ITO Coatings and their applications
ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) has a melting point within the range of 1526–1926 °C (1800–2200 K, 2800–3500 °F), depending on composition. The most commonly used material is an oxide of a composition of ca. In4Sn. ITO itself is transparent and also conductive and can be applied as a thin film to glass and plastics, which has led to it being used in a variety of applications, a notable one being touchscreen devices.
ITO Coatings in Touchscreens
There are two forms of touchscreens – capacitive and resistive. ITO is used in the production of both forms. A capacitive touchscreen uses a thin layer of ITO on the glass screen. When a user touches the screen there is a change in current at the exact point of touch, so the device can register the location and gesture.
A resistive screen works slightly differently. Using a plastic screen, there is a thin film layer of ITO underneath the screen. When downward pressure is applied, the ITO layer identifies this and the location of. Resistive screens may not be as sensitive as capacitive, but they are more durable and as a result, used in more demanding environments that require that element of robustness – think military devices or ATMs for instance.
ITO Coatings Elsewhere
ITO is not just used in touchscreens, there are far more applications, some of which we list here. When ITO is added to plastic or glass, the transparency is not affected and the additional electrical conductivity opens up more opportunities. Low Emission smart glass is a good example of ITO in action, conserving energy where possible.
ITO heater windows are another good example of an ITO application – these are used to de mist windows in all forms of transport and play an important role in the aviation industry. An aircraft cockpit window is susceptible to icing up at high altitudes, running a small charge through the window removes this scenario.
The same process is applied to supermarket freezer doors. ITO is also present in solar panels, EMI/RFI shielding, thin film photovoltaics and specialist microscope slides and coverslips.
ITO is commonly used as an optical coating, with significant applications including hot mirrors for the automotive industry, beam splitters in fluorescence microscopy and optical eye tracking.
As ITO coatings can withstand harsh environments and temperatures, ITO thin film strain gauges can be used in gas turbines and the engines of jets and rockets.
Diamond Coatings ITO Coatings
Diamond Coatings is a global market leader for ITO Coatings. Operating from our production plant in Phoenix, Arizona as well as operations in the UK, we are well suited to offer the very best in a range of coatings, including anti reflective, anti scratch and of course ITO coatings. We are able to supply on a variety of substrates, including glass, plastics and thin PET films.
If you have a query regarding our ITO coatings or have a specific requirement in mind, please get in touch with a member of our technical team today. We will respond as soon as we can.
