Many industrial and commercial settings need durable touch screen solutions. Infrared touch screens are a popular choice because they aren’t just durable—they are also resistant to environmental factors and have multi-touch capabilities.
In this blog, we will talk about what an industrial infrared touch display is, its types, and the benefits it might have for your business.
What Is Infrared Touch Screen?
An infrared touch screen uses a grid of invisible infrared (IR) light beams to detect touch interactions. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:
- Touch Frame or Overlay: This typically consists of a protective glass panel housing the IR technology.
- IR LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes): These LEDs emit invisible beams of infrared light across the touchscreen’s surface.
- Photodetectors: Positioned on the opposite side of the LEDs, these sensors detect any disruptions in the IR light caused by touch.
When a finger or object touches the screen, it disrupts the IR light beam at that specific location. The photodetectors register this interruption and transmit the X and Y coordinates of the touch point to the control system. This allows the system to recognize and respond to your touch commands.
Infrared Touch Screen Types
While there aren’t distinct subcategories within infrared touch screen technology itself, there are two main implementation methods:
Surface Mount (SMD)
In this approach, the IR LEDs and photodetectors are directly mounted on the bezel surrounding the display. This offers a more streamlined aesthetic but might be susceptible to dust or moisture ingress if not adequately sealed.
Through-Glass (TDG)
Here, the IR components are positioned behind the touch overlay itself. This method provides a higher level of protection against environmental factors but may create a slight parallax effect, where the touch location appears slightly offset from your actual finger placement.
Advantages of Infrared Touch Screens for Industrial Applications
Here’s what makes infrared touch screens a compelling choice for industrial and commercial environments:
Durability
The touch overlay’s glass construction offers excellent resistance to scratches, impacts, and chemicals, making it ideal for harsh industrial settings.
Multi-Touch Capability
Infrared technology can detect multiple touchpoints simultaneously, enabling users to leverage advanced gestures and functionalities for improved interaction.
Thick Touch Compatibility
Unlike some touch technologies, infrared screens can work effectively even with thick touch overlays, such as those used with gloves or protective layers. This is particularly beneficial for applications requiring additional screen protection.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
Infrared touch screens are less susceptible to dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations than other touch technologies, making them suitable for a wider range of operating environments.
Custom Touch Solutions
At IVS-Tech, we understand that industrial applications often have unique requirements. Infrared touch technology can be readily integrated into custom touch screen solutions, allowing us to tailor displays to your specific needs in size, shape, and touch overlay properties.
We offer a comprehensive range of custom touch screen displays designed to meet the demanding requirements of industrial and commercial environments.
Contact us to discuss your specific project requirements and discover how our infrared touch screen solutions can empower your business.
