How Can We Help?

Find answers about metal domes, dome arrays, samples, orders, certifications, and shipping.

Q: Are you a trading company or a manufacturer?

We are a direct manufacturer. Qingdao Shanyo Precision Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. has been producing metal domes, dome sheet arrays, and related components since 2003. Our factory in Qingdao has in-house stamping, plating, lamination, and die-cutting equipment - no middleman, no markups. Buying direct gets you better pricing, faster engineering support, and full material traceability.

Q: What is your MOQ for metal domes?

For standard catalog metal domes, the MOQ is typically 5,000–10,000 pieces. For custom dome arrays using existing tooling, MOQ drops to 500–1,000 pieces. We also support prototype/small-batch orders (100–500 pcs) with a one-time setup fee. If you're just starting evaluation, contact us - we often ship free samples from stock.

Q: How do I request samples?

Use the contact form or email shanyosd3@shanyo.com. Tell us: (1) which dome type/size you need, (2) your application, (3) quantity. Standard catalog samples ship within 1–3 working days; custom samples take 5–7 days. Freight is typically collect via DHL/FedEx.

Q: How fast can I get a quotation?

Detailed quotations within 2 business days of receiving your full inquiry. For standard catalog items, we often reply same day. The quote includes unit price at multiple volume tiers, tooling cost (if any), lead time, and packaging specs. To speed things up, include dome size, force, quantity, and target application in your first email.

Q: How do I place an order?

Once samples are approved, we send a PI (Proforma Invoice) with product specs, quantity, unit price, total amount, lead time, and payment terms. After 30% deposit confirmation, production starts. We send photos and inspection reports before shipment, and balance payment is due before final dispatch.

Q: What is a metal dome?

A metal dome (also called snap dome or tactile dome) is a precision-stamped stainless steel disc that acts as a momentary switch. When pressed, it collapses with a crisp "click" and completes a circuit through a carbon pad on the PCB. When released, it springs back. It is the most common tactile feedback solution in remote controls, keypads, medical devices, automotive switches, and industrial control panels.

Q: What sizes and actuation forces are available?

We offer round domes from 3mm to 18mm, plus square, four-leg, and oval shapes. Actuation forces range from 100g to 500g (standard 250g), with tactile ratios of 40–60%. See our technical specifications guide for detailed selection tables.

Q: What is a dome sheet array?

A dome sheet array (or dome array) is a pre-assembled sheet of multiple metal domes laminated onto a PET film with adhesive. It replaces loose domes in SMT assembly - the entire sheet is applied at once, reducing placement time and misalignment risk. Dome arrays are widely used in membrane switches, remote controls, and medical device panels.

Q: How do I choose the right dome for my application?

Start with four parameters: (1) size - must match your PCB pad layout, (2) force - 150–250g for consumer electronics, 300–500g for industrial/medical, (3) life cycle - 100K for low-use, 1M+ for heavy-use, (4) environment - SUS301 for standard, SUS316 for corrosive/outdoor. Our keypad design guide walks through the decision process.

Q: What is the lifespan of a metal dome?

Standard SUS301 full-hard domes typically achieve 1,000,000 actuations at rated force. Higher-temper (EH) material and thicker plating can reach 5,000,000 cycles. The actual life depends on operating force (over-actuation accelerates fatigue), temperature, and contamination. We provide life-test reports on request.

Q: What certifications does Shanyo hold?

We are certified to IATF 16949 (automotive quality management), ISO 13485 (medical device quality), and ISO 9001. All products are RoHS and REACH compliant. For automotive customers, we provide full PPAP documentation and IMDS submissions. See our case studies for examples of programs we support.

Q: How do you guarantee quality?

Every lot goes through incoming material inspection (mill test reports), in-process tactile force and height checks, and final visual/electrical inspection before packaging. We provide a Certificate of Conformity (COC) with every shipment. AQL 0.65 sampling is standard; tighter AQL levels available on request.

Q: Can I get material test reports?

Yes. Stainless steel material mill test reports (MTR) are available for every shipment. We also provide plating thickness reports, salt-spray test results, and dome life-cycle test data for qualification programs.

Q: What payment terms do you accept?

Standard: T/T 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. For established customers or orders above USD 50,000, we accept L/C at sight. Small sample orders can be paid via PayPal or Western Union.

Q: How do you ship and what are the lead times?

Samples: DHL/FedEx International, 3–5 days. Bulk orders: by sea (FCL/LCL) from Qingdao port, or by air for urgent shipments. Production lead time is 10–20 working days after deposit confirmation, depending on quantity and tooling requirements.

Q: Can you do custom OEM/ODM?

Yes. We specialize in custom metal domes, dome arrays, FPC assemblies, and silicone keypads. Tooling is our own - we design, cut, and maintain dies in-house, so custom geometries are fast and cost-effective. Send us your drawing or sample and we'll quote within 2 days.