Data Sheet

HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS WITH
MEC SWITCHES ?
These guidelines are offered to users of MEC Switches as
an aid to ensure successful and reliable switch operation.
Please see the technical specifications for details on ope-
rating and storage temperatures and soldering guidelines
to make sure you select the best switch for your applica-
tion. When reflow soldering is taking place, MEC strongly
recommend that the temperature profile is analyzed and
compared with the temperature rating of the switch. It is
also important to monitor the accumulated heat buildup
from both the pre-heat zones and the solder zone.
Most standard accessories for multimec
™
3 series switches
are made from ABS plastic with a maximum operating
temperature of 65 °C. It is strongly recommended that ac-
cessories are mounted after soldering of the switch.
If this is not possible care must be taken not to overheat
the accessories during the soldering process. The 1S and
1GA/1GC caps are, however, made of high temperature
materials and will meet the same temperature specifica-
tions as the switches. For accessories made from other
plastic materials please see multimec™ 3 cap & bezel
technical specifications.
LEDs have their own temperature specifications. When
fitted in a 3F switch the LED will determine the max. opera-
ting temperature, i.e. 3FTH924 has an upper temperature
limit of 85 °C!
MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING
If switches are to be mounted in rows it is essential that
the recommendations regarding spacing are followed. PC
board thickness should be 1.4 ±0.2 mm and terminal hole
diameter should be 0.9 mm.
All multimec
™
caps and bezels are easily slid onto the switch
modules and can be changed at a later time .
Care must be taken when inserting the 3FT switch and
LED assembly into the PC board. Do not press direct on
the LED. This will force the LED down into the actuator
and risks to cause the switch contacts to remain in the
closed position. To correct the fault, the LED must be raised
slightly and centered in the actuator to assure unrestricted
movement of the actuator.
A mounting tool is available for through hole multimec
™
3
series switches.
SOLDERING AND CLEANING
MULTIMEC
™
3 SERIES
Multimec
™
3 series switches are fully sealed to IP67 specifi-
cations to prevent solder flux and aqueous based cleaning
solutions from entering the switch and contaminating the
contacts. The switches can be placed on the PC board with
other components and reflow soldered. Multimec
™
3 series
offers a high level of sealing, however, with aqueous
solvent solutions care must be taken to avoid the worst
case situation with water jets, complete immersion into
a liquid with a temperature below the board or surface
tension reducing additives.
Recommended cleaning methods are demineralized
water. Any surface tension reducing agents, such as
soap, must not be used as they risk causing a poten-
tial leakage of the switch.
SOLDERING - THROUGH HOLE
VERSIONS
Hand soldering: max. 350 °C for max. 3 sec
Wave soldering: heat built up in the switch during
pre-heating and soldering must not exceed the
maximum operating temperature of the switch. Peak
temperature must not exceed 260 °C, and soldering
time is max 10 sec. (IEC 60068-2-20 8)
SOLDERING - SURFACE MOUNT
VERSIONS
For all methods - infrared, convection and vapor
phase. The upper limit 240 °C/40 sec must be ob-
served. The soldering temperature profile must have
moderate temperature gradients. (JEDEC J-STD-
020E)
ROHS COMPLIANCE
As of 1 July 2006 MEC has completed the conversion
to RoHS compliance. For more info please see our
homepage www.apem.com
TEMPERATURE LIMITS
Switch 160 °C
LEDs 80/85/100 °C
Accessories 65/85/160 °C
PACKAGING
Multimec
™
3 series switches are packed in rigid
tubes of 50 pieces each.
A box contains 1.000 pcs.
The surface mount versions of multimec
™
3 series
switches with a height up to 12.5 mm can also be
delivered on tape/reel.
Each reel contains 250/500 pcs.
Right angle swithces are packed in trays.
A tray contains 100 pcs.
USAGE GUIDELINES
High performance tactile switches •
robust
Multimec
™
3F
PCB SWITCHES
8