PolyTC®, the transparent conductive films made by PolyIC (www.polyic.com), enable a multitude of new applications for touch sensor solutions as well as several further applications. The shift away from mechanical keys and switches and towards capacitive touch sensors can be seen throughout the electronics and automotive sector.

PolyTC® films can be used to manufacture very thin, flexible, transparent touch sensors which can be easily integrated into many applications and can be controlled using conventional electronic components. Some examples are touch screens, push buttons, slide controls and dials.

PolyTC® consists of high-resolution conductive structures which can be customized and manufactured in high volumes and at low cost using roll-to-roll processes. Consequently, PolyTC® provides an ideal replacement for flexible conductor plates in touch sensor applications or for indium tin oxide (ITO) layers in touch screens.

PolyTC® in Touch Screens
PolyTC® films can be used for touch screens. These are the basis of modern, interactive input devices which stand out due to their ease of operation. Basically, two different technologies for touch screens are established.

PolyTC® as Touch Pads, Keys and Buttons
Touch keys are electronic switching devices actuated by finger touch which do not contain any mechanically moved parts. The switching operation is triggered, e.g. by a change in the capacitance caused by touching. You can use the PolyTC ® films to realize flat touch keys as operating elements.

The capacitive touch keys provide the following benefits: They are transparent, backlight capable, thin and flexible. These features can be used in all applications requiring easy-toclean operating elements with modern design without additional mechanical components.

Applications for operating elements include, for instance, the interior of vehicles, white goods (large electronic household appliances like stoves, refrigerators and freezer), brown goods (electrical or electronic consumer products such as TV sets, radio and hi-fi appliances) and for medical devices.

Depending on the customer’s demand PolyIC is able to deliver either the pure PolyTC® conductive films or functional touch sensor elements.