Choose the category that interests you to read related FAQs:
- Customized Electronic Enclosures
- Display Frames
- Electronics Enclosures and Mechanical Components in 3D Printing
- Membrane Switches
- Milling and Customization of Commercial Electronics Enclosures
Membrane keyboards/switches are input devices composed of layers of flexible material. They use an electrical contact mechanism to transmit commands when keys are pressed, making them ideal for industrial and electronic applications.
Membrane keyboards feature a smooth, sealed surface, making them resistant to dust, water, and other substances. They are also thinner and lighter than mechanical keyboards, allowing for a compact design and greater durability in harsh environments.
Our membrane keyboards are applied in various industries, including:
- Industrial
- Medical equipment
- Railway
- Marine
- Agricultural
- Earthmoving
- Home automation
- Vending, etc.
Each sector has specific requirements, and our keyboards are designed to ensure reliability in different operational contexts.
We have extensive experience in harsh environments such as the agricultural and marine sectors, where products must withstand extreme weather conditions, dust, humidity, and vibrations. Our keyboards are designed to ensure optimal performance even in these challenging conditions.
We use weather-resistant materials, such as polyester treated to withstand UV rays, and offer options like antimicrobial treatments and special finishes to enhance the durability of the keyboards in complex environments.
Yes, our membrane keyboards are also used in medical equipment, where hygiene and reliability are crucial. We can integrate antimicrobial treatments to ensure high hygienic standards.
Membrane keyboards are primarily made of polyester, a flexible and durable material that ensures long-lasting performance. Polyester is particularly suitable for industrial environments and can be treated with various finishes to suit different applications.
Polyester membrane keyboards can have different finishes, including:
- Glossy, for a bright appearance and easy cleaning.
- Embossed, for increased scratch resistance and a different tactile feel.
- Anti-glare, ideal for high-light environments where glare reduction is important.
Yes, we produce membrane keyboards specifically designed to withstand outdoor conditions. These keyboards are made from materials treated to resist UV rays, weather, and humidity, ensuring reliable performance even in harsh outdoor environments.
Membrane keyboards with antimicrobial treatment use a special coating that inhibits the growth of bacteria and microbes on the surface, making them ideal for medical applications or environments where hygiene is essential.
Yes, polyester is highly resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and high temperatures. This resistance, combined with its flexibility, makes it the perfect material for applications requiring durability and long-term reliability.
Membrane keyboards use printed electrical circuits on flexible substrates. The most common options include conductive silver circuits printed on polyester, ideal for applications requiring high reliability and cost efficiency.
Flexible circuits with silver conductive material are a type of circuit printed on flexible materials such as polyester. The conductive trace consists of silver ink, offering excellent electrical conductivity and good corrosion resistance. These circuits are suitable for industrial applications requiring flexibility and durability.
Silver conductive circuits offer several advantages, including:
- Excellent electrical conductivity.
- Resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
- Ability to be printed on flexible materials like polyester, making them suitable for thin and compact input devices.
Kapton circuits are made on a polymer material called polyimide, known for its exceptional heat resistance. Kapton circuits are used in applications requiring thermal stability, flexibility, and durability in extreme environments.
Kapton circuits are recommended when operating in high-temperature conditions or harsh environments, such as military or aerospace applications. Conversely, polyester circuits with silver conductive material are the preferred choice for most standard industrial applications due to their excellent cost-performance ratio.
Membrane keyboards can be equipped with different types of connectors depending on project requirements. The most common standard is the 2.54 mm pitch female connector, but we also provide keyboards with flat cables for ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connectors.
A 2.54 mm pitch connector refers to the distance between the connector pins, which is 2.54 millimetres. This type of connector is widely used in electronics and is often employed to connect membrane keyboards to circuit boards or other devices.
A ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connector allows for easy insertion of a flat cable without applying pressure to the contacts. This type of connection is ideal for applications requiring quick connection/disconnection or where contact damage during assembly must be avoided.
Yes, membrane keyboards can be customized with the type of connector that best suits your project’s needs, whether it is a 2.54 mm pitch connector or a flat cable for ZIF connectors.
We offer different types of keys for membrane keyboards, including:
- Flat keys: These feature a flat contact using a conductive silver dot on the graphic layer.
- Polydome keys: These have a thermoformed dome shape where the contact is closed through conductive silver on the graphic layer.
- Metaldome keys: These use a metal dome to close the contact and are available in various sizes and actuation forces to suit specific tactile feedback needs.
Flat keys are keys with a flat surface where the electrical contact is made through a conductive silver dot on the graphic layer. This type of key is ideal for compact and thin solutions where pronounced tactile feedback is not required.
Polydome keys have a thermoformed dome shape on the key, which, when pressed, closes the contact using a conductive silver track on the graphic layer. This design offers more pronounced tactile feedback compared to flat keys.
Metaldome keys use a metal dome to close the contact. This type of key provides precise and sharp tactile feedback and is available in various sizes and actuation forces to meet specific application requirements.
The choice of key type depends on several factors, such as:
- Device thickness and design: Flat keys are ideal for compact solutions, while Polydome or Metaldome keys offer more defined tactile feedback.
- Required tactile feedback: If strong tactile feedback is necessary, Metaldome keys are the best choice. For a softer tactile response, Polydome keys are more suitable.
Yes, SMD LEDs can be integrated into membrane keyboards to provide status or signalling lights. These LEDs are mounted using a pick-and-place machine, ensuring precise positioning.
The most common sizes of SMD LEDs used in membrane keyboards are 0805 and 0603, depending on available space and lighting requirements.
The integration of SMD LEDs allows status indication or visual feedback for users, enhancing product interactivity and usability.
LEDs are installed using pick-and-place machines, which ensure precise and reliable placement of electronic components on the keyboard. This process guarantees high quality and consistency in production.
The graphic design of membrane keyboards can be produced using screen printing or digital printing. Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on factors such as required quantities, graphic complexity, and the presence of gradients.
Screen printing is ideal for large orders and graphics with a limited number of colours. It is particularly suitable for accurately reproducing simple graphic details and achieving long-lasting durability.
Digital printing is preferable when complex graphics or gradients are required, thanks to its high resolution, which allows for detailed image reproduction. Additionally, it is the best choice for small quantities or when multiple graphic variants are needed within the same production batch.
The choice between screen printing and digital printing depends on several factors, including:
- Quantity: For large volumes, screen printing is often more cost-effective, while for smaller quantities, digital printing is more convenient.
- Graphic variations: If the project requires multiple variations within the same batch, digital printing is the most flexible solution.
- Shades and number of colours: Digital printing is ideal for designs with shades or many colours, while screen printing is better for spot colour designs with few colours.
Yes, in some cases, it is possible to combine both techniques to maximize the benefits of each method based on the specific graphic requirements of the project.
Yes, membrane keyboards are fully customizable. You can choose dimensions, layout, graphics, backlighting, and add features such as displays or printed circuits according to your project requirements.
Yes, in addition to membrane keyboards, we can manufacture complementary supports in various materials, such as plastic, aluminium, or steel, using CNC machining from sheet material. This allows us to offer complete and customized solutions for complex projects.
Yes, we can manufacture electronic enclosures derived from commercial products, modified to fit your project, or we can develop fully custom enclosures. This enables us to provide a complete and integrated solution for your electronic design needs.
Supports and enclosures can be made of plastic, aluminium, or steel, depending on the specific project requirements. We use CNC machining from sheets to ensure maximum precision and customization.
Membrane keyboards are generally supplied with adhesive backing, making installation easy on flat and smooth surfaces. They can also be integrated into electronic panels or industrial devices.
Membrane keyboards are designed for exceptional durability, with an average lifespan of over one million activation cycles per key, depending on usage conditions and maintenance.
Yes, many membrane keyboards are designed to be waterproof and resistant to humidity, making them suitable for industrial or medical environments where liquid exposure is frequent.
To design a custom membrane keyboard, we need some basic information, including:
- Graphic specifications or preferences: Layout, colours, logo, etc.
- Circuit pinout: Arrangement of electrical connections.
- Connector type: Choice between standard or ZIF connectors.
- Required quantity: Production volume.
- Operating environment: The conditions in which the keyboard will be used, to ensure suitability for the working environment.
It is not necessary to provide the final design files. Our technical team will assist you in every step of product development, offering support to translate your requirements into a detailed technical project.
Our technical team is available to guide you step by step in designing the keyboard. We will help you define the most suitable technical and graphic specifications for your needs and the environment in which the product will be used.
You can contact us via the form on our website or send us an email with the details of your project. Our technical team will help you define the specifications and provide you with a tailored quote.
Delivery times vary depending on project complexity and the required volume. On average, the development and production of a custom keyboard take between 4 to 6 weeks.
Electronic enclosures are structures designed to house and protect electronic circuits, PCB boards, control interfaces, and other electronic components. They can vary in shape, size, and materials depending on the application. Common synonyms used to identify these products include:
- Electronic boxes
- Device enclosures
- Electronics cases
- Electronics enclosures
- Electronic housings
- Electronics covers/carter
Our company designs and manufactures customized containers for every need, using different production technologies to guarantee tailor-made solutions.
We design and produce electronic enclosures in any size and shape, from small handheld solutions to benchtop enclosures and wheeled enclosures. Each enclosure is custom-developed to perfectly suit the customer’s specific needs.
We are capable of producing customized enclosures using various manufacturing technologies:
- CNC machining from solid plastic or metal.
- Plastic carpentry, assembling enclosures from CNC-cut sheets, bent and joined through interlocking or bonding.
- Metal carpentry, for aluminium or steel structures.
- Plastic injection moulding, ideal for mass production with high repeatability.
- Thermoforming, suitable for medium-sized covers.
- Polyurethane moulding, for medium-sized enclosures with complex geometries.
Yes, we often merge multiple technologies to achieve the best solution for a project. For example, we can combine a plastic or metal carpentry structure with machined parts, or create a CNC-machined frame with polyurethane elements for aesthetic features. We also offer hybrid solutions integrating commercial components (handles, knobs, wheels, etc.) or 3D-printed elements.
Our enclosures are used in many industries, including:
- Industrial
- Medical
- Railway
- Automation
- Home automation
- Agriculture and earth-moving
- Laboratory electronic instrumentation
- Automotive
- And more
The choice of technology and construction method mainly depends on the required quantity, but there is no universal rule. Other factors such as technical specifications and enclosure size often come into play.
For small to medium production runs, we use technologies such as:
- CNC machining for precision and material flexibility.
- 3D printing for prototypes or complex geometries.
- Plastic carpentry for simple, linear shapes.
- Metal carpentry for robust industrial solutions.
- Thermoforming for lightweight and versatile solutions.
- Polyurethane moulding for durable, complex, and design-oriented solutions.
The first 4, options do not require molds or complex tooling. For high-volume production, plastic injection moulding is usually the most cost-effective and repeatable solution. Often, initial production starts with simpler CNC machining and later transitions to injection moulding.
Thanks to our ability to combine multiple production technologies, we can select the best solution based on technical specifications and budget, ensuring the optimal balance between cost, performance, and customization.
Yes, we can customize enclosures with:
- EMI/RFI shielding to protect against electromagnetic interference.
- Sealing gaskets for waterproof or outdoor applications.
- Surface treatments upon request, such as conductive coating, anodizing, or screen printing.
- Integration of additional elements like membranes, labels, overlays, membrane keypads, glass panels, support elements, etc.
To start planning the project and design process, we need some basic information, among the most important:
- Application field and usage environment
- Required IP rating
- Maximum external dimensions (approximate)
- Fixing points for internal board mounting or external installation (wall-mounted, recessed, DIN rail, etc.)
- Preferred and/or alternative materials
- Operating temperature range
- Fire resistance rating and any required certifications
- Requested finishes (coating, screen printing, etc.)
- Chemical and environmental resistance needs related to the application field
- Estimated production quantities
- Expected product lifespan (number of years it may be reordered)
- Budget range to identify the most cost-effective processes
Additionally, we need to understand what base data the customer can provide, such as verbal concepts, sketches, rough drawings, samples of other products, electronic boards, or other components to be integrated.
No, it is not necessary. Our technical team supports the customer throughout all development stages, turning their needs into a detailed production-ready design.
Lead times vary based on the chosen technology and project complexity. CNC machining and plastic/metal carpentry typically have faster turnaround times (3-4 weeks). Injection moulding or polyurethane moulding may take longer due to mould fabrication.
Yes, but feasibility depends on the product type. 3D printing is highly useful for small-sized prototypes, while it is less suitable for medium-to-large covers, where digital simulation may be more effective.
Regardless of the prototyping method, our design process always concludes with the presentation of 3D CAD models, allowing customers to clearly and accurately visualize all enclosure details. This ensures the customer can properly assess the project before moving forward with production.
We offer various finishing options to ensure an optimal aesthetic and functional result.
- Liquid coating (in-house process):
We carry out liquid coating internally, applicable to both plastic and metal materials, with no limitations on colour and finish. This solution is ideal for advanced customization and meeting specific aesthetic or surface resistance requirements. Our liquid coating process also allows us to apply particularly durable coatings or treatments with antimicrobial additives for medical applications. - Powder coating (external process):
For sheet metal components, we offer powder coating through specialized partners. This process is more cost-effective than liquid painting but has a more limited colour range, especially for small production runs. - Galvanic treatments (external process):
For aluminium components:- Anodizing, which increases corrosion resistance and can be coloured.
- Passivation, useful for improving resistance to chemical agents without altering the material’s appearance or surface electrical conductivity.
- Proven experience: We operate in various industries, understanding the specific needs of different sectors.
- Ability to integrate multiple technologies: We efficiently integrate and utilize various production methodologies, selecting the best solution for each project.
- Wide in-house production capability: Thanks to numerous internal processes, we can manage most of the production without relying on contractors, ensuring speed, quality, and flexibility.
- Consultative and engineering approach: We start from the customer’s requirements, analyze them, and transform them into a feasible project. We are well-versed in the limitations and possibilities of our processes and machinery, allowing us to develop solutions that combine functionality, aesthetics, and production optimization.
Electronics enclosures made with 3D printing are structures designed to house and protect electronic circuits, PCB boards, control interfaces, and other components. 3D printing also enables the production of precision mechanical parts, brackets, housings, and customized structural components.
Common synonyms for these products include:
- Electronics boxes
- Device enclosure
- Electronics cases
- Electronics housings or enclosures
- Electronics covers
- Customized mechanical components
We manufacture enclosures and mechanical components in Nylon PA12. 3D printing allows us to create complex, lightweight, and functional geometries without design limitations.
Absolutely yes, and we are specialized in this. While 3D printing is often associated with prototyping, at MCS, we also use it for producing functional objects intended for real use. Unlike a standard 3D printing service, we go beyond simply providing printed parts:
- We design and optimize components to ensure strength, precision, and reliability for their final application.
- We apply post-processing treatments to enhance aesthetics, durability, and strength over time.
- We integrate 3D printing with other technologies (CNC machining, painting, surface treatments, metal inserts) to create complete and truly usable solutions
Thanks to this approach, our 3D-printed enclosures and mechanical components are not just prototypes but fully functional technical components suitable for final products.
We print using HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, ideal for series production with excellent surface finishes and outstanding mechanical properties.
Yes, we often combine 3D printing with other manufacturing technologies. For example:
- MJF-printed structures with metal or plastic inserts machined with CNC.
- 3D-printed enclosures with standard components (handles, seals, glass panels).
- MJF-printed structures with additional features such as threaded inserts, custom seals, magnets, counterweights, etc.
Our products are used in various industries, including:
- Industrial
- Medical
- Railway
- Automation
- Home automation
- Agriculture and heavy equipment
- Laboratory electronic instrumentation
- Automotive
- And more
The selection depends on various factors, including:
- Required mechanical strength
- Desired aesthetic finish
- Necessary thermal or chemical resistance
- Quantity of parts required
- Need for subsequent treatments or assembly
Yes, we can customize products with:
- EMI/RFI shielding for electromagnetic interference protection.
- Sealed enclosures for humid or outdoor environments.
- Surface treatments upon request, such as painting, anodizing, or screen printing.
- Integration of additional elements, such as membranes, labels, membrane keypads, glass panels, support elements, etc.
To start the design process, we need some key information:
- Usage environment and application sector
- Approximate dimensions and geometry of the part
- Assembly and mounting constraints
- Required materials or specific properties (strength, lightweight, flexibility, etc.)
- Expected product lifespan and quantity required
- Desired post-processing treatments (finishing, coatings, screen printing, etc.)
It is also helpful if the customer can provide:
o Sketches, drafts, or 3D models
o Electronic or mechanical components to integrate
o Examples of similar products or visual references
No, it is not necessary. We can start from a simple idea and develop the project up to production.
3D printing enables much faster turnaround times compared to other technologies. On average:
- Prototypes and small series: 5-10 days.
- More complex productions or post-processing: 3-4 weeks.
Of course. 3D printing is ideal for rapid prototyping, allowing design validation before final production.
We offer various finishing options to enhance the appearance and performance of parts:
- Liquid coating: done in-house, available in any colour and finish (glossy, matte, soft-touch, etc.).
- Immersion colouring: applicable only to black-coloured parts.
- Screen printing, digital printing, and laser engraving for customized markings.
- Extensive experience: We understand the potential and limitations of different 3D printing technologies.
- Ability to integrate multiple technologies: We can combine 3D printing, CNC machining, and other manufacturing techniques to achieve the best possible result.
- High production autonomy: We manage many production stages in-house, reducing lead times.
- Engineering and consulting approach: We transform customer requirements into a manufacturable product, optimizing every phase of the project.
Display frames are structural elements designed to frame and protect screens of electronic devices, such as industrial displays, touchscreens, human-machine interfaces (HMI), and control panels. In addition to providing physical protection for the display, they enhance the product’s aesthetics and facilitate mounting in electronic systems.
A display frame is often also identified as an “electronics enclosure.” Sometimes, the product consists of a frame and brackets/support elements for the display and electronics, while in other cases, the object also includes rear covers such as casings and panels to protect electronic boards.
Our frames can be made from:
- Plastic materials (PA12, ABS, PVC, HIPS, PC), for lightweight and versatile solutions.
- Metal materials (aluminium), for greater strength and durability.
Depending on customer needs, we manufacture display frames using:
- CNC milling from sheet material, providing precise and robust solutions in plastic or metal.
- 3D printing in PA12, ideal for producing complex geometries and optimized shapes.
Absolutely! Each frame is custom-designed, considering:
- Specific shapes and dimensions requested by the customer.
- Fixing methods (screws, interlocks, magnets, adhesives).
- Aesthetic finishes to integrate seamlessly with the final product.
We offer a wide range of aesthetic and functional treatments, including:
- Aesthetic coating with unlimited colours and finishes.
- Screen printing and digital printing for logos, icons, and graphic customizations.
- Application of labels, graphic inserts, membranes, membrane switches, etc.
Yes, we can integrate various elements to improve product functionality:
- O-ring or die-cut gaskets, to ensure protection from dust and moisture.
- Studs and threaded inserts, for robust and secure mounting.
- Brackets and support systems for internal electronics
- Rear closure casings and covers, made from plastic or metal fabrication or CNC machining from solid material.
Our frames are used in various industries, including:
- Industrial
- Medical
- Railway
- Automation
- Home automation
- Agriculture and earthmoving
- Laboratory electronic instrumentation
- Automotive
- Etc.
The choice depends on several factors:
- Usage environment: Aluminium is preferred for industrial or medical environments, while PA12 plastic is ideal for lightweight and durable solutions.
- Precision and aesthetic details: CNC milling is ideal for simple and linear geometries, while 3D printing allows for greater design freedom.
- Integration needs with other components, such as membrane keyboards, glass panels, or adhesive panels.
No, it is not necessary. Our technical team supports the customer throughout the development process, turning their requirements into a feasible project. We can start from sketches, CAD models, or simple descriptions to develop a tailored solution.
Lead times depend on the production process and project complexity. On average, productions have a lead time of 4 weeks.
Certainly! We offer the possibility of producing prototypes using 3D printing or CNC milling to verify design and functionality before final production. Often, prototypes are made from raw materials to speed up lead times and reduce finishing costs.
- Extensive experience in various sectors and applications.
- High production autonomy, with in-house CNC milling, 3D printing, and aesthetic finishing processes.
- Complete customization, from material selection to aesthetic finishes.
- A consultative approach, transforming customer needs into an achievable and optimized project.
Commercial electronics enclosures are standard casings produced by various international manufacturers in plastic, aluminium, or metal. They are available in catalogues and typically always in stock in a wide range of geometries and sizes.
They are designed for general use in electronic instrumentation and can be adapted to various industries thanks to customization options.
Advantages of commercial electronics enclosures
- Immediate availability: As pre-existing market products, they can be sourced quickly, often through online stores.
- Suitable for various production needs: They can be used for small to medium batch productions. For high volumes, a fully custom solution may be recommended.
- Faster time to market: They reduce development time compared to designing an enclosure from scratch.
- High quality: Some manufacturers provide very high construction standards, ensuring reliable and durable products.
- Compatibility: Often designed to integrate standard accessories such as DIN rails, modular panels, and mounting interfaces.
Disadvantages of commercial electronics enclosures
- Lack of exclusivity: The final product may resemble other products already on the market, including in competitive sectors.
- Design limitations: Customization is possible but constrained by the structure of the standard enclosures.
We specialize in customizing commercial electronics enclosures through precision CNC machining, printing, painting, etc., to adapt them to the customer’s specific needs.
We perform custom CNC milling, creating holes, slots, recesses, and spaces for connectors, switches, buttons, and displays. These processes can be done on commercial enclosures or custom-made boxes upon request.
We have a wide range of equipment for precision CNC milling on enclosures from major brands, including:
- TEKO
- TAKACHI
- ITALTRONIC
- BOPLA
- OKW
- SIMP-ELBAG
- ROLEC
- GEWISS
- HAMMOND
- KRADEX
- ITALWEBER
- LIMANDA
- And many more.
We collaborate with various manufacturers and/or importers of commercial electronic enclosures, allowing us to manage procurement activities in these cases. In other instances, materials can be supplied on a consignment basis.
Yes, all clamping fixtures used for securing enclosures during milling are made in-house, ensuring maximum precision and repeatability in machining. In some cases, the fixtures are machined from solid material, while in others, for complex geometries, they are produced using 3D printing.
Absolutely! We customize enclosures with screen printing and digital printing on plastic and metal materials, applying logos, symbols, text, and icons for a professional and durable result.
Yes, we offer various types of finishing to customize aesthetics and improve the functional characteristics of enclosures:
- Aesthetic finishing, available in any colour and finish (with standard references such as RAL, Pantone, NCS).
- ESD conductive coating, with copper-based coating for protection against electrostatic discharges, ideal for sensitive electronic components.
Our customized enclosures are used in various sectors, including:
- Industrial
- Medical
- Railway
- Automation
- Smart home and IoT
- Agriculture and earthmoving
- Electronic laboratory instrumentation
- Automotive and transportation
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Etc.
No, it is not necessary. Our technical team can support the customer in the design process, even starting from simple guidelines, sketches, or technical specifications.
However, we can also carry out subcontracted customizations following the customer’s specifications and provided drawings.
Lead times vary depending on the type of work required, generally ranging from 15 to 30 days from the receipt of materials.
- Extensive industry experience, working with enclosures from leading brands. Our knowledge of various brands allows us to recommend and identify the most suitable product for the customer’s application.
- The ability to combine multiple processes (milling, printing, painting) for a highly customized result.
- In-house development of internal fixtures, ensuring precision and repeatability in CNC machining.
- Comprehensive technical support, from design to production, with personalized consultancy on the best solutions for the customer.