Ball Drop Test for Rugged Touchscreens
In the demanding and unpredictable world of industrial environments, the durability of equipment is non-negotiable. Touchscreens are a crucial component in these settings, whether on the factory floor, in transportation hubs, or within heavy machinery. The ability of these touchscreens to withstand impact is critical to maintaining productivity and minimizing costly downtimes. At Interelectronix, we understand the unique challenges faced by our clients and are dedicated to providing touchscreens that excel in the harshest conditions. Our expertise in developing rugged touchscreens is backed by rigorous testing procedures, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of resilience and reliability.
The Importance of Impact Resistance
The impact resistance of touchscreens is a critical factor in many applications, especially in industrial environments where the risk of damage is extremely high. Failures in touchscreens can lead to significant costs, often due to production standstills. Ensuring the robustness of these touch panels is essential to avoid such costly interruptions.
Requirement-Specific Ball Drop Tests
To demonstrate the high quality of our touchscreens to our customers, Interelectronix carries out ball drop tests that prove the special robustness of our products. The aim of these tests is to simulate a real working environment in which objects can fall onto a touchscreen. In the course of the test procedure, the penetration resistance and flexibility of the surface coatings are tested.
Depending on requirements, further tests can be carried out in accordance with the following standards:
- DIN/ISO 6272-2 for the verification of indirect impact deepening
- ISO 6272-1 for direct impact deepening test
- UL 60950-1 for safety of information technology equipment
- UL 62368-1 for safety of audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment
- EN 62262 for the degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts
Understanding UL 60950-1
The UL 60950-1 standard is essential for ensuring the safety of information technology equipment. It outlines the requirements intended to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury for users who may come into contact with the equipment during normal operation or while performing maintenance. This standard covers a wide range of devices, from personal computers and office machines to telecommunications equipment. By adhering to UL 60950-1, manufacturers demonstrate a commitment to user safety and product reliability.
At Interelectronix, we ensure that our touchscreens comply with UL 60950-1, guaranteeing that they are not only robust and durable but also safe for use in various industrial applications. This adherence to safety standards is a testament to our dedication to providing high-quality, reliable products.
Understanding UL 62368-1
UL 62368-1 is a more recent safety standard that replaces UL 60950-1 and UL 60065. It is designed to cover a broader range of electronic and electrical equipment used in the information and communication technology (ICT) and audio/video (AV) sectors. This standard takes a hazard-based safety engineering approach, focusing on identifying potential energy sources that could cause injury and outlining methods to mitigate these risks. It addresses various types of energy, including electrical, thermal, chemical, and mechanical.
The shift to UL 62368-1 represents a significant advancement in safety standards by incorporating new technologies and usage patterns. For Interelectronix, compliance with UL 62368-1 means our touchscreens are tested against the latest safety protocols, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of modern industrial and commercial environments. This commitment to advanced safety standards highlights our dedication to protecting users and maintaining the highest levels of product reliability.
Very Robust Glass Surfaces
The prototype to be tested is attached to a frame with the help of a foam gasket. A steel ball with a diameter of 2'' and a weight of 0.509 kg is dropped onto the touchscreen from different heights. This is used to measure the force required to cause the touchscreen in question to burst.
Ball drop tests have shown that the borosilicate glass surface used by Interelectronix as standard can withstand a force of 5.74 joules even without further reinforcement or hardening. By using thicker, untreated glass variants, a significant increase in resistance of around 22% can be achieved. With special methods of chemical hardening of the glass surface, on the other hand, the resistance can even be doubled.
Here you can take a look at exemplary ball drop tests on our touch screens.
Why Interelectronix
Choosing the right touchscreen for industrial applications can be a daunting task. At Interelectronix, we pride ourselves on understanding the unique needs of our clients. Our rigorous testing procedures and commitment to quality ensure that our touchscreens can withstand the toughest conditions. If you're looking for reliable and robust touchscreens, get in touch with us to learn more about how our products can meet your specific needs.
