Advances in the military are staggering in terms of technology and state of the art weaponry. But a lesser known aspect of the military’s needs – keypad design – may not get all the glory but it certainly deserves some accolades. Often present under extreme temperature and battlefield conditions, keypads and their associated machines must be made of the most durable materials or else risk failure. That failure could mean the difference between life and death.
This is where silicone rubber components come in. Here at SiTECH, we offer the highest quality military rubber keypads and components that meet and exceed precise design parameters and specifications for all manufacturing requirements. New innovations in military technology must meet the needs of those who use them, which is why we make products with top-notch components through ITAR-certified manufacturers.
What Does ITAR Compliance Mean?
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a set of guidelines that U.S. manufacturers, exporters, and brokers of defense and military-related technologies must adhere to, as per the definition of the United States Munitions List (USML). This is a listing of articles, services, and related technology designated in the defense, military, or space-related industries within the U.S. federal government.
Any components that comprise USML systems must meet ITAR requirements before being exported. SiTECH – proud to be an ITAR-certified rubber molding manufacturer – ensures that all custom silicone keypads manufactured by our workers are fully ITAR compliant.
Design Elements of Military Keypads
Liquid silicone injection molding is an advanced, dependable process that ensures more precise results and more durable products than other types of compression molding. Not only are silicone rubber molded products much lighter than metal components, they feature raised buttons that make it easier to distinguish keys in low light conditions.
Lightweight components are crucial in military operations. Heavy computer equipment, communications devices and surveillance tools impede efficient mobility and can slow down transport and reaction time. When you use a lightweight silicone molding, you enjoy more compact air flight and freight transport. When it comes to transporting sensitive information or containing areas that require security access, custom rubber key pads are the way to go.
Coatings as Shields
In the military, information is everything. It must be protected at all costs lest it get into the wrong hands. Military rubber keypads manufactured with silicone injection molding feature built-in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. This makes electronic communication and verbal transmissions much easier and safer.
Plus, special coatings can be applied to provide increased shield surveillance tools and communications devices from electronic interface. As is common in the military, sometimes there are conditions where poisonous gases, smoke or dust make inhospitable environments, necessitating the use of robots not only for military recon but for public safety search and rescue as well.
Silicone rubber can be utilized for connective parts and protective skin to boost the capabilities of state-of-the art technology. When coatings are applied to these parts, they become abrasion- and chemical-resistant. Other types of coatings enable adhesive attachment to certain materials that would otherwise be impossible to bond efficiently.
Contact SiTECH
Here, we always use high-quality materials and injection molding processes to develop custom rubber keypads for use in the military sector. For more information, please contact us at 757-887-8488.
