Electronic displays such as LCDs, CRTs, OLEDs and LEDs are widely used in diverse commercial and industrial applications including:
- Industrial Process Monitoring and Control
- Mobile and Stationary Test Equipment
- User Interface Solutions such as POS and Mobile Computing
- Telecommunications Equipment
- GPS and Navigational Equipment
- Industrial Vehicle Control Systems
Image quality is critical to data viewability and integrity, and must meet a wide range of optical, electrical and mechanical performance standards. For instance, in addition to reflection or glare control, industrial displays often require a protective cover glass to provide impact resistance and prevent moisture ingress, as well as a shielding solution for electromagnetic compatibility.
Dontech, Inc. designs and manufactures a variety of optical coatings, substrates and display solutions that can be used to improve ergonomic and regulatory performance of displays and touch screen monitors used in industrial applications. These include:
Coating/substrate | Application | Regulatory Criteria |
Antiglare (AG), anti-reflective (AR), AG/AR coatings |
Reflection reduction / glare control | ISO 9241 system ergonomics and viewability |
AG, AR, AG/AR coatings, polarizers | Contrast enhancement | ISO 9241 system ergonomics and viewability |
Transparent conductive coatings (ITO), or fine conductive grids (FCG) | EMI/RFI shielding, electromagnetic compatibility | IEC-60601, CISPR11, BSEN-55011; System dependent |
Polycarbonate, acrylic, chemically strengthened glass | Impact resistance; fluid ingress protection | UL60950, UL60601; ability of display to withstand 0.5 kg, 50mm ball dropped from 1.3 m; IEC 60529 for ingress protection (IP54/NEMA 4; IP65/66/NEMA 4X |
Scratch/abrasion and chemical resistant coatings | Improve durability and life of display | Tested per ASTM-D-1308 (chemical resistance); ASTM D1044 (Taber abrasion test); System dependent |
Solar loading and IR blocking coatings | Reduction of thermal loading on display | ASTM-E-424-71 (test method); System dependent |
The modification of COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) displays to achieve compliance frequently includes the addition of optical filters or coatings to address the following display performance issues: 1) reduction of specular and diffuse reflections to improve high ambient light readability; 2) reduction of EMI/RFI emissions and susceptibility to achieve electromagnetic compatibility; 3) impact resistance to meet UL or ruggedization requirements; 4) resistance to chemicals, scratches and abrasion; 5) resistance to thermal loading (solar and IR blocking coatings); 6) viewing angle modification to increase or restrict viewing angles.
Dontech – Enhancing Optical and Environmental Performance of Industrial Displays
Dontech Enhanced Display Solutions (EDS) specialize in the application of optical films, coatings and components to improve the performance of electronic displays in demanding environments such as military, aerospace, medical and outdoor environments.
Dontech integrates optical products into LCDs and bezels for its customers. COTS displays and touch screens can be customized to improve the optical performance, operating thermal range, EMI/RFI emissions/susceptibility, and mechanical durability. Dontech enhanced display solutions allow the display to function properly in demanding situations, such as direct sunlight, low or high temperatures, or in other harsh environment applications.
Optical Filters for Industrial Display Enhancement
Dontech engineers and manufactures a broad range of custom display filters for:
- EMI/RFI shielding via transparent conductive coatings, optical fine conductive grids (woven plated mesh and etched conductive grids)
- Contrast enhancement – antiglare and antireflective coatings, colored filters (band pass filters) and polarizers
- Therma Klear™ transparent heaters for camera and low-temperature display operation
- Heat Shield™ – solar and IR blocking filters to reduce thermal loading
Wide Spectrum of Display Enhancement Products
- Optical Substrates & Laminations
- Optical Coatings
- Colored Filters
- Transparent Conductive Coatings & Fine Conductive Grids
- Conductive Films
- Special Application Products
- Ancillary Products and Services
Dontech can further enhance your display’s performance with the following services:
- IMO-bond™ optical bonding of conductive and AR cover glass, heaters and films
- Active LCD enhancements, such as supplemental CCFL or LED lighting
- Night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatibility
- Sunlight readability
- Passive thermal management