Flexible touch layer laminates to any surface

3M Touch Systems introduces a new touch technology platform - Interactive Surface Technology (IST) - addressing the needs of industrial process and machine control applications. For example, computer-controlled manufacturing activities on the factory floor, from printing identification labels to managing a complex automatic cutting, placement or assembly process. IST offers the ability to apply a touch interface to nearly any surface, completely expanding the possibilities of where touch can be implemented. The new technology is an evolution of 3M´s projected capacitive touch technology. Its unique design is based on the fact that the interactive touch surface is constructed of a flexible, polyester layer that can be laminated to the front and back of any surface, or applied to a contoured surface. The substrate for lamination can be plexiglass, polycarbonate, plastic, glass, laminated glass or any other non-conductive surface. In addition, MicroTouch IST can support ´on display´ use with LCD panels or ´off display´ use creating touch pad or button interface designs not using a display. Products used in outdoor environments can be supported with laminated stack-ups integrated with Vikuiti Solar Reflecting Film for heat resistance or Vikuiti Light Control Film for privacy. The ability to have a protective, replaceable front surface placed in front of a MicroTouch IST touch screen is also planned. ´Steadfast in our commitment to provide innovative touch solutions, the addition of this new touch technology platform continues to demonstrate our dedication to bring new and creative ways to solve today´s industrial design challenges in order to deliver tomorrow´s products, ´ said Terry Jones, general manager for 3M Touch Systems. ´Our customers continually request touch solutions that satisfy specific requirements for distinct environments´. ´It is through the efforts of our continued pursuit to satisfy our customers that we were able to develop another new technology platform - Interactive Surface Technology.´ * About 3M Touch Systems - 3M Touch Systems, a subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and reports through 3M Optical Systems Division headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. * About 3M - every day, 3m people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company´s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M´s brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company´s 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.