PCB switches

Slide switches are miniature switches that are actuated by moving an actuator from side to side. The switches can have 2-6 positions and the actuator stays in position making it easy to confirm the status of the function.
The slide switches are mainly used for on-off function and were originally designed for telecommunication applications as they are easy to activate blindly.

Tactile switches are actuated by pressing an actuator on a metallic dome that makes contact to the terminals over-molded in the plastic body. They are simple and efficient in their functionality, but very versatile in their application areas.
Tactile switches are the smallest switches in APEM’s range, they have a short travel and handle low current.
Since switches and accessories are designed separately from each other, there are endless possibilities to design the control panel for your application.

DIP and coded Rotary switches are used to generate coded outputs to your electronics.
DIP (Dual In-Line Package) switches allow to define the parameters within 2-12 positions whereas with coded Rotary switches are actuated through the rotation of a central shaft that causes movement of attached contacts.

Toggle switches use a mechanical lever or handle mechanism to activate the switch. They can have two to three positions. In case of the latching version the operator has an easy visual indication of the status of the switch which provides extra security.
Toggle switches are often used to flip functions on and off and are commonly used in agricultural machinery.

Pushbutton switches on PCB allow for more functionality, like 2-pole, long travel and latching.
The switches can carry higher loads of current and have fixed accessories with a selection of customization possibilities, e.g. color, illumination and marking.

MEC switches are high-performing tactile switches with dozens of options to design your unique control panel. This range of MEC PCB switches has three main product groups – Unimec, Multimec and Ultramec.

Unimec group

Unimec is the experienced one of the group – the oldie but goodie. Unimec is a pushbutton switch with 8 contact function possibilities. The accessory range is limited, but the select possibilities provide a fair share of customization options, like color, illumination, and marking.

Multimec group

The Multimec range is the modular, “one-stop-shopping” for your demanding application. On one footprint, you get a switch that is waterproof with IP67 sealing, long lifetime with over 10M activations, a pick between 3 standard activation forces, robustness up to 100N, NO or NC/NO functionality, and an option for integrated LEDs. Available with thousands of accessory options including various shapes, heights, sealing levels, surface feels, colors, markings, types, and colors of illumination. There are even various navigational solutions.
This level of flexibility in design options gives you endless possibilities when creating your next HMI and allows for late-stage customization. And if this wide range of design options still leaves you wanting more, there is always an option for a custom cap.

Ultramec group

Ultramec is the new kid on the block with a bright future, with two versions already launched – a single pole version (Ultramec) and a 2-pole version (Dualmec).

Dualmec is the smallest SMD-mounted 2-pole switch on the market. It is the ideal choice for a safety-critical function in your industrial remote control or other limited-space device. And even though Ultramec is the newest member in this PCB switch family, the keycap selection is quite comprehensive. You have the basic square, triangle, and round cap options that match in height and measurements so you can create the exact control panel you need. There is also a panel-sealed navigational solution for your compact applications.

Explore the products and see for yourself that the MEC range is more than just switches.

Rocker switches are a mix of toggle and pushbutton switching function.
These PCB switches have two to three positions built in the switch and give the operator an easy visual confirmation of the status of the switch. They can be illuminated and printed with a legend Rocker switches are often used for on-off activation of a function and commonly used in agricultural and other heavy-duty machinery.