FAQ's

Q.What does it mean to over-travel a metal dome?

A. Most of our metal domes are designed to be depressed to flat and no further. However, in some applications more travel is required. Our M-Series metal domes are designed with an additional .005" travel past the flat plane. This means that the dome will exhibit its designed characteristics only when over-travelled. Conversely, the dome will not exhibit its designed tactile response when pushed to flat. The M-Series metal domes will accomodate this additional travel without damaging the metal dome.


Q.Can your domes be assembled with standard pick and place equipment?

A. At this time we do not offer our domes packaged in the standard ammo-pack for pick and place equipment. However, our tape and reel arrays are ready to be placed by a fully automated system. Why place one part at a time, when you can place all of your switches at once? Please contact us for details about using a fully automated dome array placement machine.


Q.How are the domes packaged?

A. There are several different packaging methods to choose from, depending on your specific application. The domes can be packaged in Bulk (jars) , on polyester-adhesive Sheets (Peel-N-Place Arrays), Peel-N-Place Arrays on Tape and Reel, and in Cartridges for use with the Dart™ Placement Pen and the SureShot™ Automated Dome Placement Machine. Please click the appropriate link above for more information.


Q.Do you have local distributors in our area?

A. We do not use distributors. We see no reason why you should have to deal with a middle-man when you can buy directly from the manufacturing source. We ship worldwide every day, by any shipping method you prefer. All of our products are manufactured entirely at our facilities in Colorado, U.S.A. Contact Us to set up an account.


Q.Is there a recommended actuator for depressing the domes?

A. While there are any number of different sizes and shapes of actuators, we test the actuation force of our domes with a .050 diameter, flat-bottom plunger. See Test Criteria for more information on testing the domes.


Q.Do I need to vent the domes through my printed circuit board?

A. While venting is not absolutely necessary for every application, it is desirable in almost all applications. When the dome is depressed, air is trapped underneath it. To avoid compressing the air under the dome when actuated, it is recommended that a vent channel be present. The venting of the dome can be achieved a number of different ways. Some Examples: a.) vent channel can go from dome to dome via a spacer layer b.) dome arrays can be top vented through the polyester material c.) vent channel can go through the board. Not properly venting the dome will result in significant loss of tactile response.


Q.How do I apply the metal domes to my p.c.b., membrane, or flex circuit?

A. Our metal domes are applied by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. Several standard material options are available, as well as custom materials. See our Peel-N-Place Arrays for more information on placing the domes with tape.


Q.Can the domes be soldered to a circuit board?

A. Not recommended. When the domes are pushed, the feet actually move outward slightly. When soldered to a circuit board, the feet of the domes are restricted from their natural movement. This restriction can negatively affect the tactile response of the domes, and in some cases, cause irreparable damage to the domes.