Industrial environments are often hostile, mainly because they are exposed to a variety of challenges and factors that can adversely affect the proper functioning of equipment and technology. Here are some of the common causes of harsh industrial environments:
High and low temperatures: Industrial environments may face extreme high or low temperature conditions. For example, certain factories and production lines may need to operate at high temperatures, while certain cold storage or cryogenic processing equipment needs to operate at low temperatures. These temperature extremes can challenge the performance and stability of touchscreens and other electronic devices.
Humidity and Moisture: Industrial environments can have high levels of humidity or moisture, especially if some manufacturing processes involve liquids or vapours. Humidity and moisture can lead to problems such as reduced sensitivity, degraded electrical performance, and even short circuits in touch screens.
Dust and dirt: Dust, dirt and particles in the industrial environment may adhere to the surface of the touch screen, affecting its light transmission and touch performance. These contaminants not only reduce the visibility and clarity of the touch screen, but also may interfere with the transmission of touch signals.
Mechanical Vibration and Shock: Industrial equipment is often in constant operation or frequently started/stopped, which may lead to mechanical vibration and shock. These vibrations and shocks may cause damage or loosening to the structure and connections of the touch screen, affecting its stability and life.
To cope with these harsh conditions, touchscreens need to have the following properties in industrial environments:
Durability and Stability: Touch panels should have excellent durability and stability, and be able to operate stably for long periods of time under harsh conditions such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, and vibration.
Waterproof and dustproof capability: The touch screen should be waterproof and dustproof to ensure normal operation in humid or dusty environments. This usually requires the touch screen to have waterproof sealing structure and dustproof filter and other protective measures.
Shock and vibration resistance: The touchscreen should be resistant to shock and vibration to minimise the effects of mechanical vibration and shock on its structure and connections. This may require the use of special fixing and supporting structures to ensure the stability and reliability of the touch screen during the operation of the equipment.
Wide Temperature Operating Range: The touchscreen should be able to operate normally over a wide temperature range, i.e. be able to adapt to extreme temperature conditions from low to high temperatures. This requires the touch screen internal electronic components and materials can withstand temperature changes and maintain stable performance.