Keypads need protective coatings so they last as long as possible. There are many different types of coatings, each with its own function and protective quality. Wondering how to choose? Take a look at the types of coatings we use and what’s best for your product.
It’s important to keep in mind that protective coatings shield rubber keypads from harsh conditions, plus they work to increase the life span of the product. Protective coatings can prevent problems ranging from chemical elements to abrasion to conductivity issues.
1. Conductive Coating
SiCoat V Conductive Bond Coating is designed to solve the problem of bonding rubber to switches comprised of polyester. Prior to the breakthrough of conductive coating, keypads and switches were bonded mechanically, which is more costly and more time consuming. Today’s conductive coating process is much more efficient and cost effective, ideal for use in the manufacture of silicone keypads.
Many materials must allow for electrical conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, and molybdenum. Conductive coatings can take higher temperature applications, to either promote or limit the flow of heat or electrical current into or out of the product. From Electromagnetic Interface (EMI) to anti-static protection to thermal dissipation within photocopy machine parts, such coatings can shield products and systems.
2. Chemical-Resistant Coating
Silicone rubber requires extra protection from external elements. That’s where Chemical Resistant Coatings come in. They’re perfect for keypad applications that take the product in close proximity to chemical elements. Chemical coatings are a great solution to durability issues that typically befall the following industries:
- Automotive
- Medical
- Military
- Manufacturing
3. Abrasion-Resistant Coating
In order to boost the usable life and durability of a product, a protective coating featuring a special formula is applied over a silicone keypad. SiCoat is our abrasion-resistant coating system for use in silicone rubber applications, with the goal of protecting silicone rubber from degrading, even in the harshest conditions.
These coatings are necessary for industries and products like:
- Telecommunications
- Military
- Medical devices
- Machines
- Tools
- Laboratory instruments
- Industrial equipment
- Consumer electronics
- Aerospace
- Automotive
Importance of Protective Coatings
When ordering, designing and integrating silicone keypads into your specific industry, consider how you will protect your product from wear and tear, chemicals, weather, and more. Better yet, let Si-Tech help you with that! We have been in this business for many years and know how to protect keypads. We will discuss the right coating for your keypad in our initial design consultations, ensuring not only a lifetime of durability, but a longer lifespan for your product and ease of operation for the user.
With the right coating, silicone keypads can stay as durable and usable as they were when they were first made.
Contact Si-Tech
For more information on protective coatings for rubber keypads, contact us at 757-887-8488.
