Touch screen manufacturer Touch International is soaring to new heights in the Aerospace In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) industry with its Apple iPhone-type MulTI-Touch Projected Capacitive technology, which is now being featured in many of the newly-released Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircraft because of its sleek look, seamless borders and high performance attributes.
The fully customizable light-weight, low-power touch systems feature multi-touch input with intuitive gesturing, fast and accurate response and ultra-clear optics for superb video imaging. Many of these units also feature custom printed cover glass, proximity sensors and port hook-ups for passenger electronics, all of which work to provide a higher level of sophistication and comfort in the aircraft.
“In-Flight Entertainment has become a huge focus for the aerospace industry because it gives airlines the opportunity to provide additional value to its passengers, and serves as a new medium to brand and promote their company,” explains Chris Gasson, Aerospace Program Manager at Touch International. “We are able to fulfill both passenger and airline expectations with our MulTI-Touch Projected Capacitive technology, which has really become a favorite among IFE manufacturers because of its capabilities and design flexibility.”
In addition to making the touch screens functional and aesthetically pleasing, the company insures that all Federal Aviation and airline regulations are met by using flame retardant plastics and adhesives, low ohm shielding and EMI suppression gaskets. Other display enhancements are often used to maximize screen brightness, minimize reflection and reduce finger prints.
Since its inception in 2002, the company has been manufacturing touch screens for IFE devices, and has been quietly positioning themselves for long-term success in the industry, first making history in 2003 when it introduced the all-plastic, fourteen layer, non-burning 4-wire resistive touch screen. In 2004, Touch International began building projected capacitive touch screens, which by 2007, began to grow in popularity with the emergence of projected capacitive electronics, giving Touch International the boost it needed to take the lead in the IFE industry.
Now in 2011, the company has seen an explosion in IFE demand and anticipates exceeding year-over-year sales numbers by more than 30 percent; for 2012, it expects that number to jump to 50 percent.
“The airline industry is really starting to emphasize comfort and design, and is examining how the passenger experience can be enhanced,” says Gasson. “We are excited to be part of the process, helping our customers to make history and continuing to change the way people and machines interact.”
