Creating a waterproof touch screen for outdoor and industrial applications requires a combination of specialized components, rugged mechanical design, and precise integration.
1. Choose the Right Touch Technology
Projected Capacitive (PCAP) is the most suitable for waterproof and outdoor environments due to its durability and multi-touch capabilities.
PCAP Advantages:
Works with gloves and moisture if properly tuned
High optical clarity
Chemically strengthened cover glass
Long lifespan (no moving parts)
2. Use a Waterproof Touch Sensor Design
Apply hydrophobic or oleophobic coating to repel water and minimize false touches.
Add a water-rejection algorithm to firmware to ignore water droplets.
Support glove and water modes in the touch controller (e.g., from Synaptics, Goodix, EETI).
3. Optical Bonding for Durability
Optically bond the cover glass, sensor, and LCD with OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive) or LOCA (Liquid OCA).
Benefits:
Eliminates internal reflections
Prevents fog or moisture inside
Improves sunlight readability
4. Use a Sealed and Rugged Enclosure
Enclosure should meet IP65, IP67, or IP68 standards:
IP65: Water jet resistant
IP67: Withstands temporary immersion
IP68: Withstands prolonged immersion
Use gasket sealing, compression foam, and waterproof connectors.
Ensure the backlight and vents are protected with Gore vents for pressure equalization without water entry.
5. Select a High-Brightness Display
For readability in sunlight:
Use 1000 nits or more brightness.
Consider transflective LCDs or anti-reflective coatings.
Combine with UV-resistant materials to prevent yellowing and degradation.
6. Implement Environmental Protection
Use wide-temperature components (e.g., -30°C to +85°C).
Apply conformal coating on internal PCB to protect against condensation and corrosion.
Design with EMI shielding for industrial noise immunity.
7. Test for Waterproofing and Reliability
Perform:
Ingress Protection (IP) rating tests
Water spray and immersion tests
Salt fog and thermal cycling
Conduct touch performance tests under wet and gloved conditions.
Summary: Key Components
| Component |
Recommended Specs |
| Touch Panel |
PCAP, water/glove capable |
| Cover Glass |
≥ 1.1 mm, chemically strengthened, AR/AF |
| Display Module |
≥ 1000 nits, wide-temp LCD |
| Bonding |
OCA or LOCA optical bonding |
| Housing |
IP65/IP67/IP68 sealed metal/plastic |
| Coatings |
Hydrophobic + UV + anti-glare |
| Touch Controller |
Wet/glove mode, waterproof firmware |
If you want help selecting specific components (e.g., touch controller ICs, waterproof LCD kits, bonding adhesives), I can guide you further.
Custom Touch Display product links for reference
https://www.eurotech-lcd.com/industrie.aspx
https://www.eurotech-lcd.com/about.aspx#contact