Granted: Glass front panels always look precious, are far more scratch-resistant than Perspex and increase the perceived value of a product. However, these front panels used to go together with costly control boards on their back: Sensors needed to be applied and wired, an additional signal processing PCB needed attachment points, and EMC handling used to be all but simple. With its IMPAtouch product line, Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas GmbH now proves that there is a simpler, less expensive and more environmental friendly solution available: Sensors and conductor paths are directly printed on the glass front panel’s back. The additional PCB is no longer required – and EMC problems are avoided by principle.
It is a convincing simple solution that has been developed by Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas over the past five years and which is now ready for mass production: Capacitive sensor elements and conductor paths are screen-printed on the back of an IMPAtouch glass front panel, converting the panel itself into some kind of PCB. No problems for the designers – the conductive paths are behind the design layer and cannot be seen from the outside. Conductor paths and design layers are then baked; a process that turns the glass into tempered safety glass. Then Irlbacher applies a solder resist – and the glass front panel is ready to apply and solder the components. With this technology, it is quite easy to also integrate surveillance circuits like an alarm or a safety cut-out in the case the glass breaks.
The environment benefits from IMPAtouch in several ways: The manufacturing process of the signal processing PCB – including the chemical parts – is completely omitted. Front panel foils and the related punching tools are no longer required. Because the glass needs to be tempered anyway, there is no excess energy needed to bake the conductor paths. Irlbacher masters all manufacturing processes of IMPAtouch products, from the machining of the glass across the electronic design to the final assembly. This reduces development and manufacturing time to an absolute minimum.
With its unique combination of state-of-the art electronic design and the decades of expertise in machining glass, IMPAtouch enables innovative and design-oriented products based on glass. Practically, there is no limit to the front panel artwork and its colours. In addition to simple buttons, more complex operating elements can be implemented – even sliders for scrolling have been realised. LEDs allow for sophisticated lighting effects when they are arranged and controlled accordingly. Cavities to guide the user’s fingers or even embossed printing are no problem at all.
IMPAtouch front panels are UV and temperature-resistant, feature a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, are much more scratch-resistant than Perspex, anti-allergic and anti-static. Therefore, these glass front panels are suitable for a wide range of applications: Control panels for premium cars, fittings with built-in control electronics and displays, or front panels for domestic appliances are just a few examples. The main advantage for the manufacturing companies using IMPAtouch: Mechanical components are no longer required. This does not only extend the lifespan of the products – the front panel remains fully closed, the electronics behind is hermetically sealed and totally isolated from its environment.
For more information, please check the company’s website: http://www.irlbacher.com
It is a convincing simple solution that has been developed by Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas over the past five years and which is now ready for mass production: Capacitive sensor elements and conductor paths are screen-printed on the back of an IMPAtouch glass front panel, converting the panel itself into some kind of PCB. No problems for the designers – the conductive paths are behind the design layer and cannot be seen from the outside. Conductor paths and design layers are then baked; a process that turns the glass into tempered safety glass. Then Irlbacher applies a solder resist – and the glass front panel is ready to apply and solder the components. With this technology, it is quite easy to also integrate surveillance circuits like an alarm or a safety cut-out in the case the glass breaks.
The environment benefits from IMPAtouch in several ways: The manufacturing process of the signal processing PCB – including the chemical parts – is completely omitted. Front panel foils and the related punching tools are no longer required. Because the glass needs to be tempered anyway, there is no excess energy needed to bake the conductor paths. Irlbacher masters all manufacturing processes of IMPAtouch products, from the machining of the glass across the electronic design to the final assembly. This reduces development and manufacturing time to an absolute minimum.
With its unique combination of state-of-the art electronic design and the decades of expertise in machining glass, IMPAtouch enables innovative and design-oriented products based on glass. Practically, there is no limit to the front panel artwork and its colours. In addition to simple buttons, more complex operating elements can be implemented – even sliders for scrolling have been realised. LEDs allow for sophisticated lighting effects when they are arranged and controlled accordingly. Cavities to guide the user’s fingers or even embossed printing are no problem at all.
IMPAtouch front panels are UV and temperature-resistant, feature a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, are much more scratch-resistant than Perspex, anti-allergic and anti-static. Therefore, these glass front panels are suitable for a wide range of applications: Control panels for premium cars, fittings with built-in control electronics and displays, or front panels for domestic appliances are just a few examples. The main advantage for the manufacturing companies using IMPAtouch: Mechanical components are no longer required. This does not only extend the lifespan of the products – the front panel remains fully closed, the electronics behind is hermetically sealed and totally isolated from its environment.
For more information, please check the company’s website: http://www.irlbacher.com
