Color filter (CF) maker Sintek Photronic has swung back to profits since July 2010 due to increasing shipments of touch sensors for Apple's iPad, according to industry sources. Net profits totaled NT$34 million (US$1.07 million) in July, the company said.

The gross margins for touch sensors are higher than those of color filters, contributing to the improvement in profitability, the company explained.

Touch panel related products now account for 50% of Sintek's total capacity, and the company plans to shift the remaining 50% of capacity to also produce touch panels in 2011.