Metal domes are made from ultra-thin and extra-thick (usually high-hardness) stainless steel. The metal dome is an important part of the switch. Metal domes are mainly used for membrane switches, contact switches, PCB boards, FPC boards, medical equipment and other products. Next, I will introduce to you in detail the production process of metal domes and the application fields of domes.

First of all, the production process of metal domes can be roughly divided into the steps of raw material preparation, material processing, molding processing, surface treatment and quality inspection. Among them, raw material preparation is the basis of the entire production process, which requires high quality and consistent specifications of raw materials. The selection of raw materials will also be adjusted according to customer requirements. Material processing mainly involves cutting, drilling, etc., with the purpose of processing raw materials into semi-finished products that meet the requirements; forming processing involves shaping semi-finished products through cold heading, stretching, etc.; surface treatment mainly involves nickel plating on the dome surface Processing makes the dome have better physical properties; quality inspection is a comprehensive inspection of the finished product to ensure that it meets quality standards.

Inspection steps during the production process are also crucial. From the incoming inspection of raw materials to the outgoing inspection of finished products, every process of Best Technology is strictly inspected to ensure that the domes are of excellent quality and meet the requirements. Among them, the most important inspections include appearance inspection, dimensional inspection, hardness inspection, tensile test, etc. Only through various inspections can the quality and performance of the dome be ensured to be optimal.

Metal domes are widely used in different industries, and their versatility and reliability make them an essential part of many industrial processes. When selecting a suitable metal dome, its characteristics and adaptability need to be considered to meet the needs of a specific industry.

Automotive Manufacturing
Metal domes play an important role in the automotive manufacturing industry. They are commonly used in braking systems to absorb shock and control vehicle movement. In addition, metal domes can also be used in the valve system of car engines to ensure their proper operation and improve fuel efficiency.

Electronic field
Metal domes are also widely used in the electronics industry. They are commonly used in connectors and switches in electronic equipment to provide stable electrical connections and reliable switching operation. In addition, metal domes can also be used in the cooling system of electronic equipment to maintain the normal operating temperature of the equipment.

Medical industry
Metal domes are of great significance in the medical industry. They are widely used in remote control devices in wards. The remote control device at the bedside of the ice rink uses metal domes to transmit instructions. There are also some medical machines used by doctors during surgeries, which also have metal domes built into them. The plasticity of metal domes makes them an integral part of these devices.

aerospace industry
The aerospace industry has even more demanding demands on metal domes. Metal domes are widely used in the high-temperature and high-pressure environments of aircraft engines to control airflow and temperature. In addition, metal domes can be used in structural parts of aircraft to enhance their strength and durability.

energy industry
In the energy industry, metal domes are widely used in power generation equipment and transmission lines. The electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of metal domes make them an important component in electrical equipment, used to protect circuits and transmit electrical energy.

So how do you choose the right metal dome? In addition to finding the right manufacturer, you must also know how to select the most suitable metal dome for product applications based on suitable dome conditions. Best Technology designs optimal solutions for customers based on their actual needs and product applications, allowing customers to experience the convenience and efficiency brought by Best Technology.

Remarkable advances in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly referred to as drones, have changed the technological landscape. These sophisticated devices have become indispensable tools in various fields including photography, agriculture, disaster management and entertainment. There is one key component behind the seamless operation of these drones – the metal dome. Metal domes are widely used in drones and their peripherals and are revolutionizing the way we interact with these high-tech devices.

Metal Dome Explained

Metal domes, also known as tactile domes or click domes, are small metal components with a round or dome-like shape. They are mainly used as momentary switching contacts in electronic equipment. When pressed, these domes collapse and form electrical connections that register keystrokes or input. The evolution of metal domes from their initial use in remote controls and calculators to their current use in drones reflects the changing needs of technology.

Metal dome in drone remote control

The drone’s remote control serves as the operator’s interface with the aircraft. It is critical to providing precise command and control, ensuring safe and efficient flight. The metal dome plays a key role in enhancing the user experience by providing tactile feedback when pressing the button. This feedback is crucial, especially during flight, as it allows the operator to maintain situational awareness while keeping a close eye on the drone. The unique “clicky” feel of the metal dome under your finger adds to the remote’s overall usability and responsiveness.

Switch buttons and metal domes

Drone technology, which relies heavily on metal domes for the switch keys, is another key element. These keys are used for various functions, such as arming the drone, initiating emergency procedures, or switching between flight modes. The metal domes embedded in these keys offer the dual benefits of reliable tactile feedback and durability. Tactile feedback ensures every button press is registered, reducing the chance of a missed command, while the sturdiness of the metal dome ensures a long service life even in harsh environmental conditions.

Durability and reliability

Drones are deployed in a variety of environments, from calm skies to challenging terrain. Metal domes are ideal for such different scenarios due to their durability and reliability. They are made of high-quality metal to ensure resistance to wear and tear caused by repeated pressing, which is common during intense flight operations. Additionally, the metal dome is designed to operate flawlessly over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for drones operating in extreme climates.

Impact on user experience

User experience is an important aspect of technology design, and drones are no exception. The application of metal domes enhances the overall user experience by providing tactile confirmation of input. Even without visual confirmation, pilots can be confident that their orders are being followed. This is especially important in situations where the operator’s attention must be focused on the drone’s position and surroundings. The metal dome helps reduce cognitive load, allowing operators to make split-second decisions without hesitation.

The metal dome can be freely created and the switches laid out in the drone. Metal domes create compact, stylish interfaces that serve multiple functions without compromising use. With the development of drones, technology and functions are becoming more and more abundant, but in addition to the upgrade of appearance, the quality of metal domes is also constantly updated, and the service life of metal domes is also increased, without affecting Using force while increasing the service life of the dome has been the goal of our research. Best Technology is constantly developing to enhance the functionality of the dome and enhance the user experience.

Most companies today have completely different production methods from before. Designers and engineers build products with enhanced functionality and a stronger user experience by combining the various materials and components used in the production of the product. And the metal dome switch is one of these components, the tactile dome switch.

What is a dome switch

Tactile dome switches, also called snap domes or metal domes, are instantaneous contacts. Tactile dome switches are buttons with their own circuits. They are made of PET material and have text and patterns for prompts. The metal dome is installed inside and assembled with PCB or FPC. When you press the key part on the surface with your finger, the key contact is electrically connected to the corresponding part of the contact point on the lower part, thereby transmitting instructions.

Advantages of dome switches

Tactile dome switches provide many conveniences in product application. Tactile dome switches are easy to install and affordable, which makes Tactile dome switches very popular among manufacturers in large-scale mass production. At the same time, Tactile dome switches provide efficient and accurate tactile feedback in applications, allowing users to convey instructions better and faster, and at the same time allowing users to trigger specific operations.

Since the Tactile dome switches have a sealed structure as a whole, the contacts of the switches are not corroded by harmful gases, are not easily oxidized, and are waterproof and dustproof. Therefore, in normal applications, the service life of the Tactile dome switches can be optimal, and the metal dome The service life has been tested and can reach 5 million times. The dome avoids dust infection in the Tactile dome switches and can minimize damage. Therefore, the normal use of Tactile dome switches will not be affected in harsh environments.

Common applications

Tactile dome switches are widely used in industry, machinery, electronic appliances, medical treatment, instrumentation and many other fields. Although Tactile dome switches are involved in different application fields, the functions in various applications are the same. However, combined with the requirements of different industries, the methods of producing and designing metal domes are different.

In industrial applications, it is installed on equipment to switch and transmit instructions. This requires Tactile dome switches to have good waterproof, oil-proof, anti-static interference and other functions to avoid operation, which will affect the use effect during installation and use.

In the medical industry, it can be used in various instruments and equipment, such as medical monitoring instruments, surgical instruments, and electronic medical equipment. Doctors need to use a variety of different instruments to complete surgical operations. Tactile dome switches can be integrated on the handle or button of the instrument, and the doctor can control the operation of the instrument by pressing the switch. Tactile dome switches have requirements for product precision and feel during production. Due to the particularity of the use environment, the products must be strictly controlled.

Choose the right dome switch

When choosing a suitable Tactile dome switches manufacturer, the first thing to do is to combine the performance of the manufacturer’s products with the actual application. Best Technology has good insulation, heat resistance, bending resistance and resilience, and does not affect use in some special environments. Set the size of Tactile dome switches according to the actual application size to make the product more suitable for the application.

Customers often ask some questions when making early purchases. After summarizing these problems, today I will introduce to you the common problems of metal domes and what should be paid attention to during the installation of metal domes.

The first is the color of the metal dome: the metal dome is mainly made of stainless steel, with a silver surface. Some customers will need to surface treat the metal dome. The surface of the nickel-plated metal dome is golden yellow. This nickel-plated metal dome can better prevent surface corrosion during use and is more durable. Nickel-plated metal domes feel better in hand and work better than ordinary metal domes.

In addition to the metal dome, the color of the PET glue in the metal dome array has also become a focus of some customers. The PET glues we often use include white, transparent and black, among which white and transparent PET are widely used. However, the actual application still needs to be selected based on the needs of the customer and understand the metal dome array PET.

There will also be some customers who will ask some professional questions, and I will explain them here. Why does the Dome array PET tape lift up during use? In fact, PET is glued to the PCB, and the metal dome array should be flat under normal circumstances. After being used for a period of time, the outline of the dome array may tilt, causing dust to enter the PET, causing undesirable phenomena. So what is the reason for this?

When the dome array has a double-layer structure, the thickness of the upper polyester film is about 0.05mm, and the thickness of the lower spacer layer is about 0.075mm.

If the metal dome is a high-height series, such as a triangular metal dome or a metal dome with legs (height: 0.4-0.7mm), due to the height of the metal dome, the space between the metal dome and the gasket will be too large. Therefore, when the metal dome is close to the outline during use, the dome array in this area will tilt upward. We provide customers with two solution suggestions: The first is to keep the distance between the dome and the contour from being too close based on the actual application, leaving enough space to prevent tilting during use. Alternatively, you can make the shim thicker and add more adhesive to prevent the dome from tilting upward.

What are the benefits of making the dome into a dome array? The metal dome is a small dome in production. A layer of PET tape needs to be attached to the production dome array. First of all, it can prevent dust and contamination from entering, and it can also make the dome more firmly attached to the circuit board.

We will answer a series of problems encountered by metal domes one by one. Best Technology metal domes have strict requirements and control the Force of the metal domes evenly in all metal domes. After production, the dome will go through a series of tests to see if the product is qualified. The metal dome array is easy to save and install. The metal dome is positioned in PET and can be directly installed on the corresponding PCB board. Therefore, metal dome arrays are very popular with some customers, so mass production is common when producing metal domes and dome arrays. More relevant knowledge about metal dome will be continuously updated.

There is a metal dome in the tact switch. What is the function of this dome? There are many people outside the industry who don’t quite understand the primary role of metal domes. Some people will raise questions. Let’s give you a detailed introduction to the main function of the metal dome.

Introduction to tactile dome switch

The tactile dome switch is a very popular switch on the market. The quality of this switch is very good and it is widely used. Many people like it very much. It has different functions in different fields. We are using the tactile dome switch. You will be able to discover its effect when time comes. We often see some simple tactile dome switches on the machine. In fact, its use is very simple. We only need to follow the above tips. The metal dome is inside the tactile dome switch and transmits instructions given by people from the outside. The role of this metal dome is very important, because it can control the switch to convey instructions. If the metal dome is broken, it cannot be used, so the life of the metal dome is very important and it is often used. to tactile dome switch, so the metal dome must undergo life testing to meet the number of uses.

The role of metal domes

Regarding the life of the metal dome, Best Technology’s metal dome has undergone life testing and the dome life can reach 5 million times. After life testing, the metal dome in the tactile dome switch can not only be installed in machines, but can also be used in remote control devices and some control products. Compared with traditional silicone buttons, tactile dome switches have a better feel and longer life, which can indirectly improve the production efficiency of various types of switches using conductive films. The contacts under the metal dome on the tactile dome switch are located on the conductive parts of the PCB (mostly located above the gold finger on the circuit board). When the button is pressed by an external force, the center point of the contact is concave and touches the PCB. lines on it, thereby forming a loop, and the current passes through, and the entire product can work normally.

Use of tactile dome switch

Tactile dome switch is an essential structure in electronic key products. It is a conductive film built into metal dome key products and conductive adhesive key products. The function of tactile dome switch is to conduct the switch in key products. It is commonly used in PCB and conductive sheets on FPC circuit boards. The structure of the tactile dome switch is very simple. After removing the key cover and key cap, you can see the metal dome and circuit board under the key. The keyboards used in daily life are basically tactile dome switches. The tactile dome switch also has thin, soft keys and good protective performance, and the production cost of membrane keys is about the same as that of traditional silicone keys.

Metal dome In the tactile dome switch, precision is also very important. There is a metal dome inside the switch that controls the function of the switch. The tightness of the metal dome plays an important role in use. If the precision of the dome is relatively high, then people will feel better when using it. If the precision of the dome is relatively low, then its feel will be worse. Therefore, when Best Technology reviews the design solutions provided by customers, it will provide customers with suitable solutions based on actual applications. If your product requires a tactile dome switch, then you can contact us for consultation and we will provide you with a suitable solution.

Metal domes make up tiny but often overlooked components of our devices in the world of electronics manufacturing. Metal domes are tiny components, but they play an important role in transmitting instructions. They are key components in various electronic products. Most metal domes are made of stainless steel, and the surface of the stainless steel can be electroplated according to the needs of the product. But have you ever thought about the benefits of nickel plating these tiny wonders? In this article we take a closer look at metal domes and explore the differences between natural domes and nickel domes.

Introduction to natural dome

Metal domes are small components used in a variety of electronic devices, including keyboards, remote controls, and cell phones. They are responsible for providing tactile feedback when pressed, making them an important part of user interface design.

The role of nickel dome

The raw material for metal domes is generally stainless steel, which is known for its durability and corrosion resistance. However, depending on the specific requirements of the product, the stainless steel surface can be electroplated with nickel. This process is called nickel dome plating and has several advantages:

1. Enhanced contact sensitivity

A significant advantage of using nickel-plated metal domes is the lower contact resistance compared to natural domes. Lower contact resistance means electrical signals are more easily transmitted when the dome is pressed. This results in a more responsive and responsive user interface, which is critical for applications such as keyboards and touch screens.

2. Improve stability

Nickel-plated domes also exhibit superior oxidation resistance compared to natural dome. Over time, metal may become susceptible to corrosion, which may affect the conductivity of the metal dome. In contrast, nickel-plated domes are less susceptible to oxidation, ensuring long-term stable conductivity and reliable performance.

3. Cost considerations

While nickel-plated metal domes offer significant advantages, it’s worth noting that they cost more than metal domes. This cost difference is mainly due to the additional nickel plating process. Manufacturers need to carefully weigh the benefits of increased sensitivity and stability against increased production expenses.

Metal dome application areas

Nickel domes are widely used in a variety of electronic products, including:

Keyboard: The enhanced sensitivity of the nickel dome makes it ideal for use on computer keyboards, ensuring a satisfying and responsive typing experience.

Touchscreens: In touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets, nickel domes are preferred for their ability to provide precise and consistent touch response.

Remote Controls: Remote controls for televisions, home appliances, and other electronic devices benefit from the improved durability and reliability of nickel domes.

In summary, while metal domes remain a popular choice for a variety of electronics, nickel metal domes offer clear advantages in terms of contact sensitivity and long-term stability. When choosing a metal dome, you should make a reasonable choice between nickel plating or stainless steel based on the needs of the product itself. The cost of metal domes is also a key factor to consider. Mainly used in applications where accuracy and reliability are critical, investing in nickel domes can improve user experience and product longevity. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that nickel metal domes will continue to play an important role in the development of electronic devices.

When you are designing a metal dome switch for your devices, you must know the design rules or the standard limitations firstly. So how do you know your metal dome design is right and suitable for your applications? Here in, we summarize six frequently asked questions on snap dome switches that we get from our engineers.

1.What Are Classifications of Tactile Metal Domes?

Currently, there are seven methods for the classification of metal dome switches.

• Classification by shape

This is the most intuitive classification for metal domes (snap domes as well), that is by shapes. There are Round Metal Dome, Oblong Metal Dome, Triangle Metal Dome and Four-leg Metal Dome (also called Cross Metal Dome)

• Classification by the number of contact dimples

No dimple, single dimple and multi dimples metal dome. These can be checked on the surface of snap domes.

• Classification by the surface treatment

We also can recognize it from its surface finishing. Normal metal domes are in stainless steel, some customers require plated with Nickel, Silver and Gold.

• Classification by whether they have legs or not

Metal dome with legs or metal dome without legs. (Usually, since the other domes seldom have legs, this method only works with the triangle metal domes.)

• Classification by the force

The metal dome can be classified by high force metal dome and low force metal domes.

• Classification by the click ratio

Metal domes can be divided into high click ratio and low click ratio metal domes.

2.What is the Package Method for Metal Domes?

Usually, we have 4 types of packaging methods for metal domes, you can choose according to your convenience.

• The most common package is PET bag, it is also called bulk or loose.
• Placing metal domes in customized PET adhesive tape, which is named as dome array or

dome sheet.

• Tape & reel package. This package is mainly used for SMT peel and place machine.
• Tube packaging. This method is not used commonly, for which different shapes require

different tooling and different tube sizes, hence if there is no large order volume, the cost will be very high.

3.What Are the Advantages of Metal Dome Switches Over Other Switch Types?

Metal dome switches offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice in many applications. Some key benefits include:

Durability: Metal dome switches are incredibly durable and can withstand millions of actuations without wearing out.

Reliability: They provide consistent tactile feedback, ensuring that every keypress or input is registered accurately.

Tactile Feel: Metal dome switches offer a distinct tactile feel, which many users find satisfying.

Longevity: Their long lifespan reduces maintenance and replacement costs over time.

4.Are Metal Dome Switches Compatible with Different Circuit Designs?

Yes, metal dome switches are compatible with various circuit designs, including flexible circuits. Their low profile and conductive nature make them suitable for integration into different electronic systems, providing tactile feedback and reliable electrical connections.

5.What is the Most Commonly Used Force Range for Metal Dome?

(PS: For round metal dome, when its diameter is larger, the force can even reach 200g to 400g.)

As we know that the force of metal domes is also related to the lifetime. Therefore, the magnitude of force still depends on the customer’s requirement. if the customer has no requirements about the lifetime, we can increase the force at discretion as well.

6.What Parameters Should We Know Before Designing the Dome Array?

a.The position of key, the design file should dedicate the center point of the key.

b.The position of the hole, e.g., LED, position hole, soldering point.

c.The outline of the whole product, outline is generally corresponding to the outline of the PCB.

d.Whether to brush EMI, add double-sided tape, add light guide.

e.Specifications of metal dome, for example: shape, diameter, force and material of metal dome.

f.Tolerance requirements, such as dimensional tolerance, tolerance between buttons and buttons, etc.

If you have any other questions, welcome to reach us at any time~

Many people may not understand the assembly of metal dome array film. Today I will introduce to you the assembly process of metal dome array film. As a precision component of electronic components, the conductive film seamlessly integrates the metal dome onto the PET film. Dome array film is mainly the material of polydome and panels. During production, it mainly requires flatness and printing adaptability. As a critical step in creating tactile switches and membrane keyboards, it’s also important to understand the various assembly methods.

There are usually three ways to install metal dome on PET adhesive sheet.

1) Assembly jig: This is the assembly method we often use at present. The  assembly jig is a precisely dimensionally aligned fixture made from a drawing of a PET adhesive sheet (dome array). Typically, aluminum panels are the material of choice for these fixtures. The dome holes on these plates can be determined according to the different shapes and quantities of the metal dome. It is mainly based on the drawings provided by the customer to make the corresponding dome holes.

The Assembly jig method has high precision, ensuring that the metal dome is accurately placed on the PET adhesive sheet. This precision minimizes the possibility of errors during assembly and produces a reliable dome array.

2) Assembly through pipe clamps: This method is mainly used when assembly speed and efficiency are required, and pipe clamps are used to speed up the assembly process. However, this assembly method can quickly and accurately place the metal dome, but its cost is relatively high. Therefore, this method is only suitable for small batch production, and the cost of large batch production will be relatively high.

Assembly of tube fixtures are favored by manufacturers for maintaining accuracy and speed while also meeting mass production requirements, making them ideal for certain scenarios.

3) Manual assembly: Place the snap dome or metal dome on PET adhesive by manual. Usually if the customer only requires few prototypes and samples, and does not want to pay the fixture fee, we will manually place the metal domes of the sample. However, it is worth noting that the disadvantage of this fitting method is that the fitting tolerance is relatively large, and some may tilt severely.

In summary:

The assembly method used when assembling a metal dome depends on a variety of factors, including product quantity, accuracy requirements and cost budget. We will choose the best solution for our customers based on their requirements.

These assembly methods of Best Technology can ensure that products meet quality standards for customers. Whether you are producing in small batches or large batches, we will provide you with solutions based on the products you need, and ensure product quality while pursuing speed. of precision and superior quality.

Metal domes are important components in a variety of electronic devices, providing tactile feedback and reliability in button interfaces. Assembling a metal dome onto a printed circuit board (PCB) is a critical step that requires careful consideration of methods, advantages, precautions, and potential pitfalls. Best Technology has rich experience in both the PCB industry and the metal dome industry. Below, I will introduce to you in detail the methods and advantages of metal dome assembly.

Can a metal dome be soldered to a PCB?

Metal domes can be assembled onto PCBs using various methods, including:

Direct Insertion:It can be directly inserted into the pinholes of the PCB and fixed; or a Metal dome can be made with tape, and the Metal dome and PCB can be glued together for conduction, which is called a dome array.

Dome Array: Metal domes can be affixed to PCBs using adhesive tape, creating a dome array. However, welding metal domes directly onto PCBs is not recommended. This is because metal domes possess a slight arc and ductility. When pressed, they tend to extend slightly. Welding directly onto PCBs can limit this flexibility and potentially cause the metal domes to become concave with prolonged use.

Precautions for Metal Dome Assembly

When working with metal domes, it is essential to observe specific precautions to maintain their integrity and functionality:

Avoid Sharp Objects: Do not use sharp objects to press the metal domes to prevent damage.

Avoid Overloading (Heavy Objects): Ensure that products are not subjected to heavy objects that may cause deformation or damage to the metal domes.

Physical Inspection: Pay close attention to any physical external damage on the metal domes, as this can impact performance.

Minimize Direct Contact: Refrain from touching the metal domes directly with bare hands to prevent contamination.

Avoid Exposure to Solvents: Ensure that products do not come into contact with special solvents, as these can affect the performance of metal domes.

Maintain Clean PCB Pads: PCB contact pads in contact with metal domes should not contain foreign matter, as this can affect the conductivity of the domes.

Advantages of Making Metal Dome Arrays

Creating metal dome arrays offers several advantages:

Enhanced Efficiency : Metal domes can be processed into a single adhesive film, streamlining the assembly process and significantly improving efficiency. This eliminates the need to assemble metal domes individually.

Protection Against Contamination : Covering metal domes with PET adhesive paper safeguards them against dust and contamination, ensuring optimal performance over time.

firmly attached : Dome arrays provide a more secure attachment of metal domes to the circuit board, enhancing overall durability.

Best Technology considers methods, materials and precautions to ensure that metal domes function optimally during use. In addition to the assembly methods and some precautions introduced above, Best also undergoes strict inspections when producing metal domes to ensure the product quality of the metal domes. If you want to learn more about Best Technology’s dome array, you can contact us.