News

How to get the tactile feedback you want?

Tactile feedback, also known as haptic feedback, is a crucial element of modern human-machine interface (HMI) design. Whether you’re designing a keyboard, vehicle control panel, or industrial machinery, the way a button or switch “feels” can significantly impact usability and user satisfaction. Achieving optimal tactile feedback involves understanding various mechanisms and selecting the right solution for your application. APEM specializes in providing ergonomic, reliable tactile feedback solutions tailored to diverse industries and environments.

How to adapt a toggle switch to your design?

To integrate at best in your equipment, APEM toggle switches can be customized. But it is sometimes difficult to select the best adapted model. At the design stage, 4 points are to be considered: Ergonomics, finish, locking mechanism and accessories

How does a snap action switch work?

A snap action switch, or microswitch, is a device that changes states quickly with a “snap” sound. Highly responsive, people know this switch for its reliability and durability, which has made it popular in industrial and consumer applications.

How to choose the right terminals of your switch

Among all the configuration options of a switch, the choice of terminal is probably one of the most important and difficult. There are four terminal types for our switches. PCB Solder lug/quick-connect/screw Flying lead Connector. The terminal option depends on the use that will be made of the switch.

How self-monitoring joystick ensures the user’s safety

he XD series has a more advance and complex electronic architecture compare to the other series of joystick.This allows the joystick to continuously perform self-monitoring against any potential internal failure.This capability of running internal diagnostic with redundant element is also related to the SIL2 compatibility.

What are NPN transistors and why do they matter?

At APEM, we integrate NPN-based commutations into various product lines, including push buttons and capacitive switches. These outputs provide a reliable and safe switching mechanism for applications across industries.

How to select a switch for a military application?

Switches in military applications demand top-tier technical and ergonomic standards, ensuring high performance, reliability, and adherence to rigorous military specifications. Here’s what you need to know to select the right switch.

IV Series: The new momentary pushbutton for your embedded applications

Contact Us TECHNICAL FEATURES Compact: bushing Ø16mm Panel cut-out Illumination or not 2 million electrical life cycles Sealed to IP69K (front) & IP67 (back) Chemical, shock & vibration resistance Working temperature: -20°C to +65°C Storage temperature: -40°C to +85°C Our latest switch dedicated to the construction market Feel the excellence with the new IV series, our latest pushbutton switch designed for embedded applications in the construction market. Thanks to its intuitive design, the IV series offers excellent tactile feedback and a wide actuation surface to improve comfort and usability. With a compact rugged design, the IV Series can withstand challenging conditions for outstanding longevity. It also offers enhanced safety thanks to its NAMUR contact architecture. MAIN APPLICATIONS Joysticks and armrests for special vehicles Construction equipment Belly boxes and handheld applications EXPERT’S ADVICE Here is the IV series, our new pushbutton switch specifically designed for the construction market, including joysticks and armrests applications. With this development, our aim was to provide a compact and reliable solution that delivers excellent tactile feedback. With its wide actuation surface, the IV series offers an advanced accuracy, comfort, and ease of use. To take it a step further, we have integrated options for illumination and multi-colored backlighted logo on the actuation surface, providing an unmatched intuitive user experience. Finally, we added a layer of safety by integrating a NAMUR-based electrical architecture to increase reliability by being able to detect potential failures. Vivien Rineau, Product Manager BENEFITS More safety with NAMUR contact Wide actuation surface Great tactile feel & feedback Many customization possibilities IV Series: The new momentary pushbutton for your embedded applications | Apem Blog Discover APEMs IV series pushbutton switches with tactile feedback, comfort, and usability with its intuitive design and wide actuation surface. Built for durability and enhanced safety with NAMUR contact architecture.

Happy birthday, APEM Components Ltd!

Contact Us In June 2023, our UK subsidiary APEM Components Ltd celebrated its 40th anniversary. After these reviews, it was time for festivities, with the sharing of snacks and birthday cakes in the company colors. In Long Crendon, we had the pleasure of seeing former Managing Directors Brian Chipperfield and Tony West, who honored us with their presence. This intergenerational reunion was the perfect opportunity to remind everyone, old and new to the company, of their role in ensuring its continuity. This anniversary marks APEM’s ability to endure, to constantly adapt to change, be it technological, societal, digital… Our world is changing faster and faster, and those of us in England as well as elsewhere, are ready to meet this challenge for years to come. With 4 decades of designing, developing, and producing top-quality human-machine interfaces “made in the UK” and over 300 people working at our two UK sites in Winchester and Long Crendon, Joysticks and LED indicators are the core business. Membrane keyboards are also produced here, before being delivered to our customers all over the world. To mark the company’s 40th anniversary, management brought together staff at each site to review the company’s situation and prospects. Sharing the Group’s vision and objectives with all employees, whatever their function, is a crucial element in general motivation and collective success. Happy birthday, APEM Components Ltd! | Apem Blog Celebrating 40 years of innovation and success, APEM UK brings together its team to reflect on the company's journey and future prospects. With core expertise in Joysticks and LED indicators, and a commitment to quality "made in the UK," APEM is poised to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Boosting Performance

People are part of our DNA. APEM is an international group, strongly bonded by its values: harmony – passion – commitment – integrity – innovation. We know the value of our employees, who are the brains, the heart and the hands of the company. Together, we’re stronger. The men and women of the Group all work together. Whether in the same country or on two distant continents, exchanges are daily, virtual and physical. Our sales and marketing teams are united by this tenacious bond. This bond is nourished by our cultural differences, our experiences, our personalities… We are all different, but we remain united. Like a family, we share successes and overcome difficulties together. That’s our strength. The ability to always see the glass as half full and share our enthusiasm with the world. Contact Us We also know the value of exchange. A good idea is nothing if not shared. That’s why we regularly bring our marketing and sales teams together. Over several days, they share their experience, knowledge and plans for the future… An intense listening and feedback session that allows everyone to leave more motivated than ever, with a clear vision of the Group’s strategy and prospects. All aspects of marketing, sales strategy and group transformation are covered, with a holistic approach. Boosting Performance | Apem Blog APEM emphasizes the value of its people and the power of teamwork in driving performance. Through regular, intensive sessions, the marketing and sales teams share insights and align on the company's strategy, fostering a culture of optimism and unity across continents.

Human wealth

The know-how of our employees is precious. Each gesture is the result of an apprenticeship, a training, which guarantees the excellence of the process. From the design of the products, the creation and the millimetre adjustment of the manufacturing moulds to the assembly of the products, nothing is left to chance. It is this expertise, throughout the chain, that we wish to highlight with our “People at Work” project, by capturing these gestures that might seem trivial because they are everyday, and yet are perfectly mastered. With more than 1,200 employees worldwide, the APEM group is rich in human diversity. Each person working at APEM, whatever their position and rank, contributes to the global value chain. Contact Us This project takes us from branch to branch, to meet all these people who make up our human wealth. Men and women who are proud of their work and happy to share it. Indeed, APEM has always kept in its DNA this culture marked by humanity and humility. At the heart of each process there are people working, interacting and trying to improve. Small or large, each APEM site brings the expertise of its teams, with its local imprint. Let’s not forget: the heart of the machine is the human being. Vehicles, machines, robots… are all driven by humans. The APEM group is a group of teams scattered around the world. They each have their own personality and yet all share the same vision of the group. An ambitious vision, in terms of business, innovation and CSR objectives. Human wealth | Apem Blog APEM celebrates its diverse workforce of over 1,200 employees worldwide. APEM continues to excel in business, innovation, and corporate social responsibility.

Easiest panel sealed cap solution for PCB switches

MAIN APPLICATIONS Special vehicles Agriculture Material Handling Off-road vehicles Built into joysticks TECHNICAL FEATURES Panel sealed to IP67 Functional with specially designed 10AQS cap or a 1SS cap for variable height Snap-in mounting for the AQW sealing 500K cycles Compact design EXPERT’S ADVICE This new PCB switch solution is an the easiest panel sealed cap solution for PCB switches for harsh environments. Installation requires no tooling, simply press the sealing into the hole in the front panel. Thanks to its front panel mounting, the height between the PCB and the sealing is adjustable making the solution flexible. The sealing can even be illuminated to offer the user guidance or assist the operator in a dark environment. The compact design allows the new solution to be used in compact units like faceplates of joysticks or outside equipment. Morten Højdevang, Marketing Product Manager Contact Us HIGH-PERFORMING MULTIMEC Let us introduce a new AQW solution: The easiest panel sealed cap solution for PCB switches. Flexible height front panel sealed solution for demanding environments. The AQW solution has an excellent illumination option and is based on high-performing Multimec switches. BENEFITS Flexibility in height from PCB Watertight Fast and easy mounting of the sealing Easiest panel sealed cap solution for PCB switches | Apem Blog Discover robust, adjustable, and easily installed sealed cap PCB switches. Perfect for compact units and outdoor equipment.