Customer celebrates anniversary of the copper foil keyboard

The haptics and optics of the membrane keyboard, alongside its functionality, determine whether the entire device is accepted by the user.

High-class control elements: Premium keyboards are equipped with Profiline technology, which offers excellent tactile feedback and exceptionally good switching behavior.

Membrane keypads are indispensable in human-machine communication: For operating devices in medical and measurement technology, automation, electromechanics, and mechanical industries, Kundisch GmbH has been setting standards for over 40 years.

The company from Villingen-Schwenningen is a technological leader in the development, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality copper membrane keypads. Founded in 1979, since the early 1980s, the focus has been on customized solutions for a wide range of industries and applications.

Kundisch has a modern machinery park and produces under cleanroom conditions. The company specializes in membrane keypads made based on refined copper circuit tracks. "Copper has the major advantage that, in addition to low conductor resistance compared to silver, it also offers lower sliding resistance and significantly better breakage resistance," explains Klaus Pfeffer, project manager and expert for membrane keypads at Kundisch. "As a result, copper membrane keypads exhibit high durability against environmental influences – a benefit that our customers appreciate."

The copper technology offers unbeatable advantages: Thanks to it, the experts have been able to meet the high demands placed on flat input systems over the years. For example, copper allows for soldering electronic components. In terms of integrability into technology, form, and design, fully enclosed and testable units are increasingly required, which can be integrated into devices or systems as "Plug and Play" modules. Membrane keypads with copper circuit tracks are ideal for applications in medicine, measurement technology, and in challenging environmental conditions due to their quality and durability.

Light, Shine, and Embossing

While copper technology mainly enables the realization of special solutions, Kundisch also offers membrane keypads with silver paste circuit tracks for less demanding needs with a focus on economic aspects. Equipped with snap rings, these can also be customized to different requirements.

"Membrane keypads are crucial for the acceptance of the entire device and the proper functionality of human-machine communication," says Pfeffer. "In addition to optional interactive operation with function displays and symbol lighting, optical effects such as shine technology, illumination, and embossing are also important, highlighting individual elements and following specific design requirements." Upon request, the keypads can be equipped with special films for outdoor applications or enhanced with antibacterial or antimicrobial coatings for medical areas.

The decades of know-how pay off: Kundisch membrane keypads demonstrate mature technology in production and continuous development in response to market needs. More than 2.5 million control elements are produced annually by Kundisch.