Laser etched silicone rubber keypads
Laser Etched Silicone Rubber Keypads
laser-etched silicone rubber keypads are a type of input device used in electronic equipment, such as remote controls, calculators, medical devices and industrial controls. It is made of silicone rubber, which is a durable and flexible material that can withstand harsh environments, extreme temperatures, and exposure to chemicals and liquids.
A keypad to be laser etched is first moulded in clear silicone rubber. After vulcanisation (curing) it is sprayed in white silicone ink and put in an oven to cure. After curing the keypad is sprayed with a black silicone ink and oven cured again. Checks are made, using a light box, at each stage that the spray coverage is complete.
Once the inks have cured the now black keypads are loaded onto the bed of our laser etching machine. A program containing the graphics is loaded and the laser selectively etches off the black outer layer revealing the white layer underneath.
Finally, we usually spray the keyboard with a clear protective coat of silicone or polyurethane.
We now have a keypad with black buttons and high-quality white graphics.
These white on black buttons are visible in daylight and when they are backlit by an LED, on the pcb below, they are very visible in any light.
Rubbertech 2000 specializes in the design and manufacture of silicone rubber keypads, including laser-etched keypads. We use advanced technologies and materials to create keypads that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Rubbertech 2000 can customize keypads to meet the specific needs and requirements of our clients.
We have been a silicone keypad manufacturer since the company’s formation in 1986. It is one of our specialisms.
If you have an enquiry for silicone keypads with or without laser etching, we would love to hear from you.