HMI Input Devices

A touch so distinct.

Introduction To HMI Input Devices

  • An input device provides the user interface for medical, industrial, aviation and commercial products.
  • These are durable, lightweight, and flexible panels with strong adhesives that support various applications and endure harsh environmental conditions.
  • We can manufacture any shape and form using polycarbonates or polyesters with strong adhesion. We can even create keyboards that can withstand harsh environments.
  • We offer membrane switch solutions, PCB  switches, touch keypads, backlit keyboards, pro-steel/vandal resistant & elastomeric keyboards.
  • These solutions can be customized in countless different ways based on our customer’s industry & requirements.

Types Of HMI Input Devices

Flexible Membrane Switches

  • These are wafer-thin assemblies with an array of open momentary contact switches printed using conductive substrates.
  • SMD LEDs can be embedded & sealed in the membrane, making it an economical & superior alternative to Conventional Switching.
  • These membrane switches can be standardized or customized to suit individual requirements.

PCB-based Hybrid Switches

  • These are similar to flexible membranes, except the contact layers of these switches are etched on a PCB panel.
  • They can be designed to incorporate discrete passive components, mechanical switches, surface mount devices and provisions for active components.
  • PCB switches are supported with riveted mountings. The complete assembly is self-supporting.
  • This HMI input device can also be housed in enclosures or integrated with other accessories.

Capacitive Keyboards

  • Capacitive keyboards work primarily by detecting the change in capacitance on a capacitive pad spread across the keyboard. 
  • They can also be termed touchscreen-based HMI input devices.
  • Unlike traditional keyboards, electricity is always flowing through a capacitive keyboard.
  • Capacitive keyboards are faster than contact keyboards as they only require a gentle push to register a keystroke.
  • The capacitive touchscreens also provide a superior user experience with an elegant design.

Integrated Keyboards

  • Integrated keyboards are HMI input devices developed by integrating PCBs with other top interfacing layers.
  • Protolab is equipped with the technology and expertise to combine these various features into a single product that serves multiple functions.
  • Integrated keyboards are used extensively across a host of industries.
  • We can manufacture them with a wide range of customizations that serves our client’s requirements.

Illuminated Keyboards

  • These uniformly backlit keyboards can be created in multiple colors & designs. 
  • Illuminated keyboards can also be manufactured with light guide films with a plunger for key contact.
  • Illuminated keyboards give keys greater visibility under low lighting.
  • They can be designed in white, colored or RGB LEDs.
  • They look elegant and Protolab can manufacture them in different sizes, shapes, colors, button types, etc.
  • Illumination can also be added as a custom feature to other HMI input devices.

Membrane Switch Solutions

  • Membrane Switch solutions are standard switch layouts available with or without tactile feedback.
  • They work on the principle of scalable modular dimensions and can be used in conjunction with a custom overlay.
  • Our range of standard products is compatible with most enclosures available in the market.
  • We can also manufacture membrane switch solutions with all kinds of customizations required by our clients.

Prosteel Keyboards

  • Prosteel or Vandal-resistant keyboards are air-tight & designed to withstand the harshest environment or vandalism.
  • They can be manufactured with stainless steel, alluzinc, aluminium & even plastics.
  • They can be produced in various key shapes and sizes.
  • Legends such as braille can be engraved or etched with embossing or debossing effects on these keyboards.

Elastomeric Keypads

  • Silicone Rubber Keypads can replace costly mechanical switches at a lower cost and provide greater design versatility.
  • Input devices topped with elastomeric keypads can look & feel like traditional mechanical switches without their disadvantages.
  • Like membrane switches, rubber keypads can be made to resist moisture and other harsh environmental conditions.
  • Screen printing enhances rubber keypads by printing the graphics on the tactile part.
  • Overcoating is added to extend their life expectancy when keypad graphics are exposed to high abrasion usage.

Metal Touch Keyboards

  • Metal touch Keyboards are designed on the principles of capacitance using metallic surfaces like steel.
  • They can be designed with audible and haptic feedback and are waterproof.
  • Another highlight of the technology is it can operate with water.
  • The metal plates can be anodized or printed as per custom specifications.
  • This HMI input system can be operated even with gloves.

Programmable Keyboards

  • Programmable keyboards allow for more accurate output and thus are one of the most time-efficient HMI input devices.
  • You can create your actions with Advanced Scripting, Program keyboard shortcuts, text snippets or launch programs.
  • The connector comes with additional USB ports to link with more HMI input devices.
  • They are used as a part of the controller assembly in aviation, defense, heavy machinery manufacturing, robotics, etc.

Applications

Defense

Aviation

Medical

Consumer Electronics

Test and Measurements