ITW ActiveTouch Europe
Is the ActiveTouch™ technology sensitive to sound, impacts or vibration?
No, the technology operates at specific high frequencies above the range of
vibrations or sounds found in applications. Furthermore, the types of vibrations
in operating equipment are flexural while our devices operate in modes that do not
couple with these vibrations.
Can you hear it?
No, the technology works in the ultrasonic range and at a very low power level. You
cannot hear it or feel it.
What materials can it be use with?
The ActiveTouch™ technology can used with, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Die Cast, Glass,
Ceramic, Stone, Granite, and some Plastics or any material that can resonate.
How thick of material can be used?
Panel thicknesses can range from 0.035" (1.58mm) to 0.5" (12.7mm).
Can it be used with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as a glove?
Yes, any PPE that can absorb or damped the acoustic signature can be worn, such as
thick woolen, leather or rubber gloves.
What is the power consumption?
Typical power consumption is at 100 - 200 microwatts in the untouched state. Typically
these devices can operate on batteries in excess of 3 - 4 years depending on the battery
and application.
Is the ActiveTouch™ technology sensitive to EMI / RFI?
No, neither EMI or RFI have any effect on the switch / sensors operation, nor is the
switch or sensor a source of EMI or RFI. Since our devices can be constructed with metal
substrates, we are inherently protected from these types of interference.
Does paint or sand-blasting have any affect on the switch?
No, neither affect the switch / sensors operation and because the switch / sensor is completely
sealed there is no ingress of these or any other material or other contaminants into the switch.
Is it shock and vibration resistant?
Yes, it has been tested to parts of some of the most demanding military standards over 50g's and
not only remained intact, but also continued to actuate.
Can ActiveTouch™ be used in wet environments or underwater?
Yes, our patented technology is unique as opposed to capacitive, electro-magnetic or piezo-electric
devices. Due to the inherent properties of our technology ActiveTouch™ devices are unaffected by water
and fluids on the surface. Rain, flowing water and standing water have no influence on sensor
activation. Even when these devices are completely submerged the unit will function and not be falsely
actuated by the water pressure. Products have been tested while submerged at over 200 feet.
Can I use battery operation?
Yes, low-voltage, low power consumption versions are available that operate in the range of 25-50
microamps in the untouched state.
Is backlighting possible?
Yes, backlighting, pin-point and halo illumination are all possible.