At Eastprint, an East West Business, we designed, engineered, and manufactured the complex membrane switch assembly highlighted here for a medical application. This pistol grip style, multifunction switch assembly gives surgeons precise control over cut and coagulation. The Kapton-based circuitry and custom molded cable assembly combine seamlessly to form a high-reliability switch assembly for medical operating room conditions.

Our involvement in the project began when the medical device company approached us to help solve reliability issues associated with an earlier version of the switch sourced from another supplier. With one of our plants located in Mexico, we were in close proximity to the client, which facilitated the upfront design engineering process as well as the rigorous IQ/OQ/PQ processes for validation and verification. Our solution consisted of incorporating components to improve the in-field reliability as well as add value to the process by performing the assembly here in-house. Production involved many of our different process capabilities, from screen-printing and copper etching to die cutting, soldering, conformal coating, assembly, and more.

With overall dimensions of .660″ in length x 1.222″ in width, the unit features a 3.36″ long flex tail and a custom molded cable harness measuring 126.00″ in length. It incorporates tactile metal domes and an embossed, velvet-textured overlay. We built the switch assembly from a mix of custom manufactured and off-the-shelf components. Quality assurance involved testing cable continuity and isolation resistance as well as a 100% assessment of switch functionality. We also developed a custom packaging solution to protect the membrane and accommodate the exceptionally long wire harness.

The customer was very impressed with our high level of workmanship and the improved quality of the product. Annual sales have increased year over year, and we continue to produce this membrane switch assembly for them at the rate of up to 90,000 units annually.

If you would like more information about this project or our custom membrane switch assemblies, contact us today.

Membrane Switch Assembly Project Highlights

Project Description

Single use Pistol Grip – Suction/Irrigation System with Cut and Coagulation
Switch Functions

Capabilities Applied/Processes
Primary:
Screen Printing
Thermal Embossing
Copper Etching Kapton
Steel Rule Die-cutting
Secondary:
Component Assembly
Lamination
Soldering
Conformal Coat Potting Process
Tack Welding
Equipment Used to Manufacture Part
High Speed Cylinder Screen Printing Press
Horizontal Heated Platen Forming Press
Pneumatic Dispense and UV Curing System
Tack Welding Equipment
Overall Part Dimensions

.660″ x 1.222″ with 3.36″ flex tail and 126.00″ long custom molded cable harness

Tightest Tolerances

+/-.015″

Material Used

Various: Lexan, Kapton, Acrylic Adhesives, UV Cured Conformal Coatings, Metal Tactile Domes.

Material Finish

Embossed Velvet Textured Lexan Overlay

Industry for Use

Medical Device

In Process Testing/Inspection Performed

Cable Continuity and Isolation Resistance
100% Switch Functionality

Delivery Location

Mexico

Standards Met
IQ/OQ/PQ
Gauge R&R
RoHS
Conflict Minerals
REACH