TPE keypad mat for a minimally invasive surgical visualisation system
Keypad mat in TPE with a Shore A hardness of 55 used as the control panel of a medical visualisation system for minimally invasive surgery. The component performs switching and key functions, provides tactile feedback during operation and reliably seals the housing in the installation area.
The assembly is produced in a multi-stage insert-moulding and two-shot overmoulding process: magnet inserts are first overmoulded to form button rings, and the button rings are then joined to the keypad mat. The family mould concept covers three housing sizes; the decisive factors are a uniform surface, a reliable bond to the button ring, the sealing function and low-pressure overmoulding to protect the magnets. Parts undergo 100% visual inspection, supplemented by optical and tactile sample inspections.
