Rubber molding for keypad design has a wide spectrum of advantages because it’s just so versatile. This is critical in the medical industry. Your keypad holds your entire device together, so it has to be tough and durable, but also user-friendly. It also serves a key role in the protection of your device’s surface and ensuring it lasts for many years and even decades. This is why it’s so important to choose a durable material, whether you need it for portable medical devices or stationary controls within a hospital, doctor’s office or lab.
The material you select should also be able to conform to very specific dimensions with lean tolerance. Let’s go over how liquid injection molding can be used for your medical keypad design.
1. Flexibility
Rubber keypads are able to be molded, bent and twisted into any shape. Gaskets, for example, can fit tightly around a blood pressure monitor case and will not budge. Not only does this make a flat exterior seam, it lends the protective casing a higher level of flexibility. Now, it’s easier to install but harder to remove.
2. Versatility
Medical rubber molding, used in a multitude of environments, is great for both indoor or outdoor use. This molding is able to protect every piece of a device, from gaskets and buttons to keypads and plugs. With a portable medical appliance like a home blood pressure checking machine, medical liquid injection molding can be applied to anything from tubing to connective pieces.
3. Printing
Medical liquid injection molding, either screen printed or laser-etched, can feature labeling, printing or logos. Letters and logos can be located on the top exterior surface or on the underside of the rubber keypad. This labeling is crucial, as it gives important directions on how to use the device. Additionally, you can incorporate contrasting backgrounds and colors for simple ID, or to backlight the keys so the lettering is more evident.
4. Protection
Medical liquid injection molding provides a protective outer shell that ensures the safety of interior fragile components. Plus, the covering itself won’t scratch easily like touch screens and other materials can. Got a portable device, such as a defibrillator set cover that is under a lot of stress every day? If the keypad is made of plastic, it will scratch easily as it bangs off floors and walls.
However, if it’s made of durable rubber molding, it will be much better able to protect the device and extend its lifespan, saving you money and headaches.
Contact SiTECH
Rely on our talented engineers to manufacture components with medical liquid injection molding to accommodate whatever medical device you may have. Contact us for a quote or more information at 757-887-8488. Remember: all products are made right here in the USA, and we offer a wide spectrum of services, from conductive coating to rapid prototyping.
