Optical Bonding Options for Rugged Touchscreen LCD Displays

RyanRugged Displays, Touchscreen Displays

Digital SignageTouchscreen displays are becoming more and more common in both personal and business settings. They offer a level of convenience and interactivity that is hard to beat. However, touchscreen displays can be fragile and are susceptible to damage from drops or scratches.

One way to protect against this type of damage is to use an optical bonding process to attach the touchscreen LCD to a protective glass panel. This article will explore the different options for optical bonding and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

What Is LCD Optical Bonding?

LCD optical bonding is a process in which the LCD and a protective glass panel are bonded together using an optically clear adhesive. This process can be used to protect the LCD display from damage due to drops, scratches, or other types of impacts. 

When a regular display is utilized in an outdoor setting, several variables influence its readability. The most typical is condensation, or fog, which forms on the inner surface of the display’s shield. The reflection of sunlight also plays a factor, often resulting in a mirror image on the display. However, both these problems can be eliminated by using optical bonding.

Types of Optical Bonding

There are a few different types of optical bonding for LCD displays, including:

  • Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA) Lamination:

    Optical clear adhesive is a type of UV-curable glue that is used to bond the LCD and the glass panel together. Once the adhesive cures, it is optically clear and allows light to pass through it without distortion. This type of optical bonding is typically used in displays that will be exposed to harsh environments, as it provides the highest level of protection against damage.

  • Air Gap Bonding:

    The air gap filling or bonding process is accomplished by first cleaning the inside surfaces of the LCD and the glass panel. A UV-curable adhesive is then dispensed onto one of the surfaces, and the two surfaces are brought together. The adhesive is cured using UV light, and the air gap is filled with an optically clear resin. This type of optical bonding provides a medium level of protection against damage.

  • Liquid Optical Bonding:

    The liquid bonding process is similar to the air gap bonding process, but instead of using a UV-curable adhesive, a liquid optically clear adhesive is used. This adhesive is dispensed onto one of the surfaces, and the two surfaces are brought together. The adhesive cures over time, and the liquid optically clear adhesive helps to fill any air gaps. This type of optical bonding provides a lower level of protection against damage, as the liquid adhesive is not as durable as a UV-curable adhesive.

  • Optical Clear Film Lamination:

    Optical clear film lamination is a process in which an optically clear film is used to bond the LCD and the glass panel together. This type of optical bonding provides a medium level of protection against damage, as the optically clear film helps to absorb shock.

  • Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive (LOCA) Bonding:

    The LOCA bonding process is similar to the liquid bonding process, but instead of using a liquid optically clear adhesive, a UV-curable adhesive is used. LOCA is utilized in touch panels and display devices.

  • Dry Optical Bonding:

    Dry Optical Bonding uses heat and pressure to attach the touch panel directly to the LCD. This process makes for a more durable and scratch-resistant product. However, it is important to note that this type of optical bonding can only be done if the materials being bonded have a similar coefficient of thermal expansion.

Which Industries Is Optical Bonding Best Suited?

Optical bonding is suitable for a wide range of industries, including:

Advantages of Optical Bonding for Touchscreen LCD Displays

There are many advantages to using optical bonding, including:

  • Improved durability
  • Improved readability
  • Reduced reflection
  • Reduced condensation
  • Increased sunlight-readable display performance
  • Improved touchscreen sensitivity
  • Protection from environmental damage
  • Increased contrast ratio

Contact Nauticomp to Learn More About Touchscreen LCD Displays

Nauticomp Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality, sunlight-readable, fully ruggedized, and waterproof LCD displays, computers, and components for a variety of industries and applications. We offer both standard and custom solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers. Our products are designed to withstand the harshest environments. Contact us today to learn more.