Touchscreen displays are widely used in modern industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, outdoor equipment, and consumer electronics, where their waterproof and corrosion-resistant properties are particularly important. The following is a detailed analysis based on actual conditions:
1. Reliability in harsh environments
Industrial settings: In factories, workshops, or petrochemical environments, displays may come into contact with water mist, oil stains, chemical solvents, or corrosive gases. Waterproof and corrosion-resistant designs prevent screens from malfunctioning due to liquid ingress or chemical corrosion, ensuring continuous operation of production lines (e.g., automated control panels, industrial HMI devices).
Outdoor applications: Outdoor POS machines, self-service ticketing machines, or military equipment are often exposed to rain, dust, or salt fog (in coastal areas). For example, touch monitors for marine equipment must meet IP67 protection standards to prevent seawater corrosion of circuits.
2. Health and safety requirements
Medical equipment: Touchscreens in operating rooms or laboratories require frequent disinfection (with alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectants). Corrosion-resistant coatings prevent the screen from being eroded by disinfectants, while waterproof designs facilitate direct rinsing (e.g., endoscope operation screens, ICU monitors).
Food processing: Touchscreens on production lines must be resistant to oil stains, water splashes, and acidic cleaning agents to meet hygiene standards (e.g., control interfaces for food packaging machinery).
3. Extending Equipment Lifespan and Reducing Costs
Waterproof and corrosion-resistant designs (e.g., sealing gaskets, oleophobic coatings) reduce oxidation or short circuits of internal components, lowering maintenance frequency. For example, outdoor advertising machine screens without moisture-proof performance may experience touchscreen malfunctions after prolonged exposure, resulting in high replacement costs.
4. User experience and functionality
Consumer electronics: Smartphones (e.g., IP68-rated waterproofing) or outdoor sports watches can be used while swimming or in rainy weather, expanding usage scenarios.
Public facilities: Subway self-service ticketing machines or outdoor information terminals must withstand frequent contact (including operation with wet hands), and waterproofing prevents malfunctions caused by accidental liquid contact.
5. Industry standards and regulatory requirements
Certain industries (such as automotive electronics or marine equipment) mandate compliance with IP protection ratings (e.g., IP65/IP67) or salt spray test standards (e.g., ASTM B117). For example, in-vehicle infotainment screens must operate stably in high-temperature, high-humidity environments.
Actual Cases
Food Service Industry: Smart ordering screens in kitchens must be resistant to grease and water splashes; ordinary screens are prone to damage from steam penetration.
Underwater Equipment: The touchscreens of diving computers rely on waterproof technology to enable underwater operation.
Waterproof and corrosion-resistant performance directly impacts the durability, safety, and applicability of touchscreens, particularly in harsh environments where they are critical for reliable device operation. With technological advancements (such as nano-hydrophobic coatings and full-lamination processes), the protective capabilities of touchscreens will continue to evolve, meeting the demands of emerging industries.