Touch screens enhance the user friendliness

Capacitive touchscreens from 3M deliver ease of use, a vibrant image and the durability to survive the rough and tumble of the shop floor.

Pixargus, a world leader in real-time optical inspection systems for plastic and rubber extrusions, identified that a touchscreen interface would enhance the user friendliness of its systems.

However, since the same screen provides the image the operator uses to identify and describe defects, the clarity and contrast of the display could not be compromised under any circumstances.

MicroTouch ClearTek II capacitive touchscreens by 3M proved to be the solution, delivering ease of use, a vibrant image and the durability to survive the rough and tumble of the shop floor.

Outstanding optical display with exceptionally sharp contrast Pixargus, a spinoff from the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) at Aachen University of Technology, has been developing and producing systems for the optical inline measurement and inspection of plastic and rubber profiles since 1999.

Pixargus optical inspection systems are used to check for tiny surface flaws on windscreen wiper blades, for example - which can cause annoying smears in use.

Pixargus optical inspection systems automatically recognise defects against the quality standards specified by the user, producing an acoustic signal whenever a defect is detected.

At the same time, a detailed error message is relayed to the process control.

An image of the defect is displayed on the system screen to facilitate evaluation and analysis by the operator.

Since it is very difficult to identify defects, it is important that the image is clear and high-contrast even under poor lighting conditions, to enable the operator to assess accurately whether or not the product meets or falls short of the quality standard.

A second key element of Pixargus systems is their user-friendliness - ergonomic design improves efficiency, and a well-thought out user interface minimises training for new operators.

Pixargus identified that a touchscreen would significantly enhance the user experience.

Users could be offered only options that are available to them at a given point, eliminating the need to use function keys, or complex key combinations for system configuration.

However, since a touchscreen relies on an additional glass or plastic layer in front of the LCD panel, there is invariably a little image degradation.

Pixargus therefore devoted considerable thought to the selection of a touch solution that offered the best performance both in terms of responsiveness and image clarity.

3M touchscreens impressed with their exceptionally fast reaction time, the high-contrast and easy-to-read display as well as excellent translucency.

In addition, the display and touch-sensitive components can be replaced separately without any difficulty, which was precisely what the product developers wanted.

In terms of ease of use, 3M touchscreens were also outstanding.

With large, easy-to-recognise buttons on the screen, the 15in MicroTouch CT150 chassis monitors allow the user to quickly and simply navigate through the operational menu by touching the screen.

The prompt function is simple, intuitive and easy to understand.

Pixargus was advised and supplied by Monitor Import Export Deutschland, a longstanding sales partner of 3M Touch Systems.

It was also essential for the Aachen-based specialist that the systems are absolutely industry-compatible, as they are used in the toughest industrial environments.

This means that not only do they need to be mechanically robust, but also have to be able to tolerate dusty and solvent-laden environments.

The capacitive 3M touchscreens are impervious to surface damage such as scratches caused by abrasion, chemical substances or careless handling.

They also offer a host of other benefits including, for example, exceptionally fast reaction times and guaranteed faultless functional reliability even when contaminated by grease, water and other impurities.

Soiling of this kind does not affect response time, precision or screen resolution.

For Bjorn Lindner, CEO of Pixargus, one thing is certain: "Our requirements in terms of touchscreens are no doubt significantly more demanding than those of other users".

"Our systems do not just depict text and menus, but our customers also have to able to analyse images on the screen that were extremely difficult to make out on the original material".

"3M touchscreens meet our demands for outstanding picture quality".

"Furthermore, they have proven extremely reliable in tough industrial environments".

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