Toray released RAYBRID in 2012 as a trace material for touch sensors in smartphones . The material has since contributed to lower resistance for larger displays while enabling finer patterning, for narrower bezels. With its proven reliability in smartphones, RAYBRID can match the rigorous performance requirements of automotive displays.
Automotive touch panels conventionally use indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes that have solid mass-production and reliability records. But there are issues with panels larger than eight inches, including pattern visibility and high resistance. It is also hard to detect electrical changes on sensing areas, causing reaction delays and misoperations.
RAYBRID electrode is just 2 to 4 micrometers wide, with less resistance than ITO electrodes. It is thus perfect for metal mesh touch sensors. It is free of reaction delays and misoperation for large displays, while patterns are invisible to the naked eyes. Another advantage is the ability to form the trace and metal mesh electrodes at the same time. RAYBRID makes it possible to employ touch sensors on displays larger than eight inches, which has been a challenge with conventional technology.
RAYBRID’s performance and reliability advantages for automotive applications have prompted some manufacturers to start mass producing automotive panels using this material. Other key benefits of RAYBRID are that there is no need for special production equipment and that metal mesh electrodes offer 30% greater sensor sensitivity than conventional touch sensors.
