Both glass-based and film-based sensors are evolving to improve performance, while at the same time becoming thinner and lighter, and increasing optical quality.
The latest report from NPD DisplaySearch forecasts that the total touch sensor area yield of projective capacitive, in-cell, on-cell, and resistive sensors, will reach 23.3 million square meters in 2015, up from 18 million square meters in 2014. Capacity for sensors for film substrates will be higher than for glass substrate, due to expected area growth of each type of film structure.
“Metal mesh, sliver nanowires, and other new materials will be used in the production of larger displays with better sheet resistance at affordable prices, and these new materials might be used for curved or flexible-touch sensors soon,” said Shoko Oi, deputy director of touch panel and emerging display research for NPD DisplaySearch.
Taiwan will continue to be the top region for manufacturing touch sensors through 2016; however, due to strong demand from local smartphone and tablet PC brands, China is expected to rise to #2 in 2016.
The Touch Sensor Market and Evolution Report offers provides touch sensor production survey results, a three-year sensor market forecast, sensor structure evolution, and ITO-replacement material trends. Insights on all current and future dynamics are also included in the report.
