Custom membrane keypads for industrial HMI operator units

Custom membrane keypads directly from the manufacturer

Membrane keyboards for industrial operating devices – customer-specific development and manufacturing

For over 25 years, we have been developing and manufacturing custom membrane keypads for industrial, medical, and technical applications. As an experienced development partner, we support our customers from the initial concept phase through design to the series production of complete operating solutions.

Membrane keyboards are flat, multi-layered input systems for the safe and reliable operation of electronic devices. Their compact design, high degree of design freedom, and good resistance to moisture, dirt, and cleaning agents make them particularly suitable for demanding HMI applications in industrial automation, medical technology, laboratory technology, and measurement technology.

Each membrane keypad is precisely tailored to the requirements of the respective application. Even in the development phase, we consider important factors such as environmental conditions, protection rating, chemical resistance, actuation force, lighting concepts, display integration, and ergonomic user interface.

Custom membrane keypads – precisely tailored to your application

The close integration of development, toolmaking, and manufacturing results in technically sophisticated membrane keypads that can be seamlessly integrated into existing device concepts. Whether a simple decorative film, a tactile membrane keypad with metal snap domes, a capacitive control panel, or a complete HMI assembly – we create customized solutions for demanding applications.

Keyboard with matching case?

In addition to the production of membrane keypads, we also offer tailor-made Housing, Displays and precise cable assembly This gives you a complete HMI solution – from a single source and with proven quality.

Design Guide Membrane Keyboards

Download our free design guide and get valuable tips on material selection, ergonomics and technology for developing your individual membrane keypad.

References of realized membrane keypads

Our many years of experience are reflected in numerous successfully implemented projects.
Here is a selection of our realized keyboards:

Membrane keyboard with display window and navigation keys for laser devices, medical technology and industrial HMI user interfaces

Membrane keypad with LED-illuminated keys and status indicators for climate control, ventilation and control systems

Membrane keyboard for industrial machine with display windows, embossed keys and flexible conductor connection for machine control

Membrane keyboard for machine control with large display window, function keys and flexible conductor connection for industrial HMI user interfaces

Three compact membrane keypads for handheld devices with flexible conductive track

three membrane keypads, each with one embossed key and flexible conductor track

Typical applications of our membrane keypads

Membrane keypad for hospital bed control with symbol keys, CPR function and hygienic user interface for medical applications

Membrane keyboards for medical and laboratory technology

In medical and laboratory technology, user interfaces must meet the highest standards of hygiene, reliability, and user-friendliness. Membrane keyboards offer ideal conditions for this. Their sealed surface is easy to clean and disinfect, while high-quality materials ensure excellent resistance to cleaning and disinfecting agents.

The integration of display windows, LED backlighting, capacitive touch fields, or tactile buttons enables modern operating concepts for analytical instruments, diagnostic devices, laboratory instruments, and medical systems. Customized layouts allow for intuitive user guidance and support reliable operation even in demanding application environments. Thanks to their high degree of design freedom and long service life, membrane keypads have been a proven solution for medical and laboratory technology for many years.

Membrane keyboard with silicone overlay and function keys for measuring instruments

Membrane keyboards for measurement technology

Measuring and analytical instruments place high demands on precision and usability. Membrane keypads enable a clear structuring of operating functions and support reliable input, even with complex measuring systems. Customizable key geometries, tactile feedback, and integrated display windows ensure comfortable operation and high process reliability. Thanks to their flat design and flexible configuration, membrane keypads can be optimally integrated into compact measuring instruments. At the same time, robust materials guarantee a long service life, even under demanding operating conditions.

Membrane keyboard for industrial control with complex operating layout

Membrane keyboards for mechanical engineering and industrial automation

In mechanical engineering and industrial automation, operating elements must function reliably even under demanding environmental conditions. Membrane keypads offer a robust and economical solution for this. They are resistant to dust, moisture, cleaning agents, and mechanical stress, and can be individually adapted to machine controls, operator panels, and industrial HMI systems.

The integration of tactile buttons, LED backlighting, display windows, or capacitive controls creates user-specific interfaces with high functionality and a professional appearance. This high degree of design freedom allows for optimal adaptation to the respective application – from compact control units to complex machine and plant controls.

Membrane keypads – versatile and robust input devices

Exploded view of a membrane keypad with layered structure for HMI operator panels and industrial input systems — Multi-layered design of an industrial membrane keypad for HMI applications

Membrane keyboards are reliable and durable input devices that impress with both their electrical and mechanical properties. They also boast an exceptionally long service life – even under intensive use or demanding operating conditions.

Thanks to the use of durable materials such as polycarbonate or polyester, membrane keypads are particularly resistant to moisture, dust, and chemicals. This makes them ideal for applications in industrial and medical technology. Whether in harsh production environments or sensitive areas, the keyboards meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and robustness.

In our Blog You will find exciting insights into the development, technologies and application possibilities of modern membrane keypads:

Blog

Technology and equipment

Membrane keyboard with Light Guide Film technology for homogeneous illumination

Our membrane keypads combine modern technology, ergonomic design, and maximum reliability. Each keyboard is individually developed according to your requirements – from the key layout and feel to the integration of additional functions.
Depending on the application and operating requirements, different versions are available:

Metal snap discs provide precise, tactile feedback and an exact switching feel.
Embossed keys offer improved haptics and facilitate user navigation – even when wearing gloves.
LED or LGF backlighting ensures optimal visibility in low light conditions or industrial environments.

We can optionally integrate additional components such as displays, touch panels, decorative films or integrated seals to perfectly match your user interface to the application.
More on this:

Technology & Equipment

Design of membrane keypads

The Finishing of keys opens up numerous possibilities for specifically improving both the functionality and design of these input devices. Various processes allow for the implementation of customized solutions that are precisely tailored to your specific requirements.

For example, the decorative foil can be replaced with a robust silicone layer, which significantly increases the keyboard's durability. Furthermore, high-quality, three-dimensional keys can be created by applying epoxy resin, which not only provides an attractive appearance but also noticeably improved tactile feel.
More on this topic:

Design

Structure of a membrane keypad

The keyboard consists of several layers of foil stacked on top of each other. Together, they ensure high functionality and durability. The most important components include the decorative foil, the retaining foil, the switching foil, the spacer foil, and the adhesive foil (carrier layer). Each of these layers plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal keyboard function.

Example: Structure of our N&H sample keyboard

Construction of a membrane keypad with a layered structure based on an N&H sample membrane keypad

Decorative film, holding film, switching film and spacer film

The decorative film forms the top layer of the membrane keypad and is crucial for its functionality and longevity. It is printed on the back, ensuring high abrasion resistance.

For better user guidance, the surface can be embossed so that the keys are tactilely highlighted.
In addition to classic polyester films, alternative materials such as silicone mats are also used depending on the requirements, which offer even greater robustness and a particularly pleasant feel.

The retaining foil fixes the metal snap-on discs and ensures that they stay securely in place. This ensures reliable keyboard function and prevents unwanted movement of the switches.

The switching foil takes over the signal transmission. It typically consists of two layers:

Upper switching foil: This contains the contact surfaces.
Lower switching foil: The conductor tracks, switching points and the connection lug are integrated here.

In certain applications, the contact surfaces are applied directly to the Decorative film applied, eliminating the upper switching foil. This allows for a more compact design and saves space.

The Spacer foil separates the upper and lower switching foil This ensures reliable electrical insulation between the two levels. Targeted recesses are located at the designated contact points, enabling a precise and secure connection between the switching foils. In versions with metal snap-on domes, the spacer foil also acts as a spacer, ensuring a defined and uniform actuation force.

Development & Design of Membrane Keyboards

Consulting on the development of customized membrane keypads with samples and design variations.

Holistic development from the concept phase to series production

From the first sketch to series production, we are at your side as a competent development partner and Manufacturer of individual membrane keypads to the side.

Our design and engineering experts work with you to develop the optimal solution – tailored to your application environment, ease of use, and technical requirements. We combine innovative materials, precise manufacturing technologies, and many years of experience to create a reliable, durable, and cost-effective keyboard solution for you.

Our services in the field of membrane keypads:

construction
Feasibility studies & suggestions for improvement
Development of technical options for cost reduction
Creation of the technical drawing
Prototype creation with digital printing

Feel free to use our inquiry form to quickly and easily submit your requirements. Our checklist also provides an overview for the development and design of membrane keypads.

request form

checklist

Reference price & optimization of existing keyboards

Are you considering switching suppliers or would you like to optimize the cost-effectiveness of your existing membrane keypad?

We analyze your current solution based on drawings or samples and identify specific technical optimization potential as well as concrete cost-saving approaches. Do you already have a target price in mind? If so, please let us know directly – we will examine the technical feasibility and present suitable solutions. Thanks to our in-house manufacturing at SNT Electronics Technology, we can not only evaluate optimizations but also efficiently implement them in practice.

This is how we start your project

In order to make you an initial offer, we need the following information:

Technical drawing, sketch or an existing sample
If you do not yet have a technical drawing, we will be happy to create one for you.
Short product description with area of application
The more details you give us, the more precisely we can tailor the offer to your requirements.
Optional additional information
If available, please send us a specification sheet, technical specifications or special equipment details.
Planned quantity or estimated annual requirement
This helps us to optimally align production to your requirements.

To protect your data and ideas, we can conclude a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in advance. If you do not have your own NDA, we will be happy to provide you with our template.

NDA template

We look forward to your inquiry.

+49 (0)2154-81250

info@nh-technology.de

Personal Meeting

A personal conversation is particularly important to us when it comes to getting to know each other for the first time and discussing complex or new projects. We want to ensure that we fully understand your requirements and needs and can provide you with the best possible solution.

Of course we are also available to you via email Online meeting available. We use various platforms and tools to ensure seamless and effective communication.

In our Showroom Porto Cervo you have the opportunity to see for yourself the quality and functionality of our products, to receive individual advice and to try out the different models. Our team of experts is available on site to answer all your questions and to work with you to find the perfect solution for your requirements.

Contact Simply contact us to Appointment to arrange a meeting and get to know each other. We look forward to it!

In-house production of membrane keypads

Management team of SNT Electronics Technology and N&H Technology at the company's location in China

At our subsidiary SNT Electronics Technology we manufacture high-quality membrane keypads under state-of-the-art production conditions. We rely on innovative technologies, certified manufacturing processes, and Class 1000 cleanrooms to ensure consistently high quality, maximum cleanliness, and consistent compliance with international standards.

More about SNT

Flexible manufacturing – implemented reliably and with technical precision

Our manufacturing processes enable on-time, high-quality production, even with complex technical requirements. We tailor each project to your specific requirements while ensuring cost-effective implementation.

Your requirements are our focus

Our engineers and designers think for themselves, examine details, and develop solutions precisely tailored to your application. We combine technical expertise with practical thinking to create functional and cost-effective products that meet your requirements long-term.

Watch the construction of a membrane keypad and our company video on YouTube to learn more about our production.

Construction of a membrane keypad

Video about SNT

Design of membrane keypads on the CAD system

Design of membrane keypads with technical drawings

Manufacturing of membrane keypads using the printing process

Membrane keyboard screen-printed during production

Screen printing process in the production of membrane keypads

Industrial manufacturing of membrane keypads in production

Membrane keyboard using digital printing process

Manufacturing a membrane keypad using an automated production system

Manufacturing of membrane keypads in a controlled production environment

Lifespan test of membrane keypads in continuous testing

Abrasion test of a membrane keypad for quality control

Assembly of a membrane keypad in manufacturing

sample set for customized keyboard solutions

Sample set of membrane keypads and silicone switch mats from N&H Technology

With our N&H sample set you will get a comprehensive insight into the Variety and quality of our keyboard solutions. The set includes one Pattern Silicone Keypad and Sample membrane keypad, showing different material options, designs and switching principles.

The sample set is rounded off by our Design Guides – Your compact reference works with valuable information on construction, design, and function. This allows you to quickly identify the right solution for your application and make informed decisions.

Order sample set

Individual sample sets available upon request

Depending on availability and technical feasibility, we can assemble application-specific sample sets for you, e.g., to compare different coatings, materials, or textures. This allows you to evaluate options early on and select the optimal solution.

For individual sample sets, please contact us by email – we will promptly check the available options for your application.

Technical brochure on membrane keypads

Design Guide for Membrane Keyboards (Downloadable)

Download Design Guide

Before you begin planning your custom keyboard, we recommend downloading our Keyboard Design Guide. This practical guide will support you from the very beginning in developing your bespoke input solution. You'll learn, among other things, which materials are best suited for keys and housing, how to improve ergonomics and usability, and what technical options are available – from classic keypads to modern touch surfaces. The Design Guide offers concise information, illustrative examples, and concrete, practical recommendations. Download it now for free and start your project perfectly prepared.

In addition, the practical checklist at the end of the guide will assist you in the development, design, and production of your membrane keypad. This ensures that all crucial factors are considered early on and your project can be implemented efficiently.

FAQs and useful information about membrane keypads

Answers to frequently asked questions and further information about membrane keypads can be found in our FAQ section – compact and quickly accessible.

For further content, technical background information, and practical examples, please refer to our blog at snt-folientastaturen.deThere, we pool detailed expertise to provide targeted and clear content on a specialized platform. This ensures that our technical contributions remain easily discoverable and can be continuously expanded.

Should you not find a suitable answer there, we will be happy to support you directly – personally, technically sound and solution-oriented.

Questions from our FAQ:

When is a membrane keypad the right choice?

Membrane keyboards are the ideal solution when a flat, reliable, and customizable user interface is required. They are particularly common in industrial equipment, measuring systems, laboratory instruments, and medical applications where high demands are placed on design, cleanability, and reliability.
Thanks to their multi-layered construction, membrane keypads offer a sealed surface that is easy to clean and reliably protects against dust, moisture, and other environmental influences. At the same time, they allow for a high degree of design freedom in terms of colors, symbols, display windows, LED backlighting, and capacitive touch controls.
A membrane keypad is the right choice especially when a modern appearance, compact design, and cost-effective mass production are paramount. For applications with very high demands on tactile feedback or mechanical durability, alternative options are also available. silicone keymats a suitable solution.

What types of protection are possible with a membrane keypad?

Membrane keyboards are ideally suited for applications requiring high protection against dust, moisture, and dirt. Their closed surface structure allows for protection ratings up to IP65, IP67, and even higher in special applications, depending on the design.
The actual achievable degree of protection depends on various factors, including the keyboard design, the type of seal against the housing, and the integration of displays, connectors, or other operating elements. Membrane keyboards are frequently used, particularly in industrial automation, medical technology, and laboratory technology, to reliably protect sensitive electronics from environmental influences.
Already in the development phase, we take the required protection rating into account and optimally adapt the design, materials and sealing concept to the respective application.

What functions can be integrated into a foil keyboard?

Modern membrane keypads offer far more than just switching functions. Their modular design allows numerous functions and components to be integrated directly into the user interface. These include tactile keys with metal snap domes, LED backlighting, display windows, capacitive touch fields, and various indicator and status functions.
For demanding HMI applications, membrane keypads can also be combined with light-guiding films, RFID technologies, EMC shielding, or transparent viewing windows for displays. Integration onto aluminum or plastic substrates, as well as combination with housings, touchscreens, and electronic assemblies, is also easily possible.
The high degree of design freedom allows membrane keypads to be precisely adapted to the technical, ergonomic, and visual requirements of each application. This results in customized operating solutions for industrial plants, measuring instruments, laboratory equipment, and medical systems.

From what production quantities does a custom membrane keypad become worthwhile?

Custom membrane keypads can be produced economically starting from around 100 units. However, the actual cost-effectiveness depends not only on the quantity, but also on the technical requirements, the range of functions, and the desired design features.
Even with small production runs, developers benefit from a user interface optimally tailored to the application. Custom keyboard layouts, display windows, LED backlighting, or capacitive touch controls can be integrated directly into the product, often reducing assembly effort and the number of additional components.
For prototypes and pre-production runs, various sample manufacturing options are available. We would be happy to work with you to determine the minimum production quantity required for a custom membrane keypad to be technically and economically viable for your application.

What are the usual delivery times?

The delivery time for a custom membrane keypad depends on complexity, quantity, and functionality. Initial functional prototypes can often be produced within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the design. Series production typically takes place within 4 to 8 weeks after approval of the technical documentation.
For development projects with tight deadlines, we also offer the option of producing samples and small batches using digital printing. This allows initial design and functional prototypes to be provided much faster, often without the need for tooling or printing screens.
Even in the development phase, we support our customers in selecting suitable manufacturing processes in order to shorten development times and quickly bring projects to series production readiness.

More FAQs

You can find all questions about membrane keypads here.
also in our FAQ.

FAQ

BLOG

On our website snt-folientastatur.de you will find our membrane keypad blog with current news and developments.

Visit the blog