operate
• Use inverter to drive (e.g. RS 267-8863). Inverters are not supplied with keypads

 

Keypad UV Materials

• Can use Autotex UV polyester, slightly yellow in colour and only available in textured finish not gloss
• A UV resistant gloss lacquer is available – mainly for selective texturing
• Standard hardcoat is not UV stable for extended exposure

 

File Formats

• CDR 11 (Preferred)
• AI
• EPS
• PDF
• JPEG

 

Keypad Colour Options

• We can use all colours from the Pantone Matching System, Coated (C) and Uncoated (U).  Coated has a brighter appearance is the standard for keypads.
• Because of material textures and tolerances in colour tones it is very difficult to match keypad colours to enclosures and we would suggest that a contrasting colour is used.
• Silver Metallic finish can be achieved by adding particles to Pantone 877
• Mirror Finish can be supplied at extra cost.  (Need to quote individual requirements.)