The Importance of Shielding Capacitive Screens

Capacitive touch screens are everywhere. They’re on smartphones, tablets, and even televisions. They all work by sensing the electrical properties of your skin or fingertips, and then reacting to that. However, not all touchscreen devices are created equal. Some have capacitive screens with a glass layer over them for protection against scratches and small impacts. Others are unshielded, which means they’re more susceptible to damaging effects from things like acids in your sweat or oils from your fingers. That’s why it’s important to understand the importance of shielding capacitive screens when you’re buying a new device or installing one in your car. A shielded screen will provide many advantages in terms of durability, usability, and appearance. Here is why shielding capacitive screens is important and what you can do about it if you already own a touchscreen device that isn’t shielded properly.

What Is a Shielded Capacitive Touchscreen?

A shielded touchscreen is one that uses a metallic layer or sheet to surround the outer edges and any inside circuitry. This layer is used to block out other electrical influences, protecting the touchscreen against accidental activation, interference from other nearby electronic devices, and even damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Shielded touchscreens are also sometimes referred to as electrostatic discharge (ESD) screens, due to the fact that they’re designed to prevent ESD events. ESD events occur when one charged object is brought into very close contact with a second object of a different charge. This can cause the two objects to discharge their energy into each other.

Why Is Shielding Important for Capacitive Screens?

The best touchscreen devices use capacitive touchscreen technology, as opposed to resistive touchscreen technology, because the capacitive design is much more responsive and accurate. However, capacitive touchscreens are more susceptible to damage than resistive screens. A fully shielded touchscreen device will be much less susceptible to damage from electrical interference (such as from nearby radios, other electrical devices, and even from your own body’s electrical energy). The shielding will also help protect your device from damage caused by everyday wear and tear, as well as accidental impacts. If a capacitive touchscreen isn’t shielded, it might suffer damage if you have to drive with your hand on the touchscreen, if you have a touchscreen device in your car.

3 Major Benefits of a Properly Shielded Screen

– Increased Durability – A properly shielded touchscreen will be much less susceptible to damage than an unshielded touchscreen. – No Interference or Electrical Burns – The shielding will protect you against electrical burns caused by accidental contact with the device, as well as from any radio interference. – Improved Appearance – The metal shield around the touchscreen will make your device look like a premium product.

2 Major Drawbacks of an Unshielded Screen

– Touchscreen Interference – The touchscreen on a device with no shielding is susceptible to interference from other electrical devices. – Touchscreen Burns – A capacitive touchscreen device without proper shielding is also at risk of electrical burns caused by accidental contact with the device.

How to Find Out If Your Screen Is Properly Shielding?

If you already own a touchscreen device, you can check to see if it has proper shielding by bringing a magnet close to the screen. If the magnet is able to disrupt touchscreen functions, then the screen is not properly shielded. If the magnet does not cause any disruptions, then the screen probably does have proper shielding. This isn’t a perfect method, as there are other factors that can also affect a screen’s ability to shield properly, but it’s a good place to start.

3 Tips to Help Protect Your Capacitive Touchscreen Despite the Lack of Proper Shielding

– Avoid Touching the Screen with Metal Objects – If you have a touchscreen device that isn’t shielded, don’t use it while holding any metal objects. – Clean Your Hands Before Touching the Screen – Use sanitizing wipes or wash your hands before touching any touchscreen device, especially if you have acidic sweat. – Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Avoid leaving your touchscreen device in extreme temperatures, as this can cause damage to any unprotected circuitry.

Conclusion

The capacitive touchscreen technology used in modern touchscreen devices is highly functional, but it’s also more susceptible to damage than other types of touchscreen technology. A properly shielded touchscreen device will protect against damage caused by everyday wear and tear and accidental impacts, as well as electrical interference from nearby devices and other electrical sources. If you’re in the market for a new touchscreen device, be sure to check the shielding on whichever model you decide to buy. And if you own a shielded touchscreen device, take steps to help protect it from damage caused by everyday wear and tear and accidental impacts, even though it’s properly shielded.