Conductive inks result from infusing a conductive material, such as graphite, carbon, silver, or copper, into an ink, thus allowing the ink to conduct electricity within your product. Conductive inks are used to make printed circuits, which provide functionality to your product. Conductive inks are used to produce traces and BUS systems to carry and distribute power, making them perfect for the design of membrane switches and other flexible user interface designs.
Membrane switches are flexible electrical switches that are designed to add functionality to your product. They can be considered the remote control of your product because they control whether the circuit is on or off. Because they are low profile, membrane switches take up less design space than mechanical switches. They are also more cost-effective, and easier to clean, making them the cheaper and easier alternative to mechanical switches.
Functional conductive inks complete the circuit. Functional means that the inks used in the design and creation of your printed circuits can carry current. They provide the functionality for the printed circuits. Two traces are designed to meet under a metal dome. When you press a membrane switch, the metal dome connects the two traces and completes the electric circuit. The electricity begins to flow throughout your membrane switch, thus providing the on and off functionality needed. When you release the pressure on the button of the membrane switch, the contact points will no longer be together, meaning that the circuit will be broken.
This is how you ultimately turn the features of your product on or off. Switches can be used to power on and off equipment, engage LED lighting, or run digital displays. Conductive inks are the reason that membrane switches can operate correctly, making them the best option for your user interface design.
Butler Technologies is the lead manufacturer of user interface and printed electronics products. When you’re ready to get started on your next membrane switch project, reach out to our team.
Jaclyn was previously the digital marketing specialist on the BTI Team.