Now, you can easily attach high-quality metal domes directly to your circuit board just like any standard SMD switch component.
Engineered for automation, the solder dome features two tabs that allow it to be surface-mounted directly to the circuit–without impacting performance. Like standard metal domes, the solder dome is a normally open momentary contact that provides a crisp tactile feel. The SMD switch dome is loaded in tape and reel for use in your SMT or pick-n-place machines and is adhered to the circuit with reflow soldering.
The SMD switch dome fits into your normal automation process. Easily integrate domes into your standard SMT machines.
Tactile dome switches have a superior tactile feel compared to other solderable switches, like tact switches.
Lower your cost of production and labor by reducing overall build time and eliminating steps to final product assembly.
Q. Can you solder a dome to a circuit board or flex circuit?
A. Yes, two solderable tabs allow the dome to be soldered directly to a printed circuit board or flex circuit without impacting performance or tactile feel.
Q. Are there any special considerations for assembly?
A: Snaptron recommends using an SMT assembly system. While domes can be placed by hand or manually soldered, we recommend you use a solder paste deposit and an SMT placement machine to ensure the most accurate results. Because SMT systems can vary by manufacturer, following all guidelines and recommendations for your machine as specified is essential. Mechanical placement will apply pressure on the dome. Please ensure the placement force is less than the rated actuation force of the dome.
Q: Why do you recommend no solder mask under the entire dome instead of just the pads?
A: The presence of solder mask under the dome can interfere with dome travel. This may negatively impact the consistency and reliability of the switch closure.
Q. What size reels are available, and how many domes per reel?
A. The solder dome comes packaged in a pocketed reel. Reels come standard in two sizes; 13″ reels hold 2,500 or 5,000 and 22″ reels hold 10,000 or 15,000 domes, depending on the dome’s diameter. Contact your sales representative for quantity price breaks.
Q. What soldering method should I use, and how much solder paste should I apply?
A: Our domes have been validated with leaded and lead-free solder pastes. We recommend using a 0.005″ thick stencil covering 40%-50% of the solder pad area. Always verify that the solder paste is applied in the correct area to avoid an inadequate solder joint or solder wicking.
Q: Can I connect only to the outer solder pads, and if so, is ENIG plating acceptable?
A: Yes, connecting to the outer pads only is fine. ENIG plating is also acceptable, but note that fretting from mechanical rubbing of the dome feet may still occur, as with any dome switch.
Q. Can I apply a tape covering over the domes?
A: Yes, you can. This would provide additional protection from contamination and extra dome stability in harsh environments. If covering, ensure adequate venting is provided for the dome, such as a through hole.
Contact our team today to request samples of the SMD dome packaged in a tape and reel.
WINDSOR, CO – November 14, 2023 – Snaptron, a leading manufacturer of tactile switches, is thrilled to announce the expansion of their highly acclaimed S-Series metal domes switch line with […]
If you’ve ever used an electronic device, chances are you’ve encountered a surface-mount device (SMD) switch. These tiny components play a crucial role in modern electronics, allowing users to turn devices on and off, adjust settings, and control various functions.
Snaptron wins Passive Electromechanical Product of the Year at the 2022 Elektra Awards in London hosted by Electronics Weekly for their S-Series product line, a solderable metal dome switch solution. […]
ℹ︎ Disclosures and product information
