New Vandal-resistant Touch Screens from 3M Target Self-service and ATM Applications

3M, the diversified technology company, has launched a new ToughTouch capacitive touch screens for self-service kiosks and ATM applications.

The MicroTouch ToughTouch II Capacitive Touch Screens from 3M excel in these demanding environments offering superior wear resistance, enhanced light transmission and added impact resistance.

"This latest ToughTouch development demonstrates our commitment to the continuous enhancement of the MicroTouch capacitive product line, a development effort which started nearly 20 years ago when 3M invented surface capacitive technology" commented Francesco Fasoglio, European Marketing Manager, 3M Touch Systems Division. "Like ClearTek II, ToughTouch II is a high performing, reliable touch sensor, with durability against damage from accidental or malicious activity, but offers a much higher level of built-in impact resistance."

ToughTouch II touch screens are ideal for unsupervised, vandal-prone applications where impact resistance is a necessity. The screens comply with UL 60950 safety standards, excelling themselves during impact testing without any shattering of glass, and are IP66/NEMA 4 sealable against liquids and other contaminants. They also offer a superior level of wear resistance over the previous ToughTouch product, making them at least five times more wear resistant than competitive capacitive touch screen solutions on the market. This capability enables continuous touch screen operation over extended periods, dramatically reducing costs associated with maintenance or recalibration.

ToughTouch II is 3M's most rugged capacitive touch product incorporating a ClearTek II capacitive touch sensor with a 4mm layer of glass optically laminated to the back. Its overall thickness is 8mm, giving it the same form factor as the previous ToughTouch version and enabling easy transition for the customer. A further advantage is that ToughTouch II shares the same EXII controller and is software compatible with ClearTek II. This simplifies the design process for customers using ToughTouch II for outdoor ATMs and ClearTek II for indoors.

Another feature of the ToughTouch II touch screens is their enhanced light transmission at 86.5% average to ensure clear visibility under most lighting levels, from direct sunlight through artificial lighting to night time use. The product's specifications are much tighter than in competitive solutions, with only +-1.5% standard deviation from the average.

Furthermore, the touch screen system, ToughTouch II touch screen and EXII controller, offers a world-class storage temperature range from -50C to +80C, giving it the widest range over similar laminated touch screen solutions.

ToughTouch II is now available in 12.1", 15", 17" and 19" sizes. The touch screens can also be provided in a custom size to accommodate wide-aspect ratios for the new generation of displays and up to 32" for large format applications.

About 3M

3M is a $22.9 billion diversified technology company, creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M has pioneered innovation since 1902 and, today, invests more than $1.5 billion a year in R&D. It has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention solutions; and its digital signage offerings are set to revolutionise the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

3M employs 75,000 people worldwide to deliver more than 55,000 products to customers in some 200 countries. Its diverse technologies touch nearly every aspect of modern life, serving markets such as consumer and office, display and graphics, electronics and communications, safety, security and protection services, healthcare, industrial and transportation.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 3650 people across 15 locations, including ten manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, respirators, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems and secure documents.