Indium Tin Oxide Coated Glass
We could be maybe a little bit biased but we think this is the most interesting, innovative type of glass available – Indium Tin Oxide coated glass – Here’s why…
Indium Tin Oxide is a clear substance that can be deposited onto glass (as well as other substrates, but we are focusing on glass here). Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is also electrically conductive which in turn makes the substrate conductive too.
Yes, conductive glass!
Conductive glass, or in this case Indium Tin Oxide coated glass has a huge range of applications and uses in today’s modern world.
Indium Tin Oxide Coated Glass Applications
One of the most common and widely used applications for Indium Tin Oxide coated glass is within a touchscreen. Yes, even your smartphone possibly uses ITO to deliver commands from the screen to the device within. This is possible by utilising the conductivity of the ITO glass on the touchscreen. When a user touches the screen, the charge alters and alerts the device the exact location and gesture of the touch.
This form of touchscreen is known as a capacitive screen. Other more public facing touchscreens use a different form of touchscreen, known as a resistive screen. Although this also might utilise ITO, it is a different type of application, working on downward pressure rather than a surface touch. You can read more about the difference of these 2 touchscreens here).
Low emissivity glass windows are another good example of ITO coated glass in action as they allow for a controlled and better regulation of temperatures which reduces heating / AC costs, which in turn reduces the environmental impact. In a similar fashion, supermarket freezer doors use Indium Tin Oxide coated glass to demist the glass and ensure the products within are always visible.
ITO glass is also used in automotive and aerospace industries, as well as space exploration, military instrument usage and defence applications. The aircraft industry in particular use Indium Tin Oxide coated glass to great effect with heated windows, especially useful and required in harsh environments and high altitudes.
ITO conductive glass is also exceptionally useful within the research and development industry, with a notable application being ITO slides to assist with electron microscopy – using an ITO slide, the need to charge the specimen being examined is removed.
Combining the qualities of low electrical resistance and highly visible light transmission, ITO makes an effective EMI/RFI shield for electronic displays that need enhanced optical properties and moderate shielding effectiveness.
Diamond Coatings ITO Conductive Glass
We offer a range of glass substrates for ITO coatings and work with our customers based on their own specific requirements. We are also able to offer anti reflective and additional hard coat options on request.
Diamond Coatings can supply Indium Tin Oxide coated glass; vacuum deposited to any sheet resistance from as low as 2.5 Ohms/Sq.
More information?
Please get in touch with us. We are ready to discuss your specific Indium Tin Oxide coated glass requirements and would be happy to help.
