The previous TFT generations included extensive mechanics such as metal frames or sheet metal housings that could make good use of an assembly with double-sided adhesive industrial tape or of the necessary dam construction in the traditional bonding methods, such as wet bonding. The latest TFT generation does not feature these mechanics anymore, and thus neither the tape assembly nor the wet bonding is a mounting option. The current technology trend therefore requires completely new methods such as VacuBond® for the assembly of TFT displays with touchscreen and protective glass.

With the vacuum-bonding system at The Fortec Group’s headquarters in Germering, a touch screen, a protective glass or a combination of both is applied to a TFT display. The assembly is made with the bonding/lamination material Opto-Gel over the complete surface, in pure vacuum and in vertical production direction. A CNC machined tool ensures the precise position of the components according to the product configuration. The process itself is fully automated and carried out in a clean room to avoid dirt inclusions. The production tool always guarantees consistent manufacturing tolerances and the careful handling of the fragile components. VacuBond® enables faultless assembly and makes a cosmetic specification superfluous.

The strength of the protective glass is freely selectable and all common touchscreen technologies can be used: resistive analog, glass/glass, AMR touch or projected capacitive. The Opto-Gel for VacuBond® is a specially developed high-performance material and available in 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 1.8 mm thickness. Opto-Gel not only connects the individual components, but also contributes to the absorption of strong mechanical influences such as vibration or shock. The VacuBond® technology already proved its worth in the essential drop-ball tests for public terminals, the very strict test runs for railway approval and also easily passed through the certification to IEC 60721-3-7 and MIL-STD 810F. The VacuBond® process is carried out at room temperature.

To ensure a permanent supply and a comprehensive risk management, an identical VacuBond® unit has been installed in the U.S. site in Ronkonkoma, NY. Thus production could be shifted to the other side of the Atlantic at any time in case of elementary problems such as water, fire or power failure.

Please click here for more information on VacuBond® or contact us with any questions.