Polycarbonate hard coatings are an ideal solution to many modern applications that require a more lightweight material with higher impact resistance, at a lower cost, than ITO coated glass substrates can offer.
Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polyesters regularly used in the manufacturing industry. This plastic offers a range of features including impact resistance, heat resistance and optical properties. Polycarbonates are available in different grades, some of which offer flame retardant properties.
The widespread use of polycarbonates is partly due to their ease of machining and also because they are easily moulded and thermoformed. The comparative ease of manufacture of these plastics results in a lower cost.
As polycarbonates are far less suspectable to impact damage than glass, they are a more durable option.
Applications of Anti Reflective and Hard Coated Polycarbonates
The most common uses of polycarbonate currently, are for electronic applications such as electrical and telecommunication hardware, where safety features are crucial. Another application of coated polycarbonates is in security camera domes.
When coatings are applied to polycarbonates, finishes such as anti glare and hard coatings can be provided. The use of anti reflective and conductive ITO coatings alongside polycarbonate makes it the substrate of choice for use in many applications, such as:
- Touch Screens/Panels (Resistive and Capacitive)
- Electronic Automobile Displays
- Exterior Lighting Fixtures
- Medical Manufacturers/Control Screens
- EMI/RFI Shielding Filters
- Opto-Electronic/Electronic Displays
- Transparent ITO Heaters
Not only does using an antireflective coating reduce unwanted reflections and glare, but also protects underlying images against fading and yellowing, caused by UV.
AR coated polycarbonate is a good choice for applications like:
- Retail/Poster Displays
- Picture Framing
- Gallery Displays
- Display Cases
In applications where impact resistance and durability is important, it may be necessary for the polycarbonate substrates to offer reasonable resistance to scratching. For these applications, a hard coating option can provide addition protection against impact related damage, thus increasing longevity.
Polycarbonate Coating Company
Diamond Coatings, the company of which ITO Plastic is a division of, offer hard coatings to increase strength, scratch and chemical resistance. In applications where exposure to extreme environments or heavy usage may occur, polycarbonate hard coatings are recommended.
Hard coated acrylic and ITO films are other plastic substrates available that are better suited to other applications.
If you would like to speak to our team about the most suitable solution for your application, do not hesitate to contact us.
