Printing a Flexible Multilayer Membrane Keyboard | Membrane Switch, Circuit
We printed a functioning flexible multilayer membrane keyboard in under 2 hours using NOVA, our materials dispensing system, and V-One, our PCB printer.
For the first layer of the print, we used @ACIMaterials SS1109 Stretchable Silver Ink to print the keyboard pattern. Then we used ACI’s SI3104 Stretchable Insulator to cover the first layer, preventing short circuiting and allowing current to run separately on two conductive layers. For the third layer, the crossovers were printed with the stretchable silver ink, connecting the entire print.
We used V-One to drill holes in FR1 to mount the flexible membrane on. We dispensed solder with NOVA, placed the diodes, and reflowed in an oven. We then attached a set of keys to the corresponding pads using Kapton tape.
After 3D printing an enclosure for the prototype, we tested out the functionality by typing each key into a serial monitoring software. This result is a fully flexible electronic device!
Want to learn more about NOVA and its diverse applications? Visit:
https://www.voltera.io/nova
ACI SS1109: https://www.acimaterials.com/ss1109/
ACI SI3104: https://www.acimaterials.com/si3104/
#PrintedElectronics #FlexibleElectronics #VolteraNOVA #VolteraVOne #FlexibleHybridElectronics
0:00 – Intro
0:10 – Layer schematic
0:25 – Height mapping
0:33 – Printing layer 1
0:58 – Printing layer 2
1:13 – Printing layer 3
1:21 – Drilling with the V-One
1:40 – Keyboard assembly
2:00 – Finished Flexible Membrane Keyboard