FAQ Of Snap Dome And Dome Array

  Advantage of Snap Dome
  What does it mean to over-travel of a Snap Dome?
  Do I need to vent the domes through my printed circuit board?
  How do I apply the snap domes to my PCB, membrane, or flex circuit?
  Can the domes be soldered to a circuit board?
  Do you have local distributors in our area?
  What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
  How to order?
  What's your Item No. stands for? What's each Item Stands for?
For more information about snap dome or dome sheet/dome array, please browse our blog: http://www.metal-domes.com/blog/.
  Q. Advantage of Snap Domes
  A. The snap dome Keypad differs from the Mylar Dome in so far as the tactile feel is obtained by inserting a Snap Dome in between the Graphic Overlay and the Lower Circuit. This then gives a more 'clicky' tactile sensation when the switch is pressed. It offers a cost effective solution to those designers who want more of a tactile feel. (However, due to the extra work and material will inevitably cost more than the Mylar Dome Keypad). Again, with an operating life of greater than one million closures, this is a very frequently chosen option.

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  Q. What does it mean to over-travel of a snap dome?
  A. Most of our snap domes are designed to be depressed to flat and no further. However, in some applications more travel is required. Our C- Series snap domes are designed with an additional .005" travel past the flat plane. This means that the dome will exhibit its designed characteristics only when over-traveled. Conversely, the dome will not exhibit its designed tactile response when pushed to flat. The C- Series snap domes will accommodate this additional travel without damaging the Snap Dome.
 
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  Q. Do I need to vent the domes through my printed circuit board?
  A. While venting is not absolutely necessary for every application, it is desirable in almost all applications. When the dome is depressed, air is trapped underneath it. To avoid compressing the air under the dome when actuated, it is recommended that a vent channel be present. The venting of the dome can be achieved a number of different ways. Some Examples:
a.) vent channel can go from dome to dome via a spacer layer
b.) dome arrays can be top vented through the polyester material
c.) vent channel can go through the board.
Not properly venting the dome will result in significant loss of tactile response.
 
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  Q. How do I apply the snap domes to my PCB, membrane, or flex circuit?
  A. Our snap domes are applied by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. Several standard material options are available, as well as custom materials. See our Dome Arrays for more information.

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  Q. Can the domes be soldered to a circuit board?
  A. Not recommended. When the domes are pushed, the feet actually move outward slightly. When soldered to a circuit board, the feet of the domes are restricted from their natural movement. This restriction can negatively affect the tactile response of the domes, and in some cases, cause irreparable damage to the domes.

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  Q. Do you have local distributors in our area?
  A. We do not use distributors. We see no reason why you should have to deal with a middle-man when you can buy directly from the manufacturing source. We ship worldwide every day, by any shipping method you prefer. Contact us to know more.

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  Q. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
  A. The minimum order quantity is whole pcs / style requirement. The minimum order amount USD800 each order, not include delivery cost, tax and VAT. For order amount under USD800 or separate the whole dozen, the price will be 30% higher. The same condition and terms as sample order.

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  Q. How to order?
  A. Note this is only an online showroom of our products. Please contact us for detailed goods. When you confirm the price list, you can send us an order list, including style no, quantity, price and Total. After we received your order list, we will check our store and revise quantity according your order list (so we can deliver as soon as possible after we received your remittance) then send you the PI (Proforma Invoice) with delivery cost to you. We will hold the order six days, so please remit in the valid time and inform us. We will send out your goods upon receipt of your payment.
 
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  Q. What's your Item No. stands for? What's each Item Stands for?
  A. We have a detailed Numbering of the Specification. Please contact us to get the related information.