Three different Touch Panel Technologies

Choosing a touch screen that is right for you is not an easy task. Not only do you need to consider size and location, but there are multiple types of screens each with advantages and disadvantages. Some screens can be triggered with just the touch of a surface, but some require an electrical charge to recognize a touch. There are also screens that are more susceptible to scratches, sunlight, and other weather conditions. With this said, it is important to know where your screen is going to be displayed. With an abundance of touch screen options and not a lot of simple information to consult I will attempt to break down the ins and outs of touch screen technology. 

IR --Infrared Ray Touch Panel
The first of the screens I will discuss is the infrared ray touch panel, most commonly shortened to IR.  IR technology recognizes a touch when the invisible light beam grid is broken. Moreover, there is a grid of infrared rays across the screen and when an object comes in contact with the screen and breaks the grid, the screen recognizes this change. For this technology to be successful there needs to be little interruption from oil, dust, or weather conditions. The sensitive light beams could be triggered by a water droplet for example. This technology can also be ineffective if there is too much dust and oil build up on the screen preventing the rays from functioning properly. This panel best suites large screens in high-trafficked areas because it is resistant to scratches. With all this said these screens are the highest quality in the touch panel category which comes with a high price.

SAW-- Surface Wave Acoustic Touch
The technology of SAW panels is probably the most complex to understand. The SAW screen works by tracking ultrasonic sound waves to locate the touch point on a screen. When a touch occurs it dampens the sound waves in that region allowing the sensors to detect the touch. It is similar to the IR screen because it is also sensitive to build up of oils and dusts. These components effect the accuracy of the sensors to detect a touch. It is activated with a light touch from a finger, but does not respond well to harder objects. This screen is great in entertainment markets due to its long lasting touch life and fast response time. When compared to IR screens, SAW technology comes in at a lower cost for an overall great investment. 


Capacitive Touch
This screen is the easiest to explain because most people can quickly think of an interaction with a Capacitive touch screen. This is because products like the Iphone and Ipad are made with capacitive touch screens. These screens are super durable and do not mistake contact with a water droplet as a touch. They react to touches from a bare finger and maintain integrity in the case of possible dust or oil build up. This technology works by placing an electrode layer across the screen that reacts when it comes into contact with the electric charge emitted from human touch. As long as you are bare handed these screens are accurate and durable. 


Choosing the touch panel that is best for you depends on what conditions and technology suites your environment. It is important to survey the area that your monitor will be placed because some screens respond better to inclement conditions, etc. Whatever your case is I have no doubt that one of these three panels will be a good fit. 

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