Custom industrial keypads: Frequently asked questions about APEM's design and integration capabilities

Questions covered in this FAQ

1. What customization options are available for keypad layouts?
2. Can APEM design custom keypad overlays and graphics?
3. Can keycaps be customized?
4. What materials and finishes are available for metal keypads?
5. How can custom keypads be mechanically integrated into equipment?
6. Can a display window be integrated into a keypad?
7. What user interaction options are available for capacitive keypads?
8. Can custom keypads include haptic feedback?
9. Can the tactile feel of a keypad be customized?
10. What is embossing and when is it used?
11. Can the actuation force of a keypad be customized?
12. Are backlighting and NVIS-compatible solutions available?
13. What connector options are available for custom keypads?
14. Can APEM integrate emergency stops and other panel components into a keypad?
15. Which communication protocols can be integrated into a custom keypad?
16. Can advanced technologies such as RFID and fingerprint readers be integrated?
17. Can keypads be designed for harsh environments and chemical exposure?

What customization options are available for keypad layouts?

APEM can develop a fully customized keypad layout based on application requirements, including key positioning, spacing, grouping, and interface zoning.

Can APEM design custom keypad overlays and graphics?

Yes. APEM designs overlays for membrane and tactile keypads, including legends, symbols, color coding, transparency zones, branding elements, and custom graphics using silk-screen or digital printing.

Can keycaps be customized?

Yes. Standard keycaps can be customized with legends, or fully custom keycaps can be designed with specific shapes, symbols, textures, and markings.

What materials and finishes are available for metal keypads?

Available materials include aluminum, 304 stainless steel, and 316L stainless steel. Aluminum versions can also be anodized in various finishes.

How can custom keypads be mechanically integrated into equipment?

APEM designs fastening and retention features to ensure secure installation, long-term stability, and compliance with environmental sealing requirements.

Can a display window be integrated into a keypad?

Yes. Shielded display windows can be integrated while maintaining optical clarity, EMC compatibility, and mechanical robustness.

What user interaction options are available for capacitive keypads?

Capacitive keypads can support a variety of operating modes, including touch keys, slider functions, long-press activation, and latching behavior to replicate ON/OFF switch functionality.

Can custom keypads include haptic feedback?

Yes. Haptic feedback provides vibration confirmation when a control is activated.

Can the tactile feel of a keypad be customized?

Yes. The tactile response can be adjusted to achieve the desired activation feel.

What is embossing and when is it used?

Embossing is a feature available on membrane keypads that thermally shapes the overlay to create raised key areas. It improves tactile feedback and can also serve as a finger guide for more intuitive operation.

Can the actuation force of a keypad be customized?

Yes. Actuation force can be engineered to balance ease of use, precision, and protection against accidental activation.

Are backlighting and NVIS-compatible solutions available?

Yes. APEM offers integrated backlighting and dimming functions to improve visibility in low-light conditions. NVIS compatibility can also be assessed and implemented depending on the application requirements.

What connector options are available for custom keypads?

Depending on the keypad technology, APEM can provide PCB tails with customized pitch, PCB connectors, or application-specific connectors selected to match customer requirements and equipment interfaces.

Can APEM integrate emergency stops and other panel components into a keypad?

Yes. Emergency stops, keylock switches, toggle switches, selector switches, and other controls can be integrated into the keypad assembly.

Which communication protocols can be integrated into a custom keypad?

Available communication options include discrete outputs, USB, CAN J1939, CANopen, LIN Bus, and RS serial interfaces such as RS-232 and RS-423. Please note that flexible membrane keypads are only available with discrete outputs.

Can advanced technologies such as RFID and fingerprint readers be integrated?

Yes. RFID readers and fingerprint sensors can be integrated for secure identification and access control.

Can keypads be designed for harsh environments and chemical exposure?

Yes. APEM’s engineering team assesses the environmental requirements of each project and selects the most appropriate materials and finishes to provide resistance to chemicals, moisture, dust, corrosion, and other demanding operating conditions.