Glossaire

Adhesive layer which material is defined according to the substrate and which allows to bind the keyboard. 

Digital display screen operated by 7 segments lighting up or switching off. When all segments are lit up, it shows the number 8.

All spectral analysis methods through which one can find out about a colour's composition.

Electromagnetic shielding (grid or full plate), also called electrical shielding, an armouring which reduces the electromagnetic field of a neighbouring object by interposing a sort of conductive metal shield between the source of the electromagnetic field and the object to protect from it. These shields prevent radio frequencies and electrical interferences.

Electrostatic shielding (withdrawn or guard ring) protects from electrostatic waves that could interfere or damage all of the associated electronics running the circuit tracks up to the connected boards or components. This protection can withstand electrostatic discharges up to 17kV.

A membrane keypad providing tactile feedback (through hot-press embossing or metal dome-switch) when an electrical contact is registered (i.e. when a key is pressed).

Process which gives, through applied pressure, volume or relief to a plastic piece.

Surface Mounted Device, e.g. a LED.

Device mounted at the end of the flexible flat cable, connecting the keypad to the associated electronic device. The connector is defined according to the pitch and the type of installation (stapling, zero insertion force (ZIF), ...).

Chemical reaction which eliminates any traces of grease or oil without damaging the metal.

This consists of removing the text or image on the screen of a screen-printing press, so that it can be re-used.

Sometimes screens will have to undergo a further step in the reclaiming process called dehazing. This additional step removes haze or "ghost images" left behind in the screen once the emulsion has been removed. Ghost images tend to faintly outline the open areas of previous stencils, hence the name. They are the result of ink residue trapped in the mesh, often in the knuckles of the mesh (the points where threads cross).

The process of laying an important thickness of resin onto a unit (part, label, plate...) to give it its domed aspect. On top of its visual appeal, this technique also protects the substrates against detergents, UV and other projectiles.

Visual aspect and tactile feedback rendered by embossing a material.

Coating process consisting in applying liquid ink directly onto a screen-printing screen.

A rigid piece linking two other parts and which keeps the spacing between them. (spacers) This type of parts shapes and dimensions may vary, depending on its use.

A machine which heat can sterilise or dry.

(Stereotyping)

Printing process of engraving designs created through DTP on a film or a plate to make the printing matrices.

Process which gives, through applied pressure, volume or relief to a plastic piece.

(Sensor)

Sensors are there to make keyboards easier to use. They help visually distinguish the keys, the aiming and to keep a finger on a key. They enable an efficient and error-free use of the keyboards.

The process of digital printing does not require the use of plates (or rubber blankets in the case of offset printing), and only requires digital data streaming directly from the computer to the printing machine. 

Process of assembling two parts of a keyboard, e.g. an adhesive layer and a circuit board.

Also called LED lamp, a type of lamp which uses electroluminescent diodes.

Light-Emitting Diode is a light emitting electronic component. LEDs can be integrated to a main circuit board or have their own. They come in many colours (blue, green, yellow, red, orange, bicolour,...) and various intensities.

(FFC)

This strap enables a direct connection with your electronic device.

Small electrical switches which do not require much electrical current to trigger the mechanical action. It is the guarantee of a clean break and reliable circuit switching.

(desktop publishing)

Also called Computer Assisted Publication, this consists in making documents to be printed.

Printing technique which can be applied to either side of a substrate. When printed at the back, the colour is protected from wear. This technique gives the print a near endless life expectancy.
For more details, see “Our processes”.

Printing of illustrations and images in colour.