Danielson has launched a new rapid prototyping service for use with all membrane switch and keyboard projects.

Danielson, one of Europe's leading developers and manufacturers of membrane keyboards, touch screens and electroluminescent lamps, has launched a new rapid prototyping service for use with all membrane switch and keyboard projects. Intended to help customers reduce product design and development times still further, the new service forms the latest part of an ongoing programme of investment in the company's UK production facilities. Ben Phelan, Marketing Manager for Danielson, explains that, 'Although we have always been able to produce keyboard prototypes relatively quickly, the new membrane prototyping service means that, for many projects, we will be able to produce working samples for customers within days; this is significantly better than the average for this part of the electronics industry, which is typically weeks rather than days'.

He adds, 'Perhaps as importantly, the ability to produce flat and embossed overlays and composite keyboard assemblies, and to incorporate complex, digitally printed half tone graphics, quickly and efficiently means that we can help customers design and, where appropriate, redesign products from concept stages through to final high and low volume production.

As a result, we believe that we will be able to improve the functionality, performance and reliability of the finished products, without adversely affecting the overall cost'.

This significant reduction in turn-round times has been achieved through the use of the latest computer aided production technology, combined with streamlined and carefully monitored production control processes.

For example, Danielson has extensive CAD resources, automatic 200W large area laser cutting systems, multiple high speed screen print lines and in-house embossing facilities; additionally, as part of a larger European group, the company has access to additional production operations in Sweden, Holland and Hungary.