The touch solutions we offer are centred around four basic technologies (Resistive, Surface Acoustic Wave, Capacitive and InfraRed), each of which has advantages or disadvantages in any given application. We offer fully customised and standard ranges of Resistive, SAW and Capacitive types, supplied with or without displays, but normally provide IR technology only in conjunction with our Open Frame & Chassis Monitor or Panel & Industrial PC products. If required, a choice of touch panel controllers is available too.
Selecting the most appropriate touch solution can be a highly complex matter and so if you require any advice then please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Analogue resistive is the most cost-effective, lightweight and versatile touch panel technology. It is ideal for a whole range of products, including handheld portable units and other small devices. It also performs well in more complex systems such as those developed for restaurants, factories and hospitals; where the finished equipment must withstand contaminants, water and other liquids. Four wire types are the simplest and least expensive form of resistive touch panel but eight wire variants feature an additional reference line to compensate for any drift in linearity over time. We also offer heavy duty versions (tempered glass or polycarbonate) together with circular polariser options to enhance sunlight viewability. Five wire construction provides even higher durability (5 inches diagonal and above).
Popular sizes typically range from 2 inches to 17 inches diagonal.
The disadvanatges of resistive technology include reduced optical transmissivity (i.e. light throughput) compared with clear glass and (particularly with 4-wire & 8-wire types) the possibility of impaired functionality if the touch panel's surface is damaged by a sharp object.
Compared with the resistive and capacitive alternatives, SAW technology provides superior image clarity, resolution and optical transmissivity. Also, because a SAW touch screen uses clear glass (either plain or tempered, without any layers or vulnerable surfaces) it exhibits extremely high durability. This technology is recommended for gaming machines, banking terminals, kiosks, computer based training equipment and other high traffic indoor applications.
Popular sizes typically range from 10.4 inches to 29 inches diagonal.
The disadvantages of SAW technology include increased cost, the requirement that the screen must be touched with a finger, gloved hand or soft-tipped stylus (hard implements do not work) and that its performance can be adversely affected by significant levels of dust, dirt or water in the immediate environment.
Capacitive touch screens generally have slightly higher optical transmissivity than their resistive counterparts and are largely unaffected by everyday contaminants or fluctuations in ambient temperature. They have a durable surface, can easily be completely sealed and direct exposure to significant amounts of water does not noticeably degrade their performance. Therefore, capacitive technology is particularly suitable for high traffic use in outdoor environments.
Popular sizes typically range from 8.4 inches to 20.1 inches diagonal.
The disadvantages of capacitive technology include increased cost and (in its basic form) the requirement for the screen to be operated with a bare finger. Therefore, standard capacitive technology is not suited to any applications where the users might wear gloves.
IR technology is suitable for use in harsh environments, including military applications, and can be employed with larger displays. It does not reduce image clarity and is largely unaffected by moisture, fluctuations in temperature, cleaning chemicals, radio frequency interference (RFI) or electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Popular sizes typically range from 19 inches to 46 inches diagonal.
The disadvantages of IR technology include increased cost, low touch resolution, parallax problems (when used with CRT's) and poor reliability if implemented using low quality LED's. A dust, oil or grease build-up in the sensor area may also cause malfunctions.
