Today, touchscreens are an integral part of daily life. From cooking equipment and various control units to dental office sterilization machines and automotive displays, these intuitive interfaces have revolutionized how we interact with technology.
As embedded touchscreens have evolved, so too have the challenges associated with their surfaces. Glare, fingerprints, and bacteria are just a few of the issues that can hinder the user experience. However, advanced surface treatments are an innovative solution to these issues that improve both the aesthetics and functionality of the touchscreens they are applied to.
Treatments, Films & Overlays for Superior User Experiences
At e2ip, we perform a variety of human-machine interface (HMI) treatments to promote more efficient, safe and reliable user experiences (UXs):
Anti-Reflection (AR) Coating: Enhance Optical Clarity
When it comes to human-machine interfaces, clarity is a must. The problem is that your display is typically a reflective surface. Anti-Reflection (AR) coatings or films, however, offer a practical solution to this age-old problem. By applying a thin film or coating to the front surface of the glass surface of the LCD display, these treatments filter or cancel out reflections and enhance optical clarity.
Anti-Glare (AG) Coating: Reduce Distractions
In environments where ambient light sources can impede visibility, such as outdoors or under bright indoor lighting, Anti-Glare (AG) treatments come to the rescue. Employing an etching process, AG treatments impart a matte finish to the front surface of the glass lens.
This simple yet effective solution reduces the adverse effects of reflected images or light sources on the screen surface. This treatment allows users to interact comfortably with your displays without distractions caused by glare.
Anti-FingerPrint (AF) and Anti-Smudge (AS) Treatments: Clean and Clear Displays
Fingerprints and smudges are a nuisance to touch surfaces: they not only affect the aesthetics of the interface, but the user-experience as well. Our Anti-finger print (AF) coating and Anti-smudge (AS) treatments and coatings address this issue head-on.
By creating an ultra-smooth surface on the glass lens, these treatments minimize the adhesion of oily residues, making fingerprints and smudges a thing of the past. The smooth surface also reduces finger friction, which makes it even easier to navigate the screen. With cleaner, clearer screens, users can interact effortlessly with touch interfaces across various industries.
Anti-Shatter (AS) Film: Improved Durability
In settings like medical facilities or industrial environments, where shattered screens are a safety concern and an operational risk, our Anti-Shatter (AS) films are an effective answer. Applied as a coating, these films prevent the dislodging and spread of glass fragments upon impact or damage to the glass lens or LCD screen. Through enhanced durability AS films provide the peace of mind needed for smooth operations.
Anti-Microbial (AM) Defense: Better Hygiene and Sanitation
Combating microbial contamination is essential for applications where hygiene and sanitation are non-negotiable. That’s why we’ve designed our Anti-Microbial (AM) films to be a proactive defense against harmful bacteria on touchscreen surfaces. By incorporating custom antimicrobial overlay layers, these films allow the treated surface to destroy certain bacterial strains on contact, thus minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. With antimicrobial agents integrated into the overlay film, touchscreens maintain their mechanical performance while upholding stringent hygiene standards.
Textured Treatments: Tactile Feedback
Smooth touchscreen surfaces offer a sleek aesthetic, but they can lack the tactile feedback that our tactile membrane switches and other systems with physical buttons provide. This is where textured treatments come into play. By incorporating microtextures on the surface, these treatments enhance tactile feedback, giving users a sensation akin to physical buttons. Industries requiring precise inputs can benefit from the improved usability and engagement that textured surfaces offer.
Dead Fronts: Aesthetics and Privacy
In certain scenarios, discretion and aesthetics are of utmost importance. Dead front technology, like the one we have integrated in our capacitive touch switches, caters to these needs by concealing the display until it is activated. This not only enhances aesthetics by presenting a sleek, unobstructed surface but also adds a layer of privacy. Dead fronts find applications in environments where information needs to be revealed selectively, providing both practicality and a modern aesthetic.
e2ip – Expert Touch Surface Technology
Here at e2ip, our proficiency with touch surfaces is testament to our relentless pursuit of enhanced user experiences and device longevity. From preventing glare and smudges to improving hygiene and tactile feedback, these treatments reshape the way users interact with human machine interfaces in a wide variety of applications.
As you consider the diverse array of touch surface treatments available, remember that investing in these advancements not only elevates user experiences but also extends the lifespan of your devices.
As a leader in the field of Smart Structural Surfaces (TM), e2ip technologies continue to drive innovation, offering businesses the tools to create robust, durable and highly functional human machine interfaces.
Contact us today to get your project started.
