PushFlex is an all-new switch technology that combines a readily available magnet sheet and a magnetically receptive actuating layer to create a unique switch construction.
PushFlex is an all-new switch technology that combines a readily available magnet sheet and a magnetically receptive actuating layer to create a unique switch construction. Bob Brilon, Duraswitch President and CEO, said: “This innovation and elegant solution incorporates key benefits for the high volume market segments including low cost, high reliability and tactile feedback, while at the same time using standard materials and common manufacturing equipment”. “For certain applications, cost is the driving, if not sole, factor in determining which type of tactile switch element will be used.

PushFlex offers a cost competitive, highly customisable pushbutton alternative”, added Tim Kuhn, Vice President Business Development.

PushFlex technology combines a commonly available magnet sheet and a magnetically receptive actuating layer to create a unique switch construction.

The actuating layer is a slotted flat configuration which aligns to holes cut in the magnetic layer.

Together these layers form a web of switches.

“Because keys are cut into the layers, a manufacturer can have a few to dozens of switches on a panel with relatively little increase in overall cost”, continued Kuhn
PushFlex is simple to manufacture, and offers an alternative to both domes and conductive rubber keypads.

The web configuration of PushFlex eliminates the need for individual placement of domes, keeping assembly costs down.

The entire sourcing and moulding process for conductive rubber keypads is eliminated.

With PushFlex, significant cost advantages can be achieved in both low- and high-volume production.

PushFlex offers several design options including constructions for use under plastic keycaps or standard graphic overlays.

Feel and travel can be customised to meet varying specifications, and normally closed key options can easily be incorporated.

Kuhn said: “Because it offers a compelling cost-per-key value proposition, our design specifications for PushFlex were aimed at developing the technology for applications with numerous pushbuttons like a typical keyboard configuration”.

As part of the rollout for PushFlex technology, leading industry publications such as EDN Magazine and SMT Magazine are evaluating the technology for their annual innovation awards.
“Magnetic properties are uniquely employed in all of Duraswitch’s licensed technologies, so Duraswitch has already established relationships with major magnet suppliers such as Arnold, Magnum Magnetics and Max Baermann.

These relationships will help us in the final materials selection for PushFlex”, added Van Zeeland.

“PushFlex brings together a host of benefits in a very efficient package and we believe this development will not only attract interest of the industry, but also its suppliers”.