Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the steps of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together form a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then used with a precisely positioned indexing system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) lamps is disclosed. The method of the present invention includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more rear capacitive electrodes, electrical terminations, optical registration fiducial indicia, and a continuous carrier means that is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the rear metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a capacitive dielectric layer precisely isolating the rear electrode form. In the third step, a layer of electroluminescent phosphor ink is applied to the rear capacitive electrodes to precisely form areas of illumination. In step four, a layer of light transmissive and electrically conductive ink is applied to cover the EL phosphor layer.