Air gap bonding is an inexpensive and versatile display bonding technology. As performance requirements for integrated touchscreens and displays continue to evolve, effectively bonding display components together is critical. A typical display is composed of many layers such as cover glass, a touchscreen, and/or an LCD that are all integrated to ensure the display functions optimally under its intended conditions. Boyd combines these separate components together using high-grade adhesives and unique bonding technologies.,
As a front panel integrator, Boyd offers three main bonding technologies to help customers develop the ideal display construction and component stack-up: air gap (or framed adhesive), rigid-to-rigid liquid optically clear adhesive (LOCA), and optically clear adhesive (OCA) bonding. These bonding solutions serve a wide range of industries, including consumer, medical, military, automotive, instrumentation, and industrial controllers.,
We discuss the benefits and challenges of each of these bonding technologies in this three-part blog series. To begin, we review one of the original display bonding capabilities at Boyd: air gap bonding.
What is the Process Behind Air Gap Bonding?
Air gap bonding uses a framed adhesive gasket around the perimeter of the display layers, leaving behind a small air gap within the stack-up. As there are no liquid adhesives to dispense and no cure time, air gap bonding is significantly less expensive than other bonding options.
Why Choose Air Gap Bonding?
Air gap constructions are cost-effective and lightweight, so they are popular solutions for applications with no readability or impact-resistance requirements.
While the lower cost is a benefit, this construction can present a few challenges. The air gap can affect screen clarity in bright light due to additional light refraction. Displays with air gaps are also more susceptible to moisture damage and breakage, so they are not ideal for outdoor applications or harsh environments.
Boyd has decades of experience creating custom display bonding technologies for the ideal stack-up in your display. To learn about the other bonding technologies available at Boyd, read the other blogs in our series below.,
