Advantages of print-based resistive touch technologies
The most widely used is pressure-based, resistive touch technology, in which pressure is applied to the surface of the touch screen by a finger or object.
The surface of a resistive touch screen is touch-sensitive and consists of two conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) layers. The two opposite layers are separated from each other by means of small spacers. The back layer is applied to a stable surface, while the front layer is usually covered with stretchy polyester or, in the case of our resistive ULTRA touchscreen, is made of micro glass.
For control, a low voltage is applied to both ITO layers. When touching the surface, e.g. with a finger, both layers are pressed against each other and a current flows for a short time.
Structure GFG ULTRA Touchscreen
In contrast to conventional resistive touchscreens with polyester surfaces, the sensor of Interelectronix 's patented ULTRA GFG touchscreen is protected by a robust micro-glass surface and a laminated glass back, which significantly increases the service life of the sensor.
Touchscreens with a long lifespan
Nevertheless, the sensor of the resistive ULTRA touchscreen is also exposed to mechanical wear. However, this wear and tear is considerably less compared to common resistive touchscreens. Through test procedures, we prove a service life of a 5-wire ULTRA touchscreen sensor of 225 million individual actuations per touch point under an activation force of 85 grams.
Advantages for medical use
For use in medical devices, the main advantages of an ULTRA touch screen with a glass surface are:
- The precision of position determination is sufficient for many applications.
- Any object can be used for operation. Even with non-conductive gloves, the touchscreen can be operated without any problems.
- A touchscreen equipped with borosilicate glass is extremely scratch-resistant and can even be operated with a scalpel.
- The glass surface is completely insensitive to all disinfectants, cleaning agents and chemicals.
- Additional refinement (ITO mesh coating) reduces electromagnetic radiation to a minimum.