• News & Events Adhesive & Bonding Solutions: Why HeatSeal™ is the Superior Choice for Membrane Switch Applications
Back to News & Events
Blog

Adhesive & Bonding Solutions: Why HeatSeal™ is the Superior Choice for Membrane Switch Applications

November 29, 2024

In our experience working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), we’ve seen firsthand that adhesives are more than just a means to bind components. For us at E2IP Technologies, we understand that when it comes to membrane switches and printed electronics, it’s about securing long-term reliability, especially in demanding environments. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, or persistent moisture, these are the very challenges where traditional adhesives can fail, and product performance is put at risk.

That’s why we developed HeatSeal™. It’s not just another adhesive solution—it’s one designed to thrive where others break down. OEMs rely on their products to perform in the real world, and we made sure HeatSeal™ offers that reliability, ensuring your products are protected even in the toughest conditions. HeatSeal™ doesn’t just hold things together; it safeguards the integrity of your designs, providing that essential resilience you need.

At E2IP, we know it’s not enough to simply offer an adhesive—we’re offering peace of mind. HeatSeal™ ensures your products deliver when it matters most. OEMs can trust that their technology will last with a solution built to withstand the extremes.

Adhesive Solutions in Membrane Switches

The selection of an inadequate adhesive can result in delamination, moisture penetration, or circuit failure, each of which can compromise the functionality of the entire system. Traditional pressure-sensitive acrylic (PSA) adhesives, although effective in controlled conditions, frequently degrade under harsher operating environments.

HeatSeal™ addresses these limitations through a proprietary bonding process. By utilizing thermal bonding technology, HeatSeal™ ensures that even under the most strenuous conditions, circuit integrity remains uncompromised. Its robust bonding method transforms adhesives from a potential point of failure into a strength of the system.

HeatSeal™: What Makes It Different

What sets HeatSeal™ apart is its method of bonding—it’s not just another adhesive. This is about creating a strong, lasting connection at a molecular level. With a low melt-point thermal bonding process, HeatSeal™ fuses layers in a way that’s both durable and stable. Whether your application is dealing with temperature swings between -40°C and 65°C or facing pressures that would compromise other materials, HeatSeal™ holds up. It’s built for resilience.

corner of membrane switch peeled back

 

Resistant to Moisture & Chemicals

Beyond its physical strength, HeatSeal™ is a safeguard against the unpredictable. Moisture? Not a problem. Rated for IP67 and IP68, it creates a barrier that protects sensitive electronics from water ingress and vapor migration. In environments where humidity and exposure to liquids are a given—think medical equipment or industrial controls—HeatSeal™ provides an extra layer of assurance.

Chemical exposure is another challenge that HeatSeal™ faces head on. Gasoline, oils, or even the things you wouldn’t normally consider—like sunscreen or insect repellent—can eat away at traditional bonds. HeatSeal™ endures, keeping circuits and switches intact where other adhesives would fail.

Unlike common adhesives that can contribute to electrical problems over time, HeatSeal™ acts as a barrier against silver migration, preventing shorts between circuits. Its high dielectric rating is another advantage in situations where electrostatic discharge (ESD) could otherwise lead to malfunction. The adhesive itself becomes part of the electrical insulation system.

With different thicknesses and the ability to integrate into a variety of plastics, HeatSeal™ fits into whatever application or design you have in mind. Whether you’re embedding components, adding tactile graphics, or layering in a transparent window for a custom membrane switch, HeatSeal™ adapts. It’s not just about sticking things together; it’s about ensuring long-term functionality in environments that demand more. 

Rigorously Tested

From harsh chemicals to extreme temperatures, it’s been tested to the limit, and it continues to perform when lesser options would fail.Temperature endurance tests confirm stable performance under both extreme heat and cold, while chemical resistance testing ensures resilience against exposure to household cleaners. In gasoline immersion trials, its integrity remains uncompromised. High-altitude pressure tests further verify its robustness, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing safeguards against electrical surges. Together, these evaluations attest to HeatSeal’s strength and suitability for demanding applications.

series of membrane switches

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you’re designing for extreme environments or simply seeking a reliable, long-lasting bonding solution, HeatSeal™ offers unmatched performance. Contact e2ip Technologies today to discuss our products, your specific needs or request a consultation with one of our experts.