How do new materials and printed electronics technologies promote the upgrade of membrane buttons?

Why do industrial control and consumer electronics still rely on the evolution of membrane buttons?

June 25, 2025 - As the global intelligent process accelerates, membrane buttons, as a key component of human-computer interaction, are undergoing revolutionary technological changes. The integration of new functional materials, flexible electronic technology and advanced printing technology is driving membrane buttons to upgrade from traditional switch functions to integrated, highly stable, and intelligent interactive terminals. Despite the continuous iteration of touch display technology, membrane buttons still maintain an irreplaceable application position in industrial automation control, medical instruments and equipment, smart homes, and automotive electronics. This article will deeply analyze the empowerment path of new materials and printed electronic technology for membrane buttons, and interpret the core motivation for its continued evolution in industrial and consumer electronic scenarios.

1.New materials help membrane keypad performance breakthroughs

In the development history of membrane keys, silver paste circuits and PET substrates have long dominated their construction systems. However, with the in-depth development of flexible electronic technology, a series of new materials have emerged, driving the performance of membrane keys to achieve a qualitative leap:

A.Flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) are an innovative alternative to traditional silver paste circuits

In the early manufacturing process of membrane keys, silver paste printed circuits were the mainstream choice, but they had the inherent defect of high contact resistance, about 0.5 milliohms/square. At the same time, circuit connections mostly rely on traditional methods such as riveting and plugging, which are prone to reliability problems such as poor contact during long-term use. Today, copper-clad flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) based on polyimide (PI) and polyester (PET) have entered the market strongly. With excellent electrical properties, they significantly reduce contact resistance and greatly improve signal transmission efficiency. In addition, FPC supports diversified connection modes such as welding and plugging, which effectively enhances the stability and service life of the key circuit, and provides solid technical support for the performance upgrade of membrane keys.

B,Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film enhances flexibility

Covestro's Platilon® TPU film has excellent stretchability and mechanical flexibility, suitable for flexible electronic applications such as wearable devices and medical patches. The Material Supports copper-based and silver-based ink printing, which can make stretchable circuits, so that membrane buttons can remain functional when bent or deformed.

C,Ultra-thin nanomaterials replace ITO Conductive layer

Traditional membrane buttons often use indium tin oxide (ITO) film as the conductive material of the touch layer, but with the development of technology, its thickness and flexibility limitations gradually emerge. The new two-dimensional nanosheet material developed by the Australian research team has brought innovation to membrane button touch technology with disruptive performance indicators - the thickness of this material is only 1% of the ITO film, while having excellent flexibility and optical properties, and the light absorption rate is as low as 0.7%, which is almost transparent. What is more valuable to the industry is that this material supports roll-to-roll (R2R) continuoUs Production process, which can meet the needs of large-scale industrial manufacturing. In the future, if it is applied to the touch layer of membrane buttons, it can not only significantly improve the button response speed, but also effectively reduce the power consumption of equipment operation, opening up a new path for the lightweight and energy-saving development of membrane buttons.

2,Printed electronics technology optimizes manufacturing process

A,Digital printing technology improves the accuracy of color membrane buttons

The latest patent of CSI Industrial Technology uses digital printing technology to achieve one-time transfer of color patterns, avoiding traditional overprinting errors, making the membrane switch panel more colorful and more efficient.

B,Screen-printed dot-shaped particles replace the traditional isolation layer

Traditional membrane buttons use insulating films as isolation layers, while the new process uses screen-printed highly elastic viscous latex dot-shaped particles, which not only simplifies the production process, but also improves the light transmittance and tactile feedback of transparent circuits.

C,UV inkjet printing technology accelerates customized production

GCC Nebula Computer's JF-240UV inkjet printer can quickly complete customized printing of membrane keypad panels, supporting high-precision pattern and functional layer superposition, suitable for special needs such as medical equipment and industrial control panels.

3,Why do industrial control and consumer electronics still rely on membrane buttons?

Although touch screens dominate in smartphones, tablets and other fields, membrane buttons are still irreplaceable in the following scenarios:

A,High reliability requirements in harsh environments

In flammable and explosive environments such as coal mines and petrochemicals, the electrostatic shielding technology of membrane buttons (such as silver paste-carbon paste mixed conductive layer) can effectively prevent electrostatic interference and ensure the safe operation of equipment.

B,Multifunctional integration and space optimization

Modern membrane buttons have integrated functions such as LED lighting, voice prompts, and tactile feedback. They can even embed components such as resistors and capacitors to replace some PCB functions. They are suitable for medical equipment and automotive central control with limited space 35.

C,Cost advantage and mass production adaptability

Compared with high-end touch screens, membrane buttons have lower production costs and are suitable for mass production. They are still competitive in the fields of home appliances and industrial instruments.

4,Future trends: intelligent and modular development

With the maturity of printed electronics technology, membrane keys are developing towards a smarter and more integrated direction:

Soft-hard combination design: such as CMAI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED hybrid membrane switch, which has both rigidity and flexibility advantages and is suitable for folding devices.

Embedded sensor: In the future, it may be combined with In-Cell touch technology to make membrane keys have both touch and display functions.

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