A metal dome array & sheet (Dome Array, Mobile keypad Metal Dome, Metal Snap Dome Sheet) is a kind of PET sheet that carries metal dome contacts. It is usually applied to FPCBs and PCBs to function as switches of mobile phones and electric home appliances. The dome array is the most cost-effective solution for a simple switch with a superior tactile interface between your equipment and the user. May someone want to make a plunger or actuator on the top layer of the metal dome array, why? What are the benefits if we add a plunger on the dome array? Today, we are sharing some information about this product, keep on reading to explore more about plunger dome array.
What is a Plunger Dome Array?
When a metal dome array was added an extra plunger on the top of Mylar we named it as “Plunger Dome Array”, “Dome Array with Plunger” or “UV Metal Dome Array”, sometimes some body also call it as “Dome Array with Actuator” because it is similar like one section of actuator of keypad. In generally, the plunger we added is 0.8-3.2mm diameter and height of 0.10-0.40mm, both of two parameters can be adjusted according to customer’s requirements or specific applications. But what important is that the height and diameter of the plunger or actuator should be based on the diameter of the tactile dome. Below is the structure/ stack up of a plunger dome array.
Why use Plunger Dome Array?
Plunger dome array is a special kind of dome array, one of the main reasons that use this kind of dome array is that it can greatly increase the click feeling of the overall product, so it is very suitable for applications those need high click feeling but don’t like big noise when pressing high force metal dome. Additionally, we listing some other benefits if we use plunger dome array as following:
- Increase height
Dome array with plunger can increase the total height of the whole product, so that if your design was finished and you found the keypad can’t touch the metal dome directly or firmly, then adding a plunger is ideal for your choice.
- Longevity
This kind of dome array has a long lifespan because we don’t need to press with a high force, so that make them a reliable solution for devices that require long-term use. This longevity ensures that devices using plunger dome arrays are cost-effective and have a long operational lifespan.
- Easy Integration
Plunger dome arrays are easy to integrate into electronic devices and require minimal space, making them ideal for use in devices with limited/narrow space or small contact diameter. At the same time, they are compatible with a wide range of circuit boards and are available in various sizes and shapes.
- Consistency
Besides, it also provides consistent actuation force, ensuring that the buttons and keypads have the same feel and response every time they are pressed. This feature is important in devices that require precise control, such as medical equipment or industrial machinery.
How to produce a good quality Plunger Dome Array?
With so many benefits to use plunger dome array, so how to control the manufacturing process to get a good quality product? There are some guidelines from best Technology’s rich experience that can help you in this way.
- Ensuring the diameter of the plunger/UV point is only 1mm so that the defective rate is very low. If the diameter of the UV is larger than 1.0mm, the defective rate will be 20% to 30% higher than that of the 1mm one.
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- Please be make sure there is no bubbles inside and around the UV point, otherwise, it will cause the poor performance of the whole product and the UV may be peeled off.
- Additionally, the UV point itself can’t be straight, it shows in a cone shape. Because when the UV plastic molding is curing, it needs to be pulled out of the mold, hence there will be a drawing angle.
- UV has a tolerance when put onto the spacer, we should notice this point and consider into production run.
This is the end of this sharing about Plunger Dome Array, if you are interested in this special product, warm welcome to contact our sales at sales@metal-domes.com right now to get your plunger product.