Updated: 11th July 2022
Touchscreen technology has become synonymous with leading technological devices, including mobile phones and tablet computers all over the world. They offer users fast and intuitive control through touch alone.
Pioneering refractometer and polarimeter manufacturer Bellingham + Stanley, a Xylem brand, has been at the forefront of optical technology for over a century, and for several years has offered touchscreen input methods across several of its products, including RFM900-T refractometers, ADP600 Series polarimeters and now DSG Series Density Meters.
Inherent to the design of the RFM-T Series digital refractometers is a high definition, capacitive touchscreen display that facilitates operation in laboratory and factory environments, even when operated whilst wearing PPE gloves. The 7" touchscreen is clear, colourful, durable, and simple to use.
Many dusty old refractometers and polarimeters sitting in laboratories and factories still rely on buttons and keypads and small, hard to read screens which make measurements that little bit more cumbersome. Touchscreens provide users with direct navigation and accessibility through fingertip control, removing the need for learning which ambiguous button does what. Thanks to the large 7" screen and user-friendly software these instruments even cater for a variety of languages.
Simply put – touchscreen technology from Bellingham + Stanley makes life easier.
An Interactive Input
RFM-T Series touchscreens offer direct interaction with the software through touch. This intuitive approach removes the laborious task of having to scroll through menus and selections choices using arrow keys, and takes away the need to use an additional mouse and keyboard, which often takes up valuable desk space (though Bellingham + Stanley instrumentation does give you the option to use an external keyboard if you wish).
Whilst most users of a refractometer or polarimeter will undoubtedly be computer-literate, the practice of touching icons on a screen really does come intuitively to everyone, even those without a computer background. This can reduce training time for new employees, or for those unfamiliar with working processes.
The Need for Speed
Bellingham + Stanley touchscreens are responsive and the menus are clear and well laid out. These features, combined with touch operation means taking measurements with RFM-T Series refractometers, such as the RFM900-T, is quicker and more efficient than traditional methods.
Touchscreens have no moving parts. There are no buttons that can get stuck, break or potentially allow for dust or moisture ingress. There’s no risk of one key not working, rendering a whole instrument useless. Fewer movings parts means, mechanically, there is less to go wrong.
It’s easier to maintain and keep clean too. Simply wipe away any dust, dirt and germs from the flat screen and you’re done. Perfect for a laboratory or factory with multiple users. There is even a function to momentarily lock the touchscreen so that you don’t accidentally instigate a readings or other function whilst you clean the screen.
Customisable Interface
The RFM-T Series GUI isn’t just intuitive and responsive, it’s also customisable. If you want to add business logos, a new contact number help screen, METHOD icons, startup splash-screen, or screensaver then you can. Image customisation gives you the freedom to add corporate identity, display helpful information, or even just add some fun personalisation to your laboratory equipment.
We'll be back soon with another blog taking a look at image customisation to see how you can set up your refractometer with personalised imagery, or download our Application and Industry image packs for fresh new images that can be used as screensavers for your instruments.
To learn more about RFM digital refractometers from Bellingham + Stanley visit our landing page, or contact us today to speak to a specialist.