Low-Cost Membrane Switch Prototype Service – 48-Hour Turnaround | LID CO., LIMITED

Low-Cost Membrane Switch Prototype Service – From Idea to Bench in 48 Hours

LID CO., LIMITED delivers an exceptional 48-hour rapid prototyping service. This service is designed for speed and thorough testing. It bridges the gap between concept and validation. We achieve this by integrating low-cost tooling with comprehensive feature validation. This means you get a functional prototype quickly.

Our rapid prototypes support a wide range of critical components. This includes flexible silver-flex circuits. You can also choose copper-flex circuits (FPC). Standard rigid printed circuit boards (FR4-PCB) are another option. These choices ensure your prototype meets specific design needs. We also offer robust dome switch options. Select from durable stainless steel domes. Polycarbonate domes are also available for lighter applications.

Protection against the elements is a key feature. Our prototypes offer superior sealing capabilities. They meet IP65 standards for dust and water resistance. For even greater protection, we provide IP69K sealing. This level guards against high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. This makes our prototypes ideal for demanding environments.

Connectivity is also flexible. You decide how your prototype connects. We offer Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors for easy cable insertion. Crimp connectors provide a secure mechanical bond. Flying lead tails offer simple, direct connections. This variety ensures compatibility with your existing test setups.

The advantages are clear and significant. There are no upfront Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) charges. This lowers your initial investment. We also eliminate minimum order quantities. You do not need to purchase ten units. You can order just one first article. The cost for most initial prototypes ranges from $69 to $199. This pricing structure makes rapid validation accessible.

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What You Get in Every Prototype

• Feature Set Comparison: From Prototype to Full Production

Our offerings cater to a wide range of production needs. For low-cost prototyping, we offer a direct solution. When you transition to full production, the options expand. This allows for scalable manufacturing.

• Turnaround Times and Flexibility

Get your projects moving quickly. Prototyping has a fast turnaround. It takes just 48 hours after file approval. This speed is crucial for early testing. Production runs follow a different schedule. Expect delivery within 7 to 10 days. This timeframe accommodates larger volumes.

• Overlay Materials and Durability

We use a standard 0.18 mm overlay. This can be PC or PET material. A UV hard-coat is applied. This coating provides excellent scratch resistance. It ensures durability for your product. The overlay specifications remain consistent. They apply from prototype to production.

• Circuitry and Conductivity

Our standard circuits are Silver-flex. These use a 0.2 mm trace. For enhanced performance, consider an upgrade. You can choose Cu-FPC. This offers improved conductivity. Another option is FR4. It provides a rigid circuit board. These choices impact flexibility and cost.

• Tactile Feedback with Metal Domes

We incorporate metal domes for tactile feel. These are made from stainless steel. The actuation force ranges from 200 to 700 grams. We maintain a tight tolerance of ±5% force. This ensures consistent button feel. Sample lots are tested for quality.

• Illumination Options for Visibility

Visibility is key in many applications. We offer side-fire LEDs for backlighting. An optional Light Guide Film (LGF) is available. This diffuses light evenly. For full coverage illumination, select our full array option. This brightens the entire surface.

• Connecting Your Components

We provide flexible tail connections. Standard tails are 150 mm long. They feature a ZIF connector. This uses a 1.0 mm pitch. For longer connections, we can extend the tail. Up to 500 mm is achievable. This allows for greater design freedom.

• Environmental Protection Ratings

Our products meet strict environmental standards. The default IP rating is IP65. This means dust protection. It also offers water jet resistance. For more demanding environments, we offer IP69K. This rating provides protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Achieving IP69K may add 20 days to production.

• Tooling and Manufacturing Methods

Prototyping uses laser cutting. This eliminates tooling costs. It is ideal for low volumes. For mass production, hard tooling is used. This ensures precision and speed. It is an efficient method for large runs.

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3-Step Rapid Workflow

1. Submit Files

   • AI/DWG overlay + schematic (optional)

Our service offers an advanced AI and DWG overlay capability. This feature allows for the precise superimposition of design data onto existing drawings. You can visualize how proposed changes integrate. An optional schematic can be included for deeper system understanding. This provides a clear graphical representation of your project's structure.

   • Quote & color proof within 12 h

Following the design review, we guarantee a swift turnaround for your quote and color proof. Expect these essential documents within a rapid 12-hour timeframe. This ensures project momentum is maintained. You receive clear pricing and visual confirmation of your chosen aesthetics promptly. This rapid response enables quicker decision-making.

2. 48-Hour Build

   • Laser-cut spacer, screen-print overlay, dome assembly

Precision laser cutting shapes the spacer. This spacer ensures accurate alignment. A detailed screen print is then applied as an overlay. This overlay adds critical visual and functional information. Finally, the dome assembly process integrates these components. This carefully controlled process creates a robust and reliable unit.

   • AOI + continuity test before shipping

Before these units are shipped to customers, they undergo rigorous testing. An Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system scans each unit. The AOI checks for defects like misplaced components or incorrect markings. Following the AOI, a continuity test is performed. This test verifies that all electrical pathways are properly connected. Only units passing both the AOI and continuity tests are approved for shipping. This dual testing method guarantees product quality.

3. Ship & Validate

   • DHL 3–5 days worldwide (included)

Global shipping is handled by DHL. Delivery typically takes three to five business days. This expedited shipping service is included with your purchase. We aim for quick worldwide delivery.

   • Free 1× design revision within 10 days if ΔE > 2.5

We offer one free design revision. This revision is available for ten days. It applies if the color difference, known as Delta E, is greater than 2.5. Delta E measures the perceived color difference. A Delta E value above 2.5 indicates a noticeable change. This ensures your design meets your expectations. We want you to be happy with the final product.

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Real-World Pricing Examples

Keys Tail IP Price (Sample) Ref 

12-key matrix 150 mm ZIF IP65 69  

20-key + 4 LEDs 200 mm Molex IP67 119  

32-key FR4 PCB 300 mm cable IP69K 199  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the prototype functionally identical to production?

A: Yes—same overlay inks, dome force range, and connector footprints.

Q: Can I get copper-FPC or EMI shield in the prototype?

A: Yes—upgrade for +40 copper-FPC or +30 nickel mesh shield.

Q: Minimum order?

A: 1 piece for prototypes; 50-piece MOQ for production.

Q: Color matching?

A: < 1 ΔE Lab via spectrophotometer; digital proof provided in 12 h.

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Contact Info

LID CO., LIMITED

02, Chengfen Rd., Ronggui, Foshan, Guangdong 528303, China

T: (0757) 8499 2835 | F: (0757) 8624 9932

Website: https://tactilemembrane.com

E: info@tactilemembrane.com | tactilemembrane@163.com

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