Devices that are operated with a touchscreen have become commonplace in industry, medical technology and consumer electronics. However, high-touch surfaces can pose a health risk. Surface contact infections can cause diseases to be transmitted. Fortunately, a solution is now available for this problem. A touchscreen with an antimicrobial surface can prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria through the screen.
When determining the optimal solution, a choice can be made between chemical and physical antimicrobial solutions. For example, antibacterial glass or flexible, silver-coated polyester films can be used. A third option is a housing that has an antimicrobial surface treatment. However, in all cases the effectiveness of the antimicrobial surface is only limited.
Disinfecting the screen therefore remains necessary. To make this as easy as possible, it is important that the input systems do not have dirty edges. With PCAP touchscreens, the entire front is made of glass and the minimal space between the screen and the housing is filled seamlessly all around. Membrane keyboards with display integration – including versions with resistive touch screens – are equipped with a continuous, highly transparent front foil without a window cutout in the display area.
Alternatively, contactless input technologies are available, which avoids touching the screen entirely.
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