Proof of concept: Fully integrated capacitive touch controls in a stainless steel metal panel

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Trumeter Technologies Ltd are a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of innovativelighting, measurement and sensory technology. Following considerable success in theautomotive and measurement markets, coupled with technical advancements in capacitivesensor technology, Trumeter wish to develop a basic lab prototype of integrated, capacitivetouch, stainless steel control unit and understand whether there is potential for the technologyto be applied in the consumer products market for the creation of the true capacitive touchcontrols for home appliances.The detrimental effect of temperature on electronics and limitations of sensory technology inmetal has so far restricted the integration of touch screen, button-less, control technology inmetal, restricting this technology being fully integrated into appliances, resulting in expensivecontrol units still being required and preventing size and smart control benefit aspects of thetechnology being realised.The project is being driven externally by demand from appliance manufacturers forinnovations to improve the design, cost and efficiency of their products, and internally byTrumeter’s desire to differentiate themselves in the market. EU legislation on applianceefficiency is also expected in 2018, further driving demand for new efficient technology.If successful the project will result in the world’s first, touch sensitive control systemintegrated into metal. Implementation of the technology will focus on ovens, before otherapplications and markets are explored. Trumeter has over 60 years’ of experience designingand commercialising sophisticated measurement, sensory products for a variety of industries;if successful, Trumeter believe the technology has wider potential, for application in medicaldevices, cars and other home appliances. The project will help ensure Trumeter and the UKremains at the forefront of sensory technology and to the wider benefit to the UKmanufacturing community.