This one is for Melanie if you have time.

[Sphere]

Im trying to get a prototype membrane keypad made 86x99mm with 8 buttons plus an lcd window. I’ve e-mailed quite a few companies on the web, but ive only had one reply. They quoted me £1000 pounds for two prototypes plus tooling. You may say that this is cheap, but for someone starting off its a little bit steep for a device that might not sell. I’ve e-mailed other companies who say no tooling required for prototypes, but no reply from any. So I thought you being in the trade that you might no of a company in the UK that can do this for me. No need to reply if you to busy.

Sphere..

[Luciano]

Hi,

Did you try here?
http://www.customkeypads.co.uk

Best regards,

Luciano

[Sphere]

Yes I did and they where the only one to reply.

Sphere.

[Melanie]

First, ask yourself "do I actually NEED a MEMBRANE keypad or can I get away with another more intuitive solution?".

Here's an example picture of 3 Buttons, LED, IR Receiver plus LCD done as a prototype 'on the cheap'. It looks like a membrane but it isn't. It's actually all standard PCB mounted with the LED and Buttons mounted on the reverse side of the thru-hole-plated PCB.

If it's prototyping or a small production run, then membrane is not the way to go unless you've got a budget (preferably with someone elses money). Once you're sure, then you can go that route, but once you've discovered how inexpensively you can make things using standard PCB's (eg in bulk the switches are like UK 3.5p/US 7 cents each!!!) you may not want the membrane route. Really, that's only a mass-production consideration.

[Sphere]

Im building this with the possibility to sell. So I wanted a finished product to show to suppliers. So thanks for your input and your time.

Sphere...

[keithdoxey]

Here's an example picture of 3 Buttons, LED, IR Receiver plus LCD done as a prototype 'on the cheap'. It looks like a membrane but it isn't. It's actually all standard PCB mounted with the LED and Buttons mounted on the reverse side of the thru-hole-plated PCB.

Very neat Melanie

You forgot to mention the custom faceplate.... aka mounting frame for holding 4 RJ45 modules

What was the fascia made from ?
Is it a screen printed plastic overlay or printed paper behind plain plastic.

[Melanie]

Well spotted Keith. Those RJ45 faceplates make great LCD and/or keypad bezels!

The fasica is two-colour reverse screen printed on flexible clear plastic with a self-adhesive backing applied onto the print side. This means the User can't scratch the print. Any local Screen Printer worthy of the name can handle that with ease.

The fasica fits over an Aluminium (or mild steel) plate which in turn drops into the 4xRJ45 module aperture. This plate has all the cut-outs for the LCD, Switches, LED etc and contains integral threaded pillars onto which the PCB secures from the other side. Again, the manufacture of this plate wouldn't tax the talents of any sheet-metal basher.

If anyone is unclear from the description, I'll pull one out and photograph it if there's any interest.

[Christopher4187]

Sphere,

Are you only looking for the hardware or are you looking for a turnkey device? i.e. all software loaded and they keypad does something when the correct code is entered?

Chris

[Sphere]

Sphere,

Are you only looking for the hardware or are you looking for a turnkey device? i.e. all software loaded and they keypad does something when the correct code is entered?

Chris

I have already have a working hand held prototype using full size buttons lcd etc, but I just wanted to give the wow factor to my suppliers to give this product a chance. It may only sell about 500 units but it would be nice to dream of milions. Just have to stash a bit more cash thats all.

Sphere...

[mister_e]

The Melanie's suggestion is widely used. Cheap, simple, easy... wanna have another language... few cents later it's done.... same thing when the lettering disapear (not often) or damaged (often).

I already thought about membrane myself too... most of the time, they just don't worth their price. Guess why it's so expensive?

Few cents tact switch, few cents plastic and not much. O.K there's few more assembly steps so far... it's the ONLY down side.. at least to me.