AccuTouch – Resistive 5 wire technology
Resistive touch technology consists of a glass or acrylic panel that is coated with electrically conductive and resistive layers. The thin layers are separated by invisible separator dots. When operating, an electrical current moves through the screen. When pressure is applied to the screen the layers are pressed together, causing a change in the electrical current and a touch event to be registered. Resistive type touch screens are generally the most affordable. Although clarity is less than with other touch screen types, resistive screens are very durable and able to withstand a variety of harsh environments. This type of screen is recommended for POS, restaurants, control / automation systems, medical use, and more.
Advantages
- ● High touch resolution
- ● Works with any stylus
- ● Not affected by dirt, dust, water, or light
Disadvantages
- ● 75 % clarity
- ● Resistive layers can be damaged by a sharp object
IntelliTouch – Acoustic Surface Wave
Surface Acoustic Wave technology is one of the most advanced touch screen types. It is based on sending acoustic waves across a clear glass panel with a series of transducers and reflectors. When a finger touches the screen, the waves are absorbed, causing a touch event to be detected at that point.
Because the panel is all glass there are no layers that can be worn, giving this technology the highest durability factor and also the highest clarity. This technology is recommended for public information kiosks, computer based training, or other high traffic indoor environments.
Advantages
- ● High touch resolution
- ● High clarity
- ● No-drift operation, so doesn’t need recalibration often
Disadvantages
- ● Must be touched by finger, gloved hand, or soft-tip stylus. Something hard like a pen won’t work
- ● Not completely sealable, can be affected by large amounts of dirt, dust, and / or water in the environment
CarrollTouch – Infrared technology
CarrollTouch infrared technology is the survivor of harsh applications. It’s the only technology that does not rely on an overlay or substrate to register a touch, so it’s impossible to physically “wear out” the touchscreen. CarrollTouch technology combines superior optical performance with excellent gasket-sealing capabilities, so it’s an excellent choice for harsh industrial and outdoor kiosk applications. Touched with a finger, gloved hand, fingernail, or stylus, it delivers a fast, accurate response every time. CarrollTouch infrared technology is available for flat panel custom solutions. Read more about CarrollTouch technology.
Advantages
- ● Withstands severe environments
- ● Adjusts to changing light conditions, including direct sunlight
- ● Stable, no-drift calibration performance
- ● Vandal- and abrasion-resistant screens, ideal for rugged applications
- ● Parallax-free performance for LCD displays
- ● Sealable against contaminants
- ● Choice of controller interface
- ● Choice of clear or antiglare screens
- ● Choice of filter type or overlay for system protection and optimal optics
Disadvantages
- ● Frame with infrared sensors is large and not suitable for monitors
- ● Infrared sensors must be treated against strong pollution
- ● Lower resolution ability
MicroTouch – Capacitive Tehcnology
Touch draws current from each corner of electric field controller measures the ratio of currents to determine touch locations. Minute amount of voltage is applied to all corners of touchscreen. The robust touch characteristics are attributed to its transparent overcoat, which significantly increases the physical durability of the surface by allowing it to resist scratches and abrasions.
Advantages
- ● transparent coating
- ● resistant against humidity and pollution
- ● is able to work in more demanding environments
Disadvantages
- ● lower touch resoluiton
- ● time drift, occasional re-calibration is necessary
- ● touch in glove not possile
Confrontation table
| Technology | Resistive | SAW | Capacitive | Infrared |
| Stylus | Any Object | Engery Absorbing | Conductive | Any Object |
| Resolution | 4096×4096 pts. | 900 pts. per/sq.inch | 1024 pts. per axis | 0.25″ Physical |
| Activation Force | 3 – 4 ounces | 2 – 3 ounces | electrical coupling | Proximity |
| Transmissivity | 57 – 75% | 90% or greater | 85% or greater | 100 % |
| Touch Life | 35 Million at same spot | 50 Million at same spot | 25 Million at same spot | 138,000 Hours |
| Accuracy (±) | 0.080 inches | 0.080 inches | 1% over screen | 0.125″ Logical |
| Response | 13 – 18 ms | 18 – 50 ms | 15 – 25 ms | 18 – 40 ms |
* Capacitive technology is a product of 3M Microtouch company.