3M has been a leader in its class for years now and it has done so by developing and manufacturing products which will be very useful for consumers. Recently, the company's subsidiary, 3M Touch Systems Inc., announced that they have launched the MicroTouch Flex Capacitive Touch Sensors in the United States market.
The said product is a polyester-based capacitive touch screen which can be used on electronic products such as personal navigation systems. Navigation systems are widely used today in the auto industry and the launch of the new technology is expected to make modern navigational system more efficient and convenient to use.
Chris Tsourides, Mobile Products Business Unit Manager at 3M, had this to say: "We are very excited to provide the mobile handheld industry with a high-performance touch screen solution that will enhance its product offering and brand image. With global demand exploding for touch-enabled mobile devices, 3M's high-volume roll form production of MicroTouch Flex Capacitive Touch Sensors should help address the increasing demand for touch screen sensors."
According to The Auto Channel, the new product from 3M is the result of applying Indium Tin Oxide patterns on polyester film. The latter is designed to be lightweight thus making it cost effective. The resulting product is a lightweight touch sensor which can contain as much as 72,000 sensors. That amount though depends on the size of the screen.
Kelly Devin, Flex Capacitive Business Development Manager with 3m Touch Systems, had this to say: "Since Flex Capacitive Sensors are manufactured through a continuous, roll form production process, this helps device manufacturers manage their component supply chain from the prototype phase to pilot scale and full scale-up. Our ability to produce touch sensors on rolls means our customer scan get the quantities they need when they need them."
"A film-based sensor like Flex Capacitive allows product designers to explore new and unique industrial designs beyond the limitations of traditional square or rectangular touch sensor shapes," added Devin. "As personal mobile devices continue to converge, touch sensor design freedom helps provide product manufacturers a greater ability to differentiate their products."
The advantages of using 3M's new technology will surely be taken into consideration by automakers and auto parts manufacturers especially electronic ones. Although navigational systems are not yet as important to a motorist as , they are becoming more and more attractive to consumers. This means that in the near future, this product by 3M will be used on most vehicles.
