Snaptron offers Peel-N-Place arrays, the most common way to secure tactile domes to your PCB or flex circuit. Typically, metal domes are not solderable. Therefore, when you actuate a dome, the center collapses, making contact with the circuit. As this happens, the legs of the dome flex out. Restricting this movement with solder can affect the feel of the dome and may damage or destroy the tactile function.
Peel-N-Place arrays are domes on an adhesive substrate, or tape, that adheres directly to your PCB. Domes are pre-loaded in the exact positions you require so that multiple domes can be placed with one application. The adhesive used allows the domes to flex and maintain the dome switch’s feel and function.
Adhesive Tape Materials
Adhesive is a common method to hold metal domes in place. Different adhesive tape (pressure sensitive) materials are available depending on your application needs and the size and style of the domes used.
Typical tape material thicknesses are 0.002” (0.05mm), 0.003” (0.08mm), 0.004” (0.10mm). PNP arrays are generally cut to match the shape of your substrate and can be placed visually, or Snaptron can manufacture custom placement fixtures to assist with the placement process. Custom Peel-N-Place arrays are designed to meet your requirements and reduce labor costs by placing multiple domes at once.
TYPES OF STANDARD ADHESIVE TAPE MATERIALS
| Name | Adhesive Layer | Adhesive Layer Thickness | Structural Layer Type | Structural Layer Thickness | Adhesive Service Temperature Range | Total Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 7993MP | Acrylic | 0.002” (0.05mm) | Clear PET | 0.001” (0.03mm) | -40 to 300 Deg F (-40 to 149 Deg C) | 0.003″ (0.08mm) |
| 3M 7992MP | Acrylic | 0.002” (0.05mm) | Clear PET | 0.002” (0.05mm) | -40 to 300 Deg F (-40 to 149 Deg C) | 0.004″ (0.10mm) |
| Flexcon FLX059420 | Acrylic | 0.002” (0.05mm) | Clear PET | 0.001” (0.03mm) | -40 to 302 Deg F (-40 to 150 Deg C) | 0.003″ (0.08mm) |
| Flexcon FLX000314 | Acrylic | 0.002” (0.05mm) | Clear PET | 0.002” (0.05mm) | -40 to 302 Deg F (-40 to 150 Deg C) | 0.004″ (0.10mm) |
| Flexcon FLX000376 | Acrylic | 0.002” (0.05mm) | White PET | 0.002” (0.05mm) | -40 to 302 Deg F (-40 to 150 Deg C) | 0.004″ (0.10mm) |
| Flexcon FLX002500 | Acrylic | 0.001” (0.03mm) | Clear PET | 0.001” (0.03mm) | -40 to 257 Deg F (-40 to 125 Deg C) | 0.002″ (0.06mm) |
| Flexcon FLX002740 | Acrylic | 0.001” (0.03mm) | Clear PET | 0.002” (0.05mm) | -40 to 257 Deg F (-40 to 125 Deg C) | 0.003″ (0.08mm) |
PEEL-N-PLACE ARRAYS (STANDARD ADHESIVE SHEET SIZES)
- Small – 5.3” x 4.5” (135mm x 114mm)
- Array usable area – 3.8” x 3.0” (97mm x 76mm)
- Medium – 8.0” x 7.0” (203mm x 178mm)
- Array usable area – 6.5” x 5.5” (165mm x 140mm)
Prototypes
Snaptron can manufacture quick-turn prototypes of Custom Peel-N-Place arrays. Typical lead times for low-volume prototypes are 7-14 days. Contact us today to get started on your next project.
Note: Tolerances on prototypes may not match the final design.
