Feb 23, 2015

Toppan Printing develops 55-inch copper touch panel module and begins mass production of general-purpose model
- Wide range of applications including digital signage and electronic blackboards -
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.(hereafter Toppan Printing; head office: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; President & Representative Director: Shingo Kaneko) has developed a 55-inch  electrostatic capacity-type copper touch panel module and will begin mass production of a  general-purpose model from April 2015. It will be provided for a wide range of large monitor applications, such as digital signage and electronic blackboards. As a general-purpose model with fixed specifications it will also be able to respond to needs for small lots and short lead times. 
Toppan Printing has developed an electrostatic capacity-type copper touch panel module that packages a film sensor (copper touch sensor), featuring a copper wiring pattern, together with an IC controller or other components. Products have been provided for small- to mid-size monitors (10- to 27-inch) suitable for PCs and mobile devices such as tablet computers since November 2013.
By introducing an IC controller for large-size monitors and module lamination technology, Toppan has commercialized and established a mass production system for a 55-inch copper touch panel module for large touch panels with which the performance of copper can be further exploited. The use of copper as the electrode material has decreased resistance significantly in comparison to other materials, such as ITO, and enabled excellent operational performance even in large-size monitors and a multi-touch capability of up to 10 points.  
Making this a general-purpose model can reduce development costs and time compared with conventional customized products, and small lot delivery is also possible. The module will be provided for a wide range of applications, such as digital signage, electronic blackboards and industrial equipment.
module pictures
General-purpose model of 55-inch copper touch panel module (left) and
example of the copper touch panel module in use (right)
-Background
In addition to expanded use in PCs and mobile devices such as smartphones, more and more touch panels have been introduced for mid- to large-size monitors for digital signage, electronic blackboards and industrial equipment. 
To respond to this demand, Toppan Printing has developed a copper touch sensor with copper wiring formed using etching techniques and established the world’s first integrated mass production system for copper touch panel modules in November 2013. Toppan Printing has enabled provision of high-performance touch panel modules by undertaking in-house manufacturing from the panel module planning and design stage and matching sensor properties to optimize compatibility with the IC controller and materials used.
Now that the design of sensors matched to IC controllers for large-size monitors and lamination technology for large-size touch panels have been introduced, 55-inch copper touch panel modules have been commercialized and sales of the general-purpose model will begin.

-Features of general-purpose model of 55-inch copper touch panel module 
Excellent operational performance has been achieved. Multi-touchcapability of up to 10 points is possible.
Copper wiring decreases resistance significantly (0.01Ω/□ (ohms per square))and enables excellent operational performance. Multi-touch capability of up to 10 points has become possible, which allows for stress-free touch panel operation similar to that of a smartphone even when using a large display. 

 

Commercialization as a general-purpose model reduces cost and time for development and makes small lot delivery possible.

Mass production of 55-inch copper touch panel modules as a general-purpose model can significantly reduce cost and time for development when compared to customized product production and makes small lot delivery possible.

 

Panels flattened and frames made narrower

Flattening of panels and narrowing of frames due to one-sided wiring allow greater flexibility for product design.

 

-Specifications of general-purpose model of 55-inch copper touch panel module 

Product name: Copper touch panel module
Type: Projected capacitive
Dimensions: 55-inch
Structure: Cover glass, copper film sensor, IC controller
Multi-touch points: 10
Scan frequency: 60Hz
Input interface: USB
Power supply voltage: 5V single power supply
Sensor sheet: Copper film sensor

 *Please consult Toppan Printing regarding sizes other than those of the general-purpose model, pattern customization, and input using a stylus.


-Future developments
Toppan Printing plans to start mass production of 42- and 32-inch general purpose models.
The company is targeting sales of 2 billion yen for its large copper touch panel module business, including the aforementioned models, in FY2015, followed by 5 billion yen in FY2016. Furthermore, 12.1- to 23-inch small/mid-size general purpose models will also be added to the product lineup.
Toppan Printing will continue to develop touch sensors and touch panel modules of even higher performance and quality.

*The names of companies, products and services featured in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.
*The information in this press release is current as of the date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

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