Some might say that rulers, being such commonplace items in daily life, hold little mystery. Surely anyone of sound mind should know how to use one. Yet I've discovered that in the manufacturing process of membrane switches, more than just a standard ruler is required.
First, let's discuss the steel ruler, familiar to all. Steel rulers come in two types: straight steel rulers and tape measures. Steel rulers are primarily used to measure the length and width of materials. Straight steel rulers are mainly used for measuring smaller items, while tape measures are primarily used for measuring materials longer than one metre. The relative accuracy of steel rulers should generally not be less than 1/3000, making them a measurement tool of moderate precision.
Next, let's discuss the film gauge. Might anyone, like yours truly, have found this product name rather unfamiliar upon first hearing it? Compared to steel rulers, the film gauge is a relatively more precise measuring tool. In membrane switch applications, it is typically employed for sample production to verify whether manufactured products align with design templates. This ensures the creation of superior, more accurate membrane switch products.
Finally, there is another measuring tool called a vernier caliper. Vernier calipers offer relatively high precision and can be used to measure material thickness, cross-sectional area, as well as hardware fittings and small components. Most custom membrane switch manufacturers routinely employ them.
