Most commonly used on 21st Century smart phones and tablets, ITO touchscreen technology can be found everywhere, including ATMs, information kiosks, musical instruments and more. But what exactly is it and how does it work? Read on to find out…
Touchscreen Technology
Different types of touchscreen technology can be found on electronic devices of varying shapes and sizes. Depending on the devices’ application and price, this technology may consist of systems that track vibrations or light/sound waves. Other systems track light and shadows as they move across a device’s surface.
The most common technology used on today’s tablets, smart phones and other consumer electronics, however, is a system that tracks and responds to disturbances within the electrical current of a screen’s conductive layer.
Touchscreen Principles
The basic principle of this type of touchscreen technology is quite simple: the electrical state of a screen is changed at point of contact by touching it with a finger or another suitable object.
The changes initiated by the movement of your finger (or, if you are using a multi-touch device, fingers) are then tracked and responded to by the device (i.e. it completes the task/s requested by said movement).
To achieve this, the screen must be coated with a very fine, highly conductive and, of course, transparent material. This material must, however, also be able to withstand the tough environments devices are often exposed to (i.e. sweaty palms, shirt or trouser pockets or the unfathomable depths of all kinds of bags…)
ITO Touchscreen Technology
This is where ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) touchscreen technology comes into play – and why this technology is now used in most modern tablets, smart phones, etc.
Highly conductive and optically transparent (in its thinnest form), Indium Tin Oxide is also tough enough to deal with the demands of modern life and the environments our devices are exposed to.
What’s more, it is also comparatively easy to handle and can be deposited in the shape of extremely thin films using techniques like sputtering, evaporation or vapour deposition. These factors make it the perfect material to use in mass production.
In addition to touchscreens, the outstanding properties of Indium Tin Oxide also make it the perfect material for other technologies, including:
- Electronic ink applications
- Heated mirrors and windscreens
- LCDs (Liquid crystal displays)
- LEDs
- Organic LEDs
- Plasma Screens
- Sensor Coatings
- Solar Cells / Photovoltaics
- Strain Gauges and More…
Diamond Coatings
Combining state-of-the-art techniques & technology with years of experience and innovative ideas, Diamond Coatings are now firmly established as the UK’s leading manufacturer of ITO coatings for touchscreens and other applications.
Able to assist in all stages of the process, from design & development through to mass production, we can supply resistive and capacitive touchscreens on plastic (flexible or rigid) or glass measuring up to 100 cm x 100 cm in size. Screens can also be provided with anti-glare and/or other required finishes.
Get in Touch
To learn more and/or discuss your specific touchscreen requirements with one of our specialists, please contact us online, e-mail us: enquiries@diamondcoatings.co.uk or give us a call on: +44 (0) 8451 360 603 today.
