Sateco Group (Switzerland) - Through its subsidiary, Sateco XT AG, Sateco is breaking new ground and adding the SXTA silicone actuators to its portfolio of established keypad systems.

The dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA), also known as artificial muscles or electroactive polymers (EAP), can create both haptic and tactile feedback. They are quiet, light, and suitable for many different applications such as automotive, VR, AR, gaming, robotics and general industry.

The base of the stack actuators is freely selectable and can be customized to the available space. Its soft material flexibly adapts itself to curved surfaces and enables its seamless integration between the substrate and surface.

Based on the electrostatic operating principle, the silicone actuators require little energy to maintain their positions. This allows for long-lasting battery operation, which is an important point for wearable devices.

The actuators’ elastomer material enables a large deflection of 4.5% of its length. It saves on additional damping and preload elements, thereby simplifying the design and reducing manufacturing costs. The actuators can perform both fast pulses and slow deformations while continuously starting and stopping any desired deflection. As a result, the component can simultaneously assume several functions and reduce system complexity.

Thanks to their monolithic design, the actuators are robust, shock and impact-resistant, and also ensure high durability, even in rough environments at high (+85°C) and low temperatures (­40°C).

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The SXTA silicone actuators are available in many different sizes, and their dimensions are customizable for specific projects.

About Sateco:

The Sateco Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of keypads, and silicone sensors and actuators. Sateco combines years of know-how and innovative technology with customized solutions, and it sets standards for creating controls and switches. This family-owned company with approx. 800 employees is headquartered in Schwerzenbach, Switzerland and maintains subsidiaries in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. With consistent quality management and immense innovative strength, Sateco creates tangible added value for its prominent customers from many different industries.