The new MSM CS metal switch from SCHURTER is equipped with an actuator made of highly durable ceramic. Ceramic is a new technology employed in the production of an electro-mechanical switch. The new switch provides novel features that open up entirely new areas of application. The actuator material of the MSM CS is resistant to scratches, abrasion, impact and chemicals.

The non-illuminated version has a translucent white actuating surface. Lettering is black and is applied directly onto the ceramic material. Due to the base material and the lettering process, the lettering is resistant to scratches and to common cleaning agents. In the case of switches designed with illumination, the actuator surface fully illuminates uniformly across the entire surface. Lettering and symbols can also be applied. The standard black lettering provides a positive effect against the illuminated actuator, while negative lettering provides an inverse effect.

The MSM CS is extremely robust and meets vandal-proof demands due to the low profile of the front structure (1.7 mm), the IP 69K protection class and the high level of impact resistance. The switch is available in 19 mm and 22 mm mounting diameters. Different contact configurations are offered over a range of 30 VDC to 250 VAC for the admissible switching voltage; switching currents are permissible from 0.1 to 10 Amperes. The MSM CS is equipped with quick connect terminals to allow for fast connections. The wires are connected to the switching element which is subsequently snapped onto the switch housing.

With the new piezo keypads SCHURTER provides input systems that are impervious to all kinds of dirt and fluids. The keypads are particularly suitable for use in outdoor applications due to their ability to resist extreme ambient conditions such as negative temperatures, ice and snow. The keypads fulfill the IP 69K protection class and have a reliable operating temperature from 25°C to +85°C. The mounting accessory kit from SCHURTER enables the keypad to be sealed into the housing with the IP 68 protection class. The piezo keypads can be mounted into the housing from the front or the rear.

As a standard, the keypads are available as a number block with 12 or 16 keys and with an aluminium front. Point illumination may be integrated into the individual key fields as optical feedback or for user navigation. The operating panel can be designed in several colours in both the aluminium and stainless steel versions. In addition, SCHURTER can provide keypads that are adapted to customer requirements with respect to outer geometry as well as to the number and arrangement of the keys.

By using the piezo principle, the keypads are free of mechanical parts and therefore have an extremely long lifetime of more than 20 million actuations. The completely sealed operating panel is easy to clean and is resistant to common cleaning agents. The metal surface with an IK 05 impact strength renders the keypads highly resistant to impacts from outside. The piezo keypads provide a high level of functional reliability, leading to a reduction in maintenance costs.

The robust switch type MSM LA from SCHURTER has been redesigned and is now also available with point illumination. For displaying the switching status or for providing visibility during night-time use, the illumination colors red, green and blue are available. The switch is designed with either a one- or two-pole contact, and is intended for a switching capacity of 250 VAC max. and 12 A max. For direct voltage, the switch was tested up to 125 VDC.

The MSM LA is available in 19 mm and 22 mm mounting diameters and suitable for use in temperatures ranging from -40 °C to +85 °C. It provides physical and visual indication and may also be used in conjunction with audible devices required by ADA. With an actuating travel greater than 5 mm, the MSM LA is ideal for use in applications where increased feedback of the switching status (ON/OFF) is required.

Additionally, the switching status is easy to discern by looking at, or feeling, the resting position of the actuator. In the OFF state, the actuator position protrudes from the housing; in the ON state, it is depressed into the housing. This provides a user-friendly actuating function and also prevents inadvertent switching, e.g. caused by objects leaning on the switch.

The standard type as well as the versions with ring illumination and now also point illumination may be provided with lettering using standard or customer-specific characters. The laser lettering process is carried out in-house.

Due to the stable stainless steel housing as well as the high impact strength, the switch is particularly suitable for use in devices with rough ambient conditions or for vandal-proof applications.