Optical Bonding

Optical bonding, both with OCA tape (Optical Clear Adhesive) and LOCA (Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive), is used for a wide range of electronic components.

Based on current technology and market trends, there is a rapid increase in products that require touch panels. These include devices for the smart home, mobile devices and systems in the automotive sector. Displays and touchscreens are increasingly becoming critical components of modern devices.

The Principle of OCA and LOCA

OCA / LOCA use optical bonding to connect the touch panel with the display, as well as any cover glass (lenses or PMMA) with touch panels.

The process provides a display free of air inclusions.

Optical bonding improves the sharpness and performance of displays. It prevents air inclusions between the cover glass and the LCD and it usually includes an additional coating (A/R) against reflections and contamination of the cover glass.

Optical bonding improves the contrast value by reducing the amount of reflected light. This optimizes sharpness and legibility. This is particularly important for applications in the mobile devices and automotive sectors, where direct sunlight can reduce legibility.

In addition to the optical advantages, bonding glass to LCD improves the strength of the connection and the durability of the displays. It ensures resistance to condensation, scratches and fingerprints. Studies have also shown that bonding also optimizes operating temperatures, which are generally critical for devices in the automotive sector.

As touch panels are ubiquitous in the consumer market, for example in devices for smart homes, automotive applications and mobile devices, this has increased the demands on the components. On the one hand, they need to be robust, while on the other, uncompromising performance is expected.