From cell phones to factory floors, touch screens have become a ubiquitous part of computers in our daily lives. But for how much time we spend swiping, tapping, and scrolling, how much do we actually know about these pieces of technology?
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There are two major types of touch screens: capacitive and resistive. Together, they provide the interface for countless consumer products and industrial devices. Today, we'll break down the differences between the two designs and where they're best suited for industrial applications.
Touch screens are extremely popular in industrial roles for two primary reasons:
The most significant difference between the two categories of touch screens lies in how they detect a user's touch. This difference shapes how and where these screens can be used.
A capacitive touch screen works by sensing the electrical current in a human being's body. Underneath the glass screen is an insulator and conductive layer that tracks changes in electrical charge. When the user touches the screen, it draws charge to the point of contact, which the system then interprets as input. Capacitive touch screens can even support multitouch operations, expanding their flexibility. This makes them the most common choice for touch screens in electronics such as rugged industrial tablets.
These touch screens rely on physical pressure for detecting inputs. In a resistive design, two thin layers of plastic with a tiny gap in between are coated in an electrically conductive material. When a user presses down on the screen, these two layers make contact, which the touch screen's computer then registers as an input.
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One of the greatest advantages of capacitive versus resistive touch screens is that a capacitive screen can support multitouch gestures. This allows for a far greater degree of flexibility when it comes to inputs and expands what a user can accomplish with their touch screen industrial computer. Additionally, the glass surface of a capacitive screen is easier to see through and less likely to scratch than a plastic screen.
Sadly, that glass screen is also more prone to cracking if dropped. The other disadvantage of capacitive screens is that they can be disrupted by water or dirt on the screen, causing false inputs. The screen's reliance on an electric current also means that non-conductive objects, such as thick gloves or most styluses, won't work with a capacitive screen.
The main advantages of resistive touch screens are that they are cheap and reliable. Because they rely on pressure instead of electrical charge to detect inputs on the screen, a user can still perform changes with a stylus or while wearing gloves. They are also more durable than capacitive screens and less vulnerable to dirt, water, or dust.
The main disadvantage of resistive screens is that they are not very precise and can require more effort from users to perform inputs. They are also somewhat more susceptible to degradation over the years, which can be a problem if longevity is a priority.
The choice between capacitive and resistive will come down to the role the touch screen will be used in. Capacitive screens can support a greater variety of applications and are more precise, which makes them ideal for consumer applications (this is why consumer smartphones use capacitive touch screens). They are, however, more fragile and more expensive. This means they may not be the ideal solution where exposure to the elements or equipment damage is a concern.
On the other hand, resistive screens are cheaper and do better in outdoor applications, such as construction or areas where dirt and water are a concern. However, they are less accurate and less flexible. If you need something durable and relatively inexpensive, a resistive touch screen is the right choice for you.
Touch screens are incredibly useful for all kinds of industries. However, using them effectively requires understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both capacitive and resistive screens and what environments they're best suited for.
If you're interested in adding touch screen industrial panel PCs to your business's operations, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. Our expert staff are more than eager to explain how our products can expand your company's capabilities.
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Touch screens are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. Cell phones, computers, and even cars depend on touch screen technology to function properly. Having a physical keyboard or mouse now seems outdated, and touch screens have become the more intuitive technology for consumers. Not to mention, touch screens save space and are easy to maintain, so it makes sense to see them become the dominant technology.
Before determining which type of touch screen monitor is right for your business, you must first think of the following factors:
– How will your customers interact with the technology?
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– Will it be used in a harsher environment and be exposed to spills, as in the restaurant industry?
– Screen size: would a 10” or 17” be more fitting in your space?
– Footprint: Do you need a more compact all-in-one system for smaller areas to avoid both hardware and cable clutter?
There are various types of touch screens; this article will discuss the basics of two of the most popular types of monitors.
1. Resistive touch screens
A resistive touch screen display is covered with two flexible, metallic layers that are separated ever so slightly. When someone touches the screen, the two layers are pressed together and notify the computer. One of the best things about a resistive touch screen is the fact that almost any object can be used to touch the screen. Since the screen works when the layers are pressed together, anything with some sort of point (pen, tool, gloved finger, etc.) can work.
Another key thing about resistive screens is that they are very affordable. The materials used to make them are relatively inexpensive, making this technology very popular.
2. Capacitive touch screens
A capacitive touch screen is a pairing of an insulator and a conductor. Since the human body can also conduct electricity, touching the screen results in a change in the screen’s electric charge. The location of this change is then used to determine where the screen was touched. In order for the screen to properly recognize a touch, a bare finger or specific stylus must be used.
Capacitive screens are generally more expensive than resistive screens, but not by much. However, they also tend to have longer life spans than resistive touch screens.
One note: It is not recommended to use capacitive monitors in environments like bars, where employees might have wet hands while using the touch screen. In this case, it will “see” the touch, but the mouse will move somewhere other than where you are touching.
Now that you know more about each type of screen, let’s not forget to consider features for the associated hardware. These are important elements to look for that can help your business run more efficiently:
– Serial and USB touch interfaces
– Excellent cable management
– An external power supply hidden in the base
– MSR and rear customer display options
Resistive and capacitive touch screen monitors each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Price is definitely important when it comes to touch screens, but it should always take a back seat to usability. It’s important to determine who might be using your touch screens as well as where your touch screens will be displayed. Size is also an important factor. If the screen is too small, it will be overlooked; if the screen is too big, it might look gaudy.
Finding the right touch screen can not only fill a “utility” need, but can give your restaurant or retail establishment a modern look and feel. Once you consider these business needs, you should be able to identify the type of touch screen that works for you. If you are still not sure, it’s always smart to ask your hardware vendor for their recommendations.
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