Mobiado, a manufacturer of mobile phones, is using a scratch-resistant coating on the front face of its Luminoso 3G phone. The new DiamondShield coating gives polycarbonate and acrylic screens a previously unattainable scratch-resistance that is comparable to glass, while maintaining the weight savings, impact resistance, formability and other benefits of plastic.
DiamondShield is a transparent coating developed by the Diamonex Products business of Morgan Advanced Ceramics for plastics and polymers used on consumer electronic devices. It has a surface hardness at least four times harder than alternative standard hard coatings.
"The Luminoso has a very high specification", said Mark Duchnak, sales and business development manager of Morgan Advanced Ceramics. "It is created from aircraft aluminium to give it a strong and light body, and the buttons are made from sapphire crystal and stainless steel. Industry demands for better graphics, improved resolution and brighter colours mean there is a need for high quality screens, and Mobiado wanted to lead the field with the best quality, scratch-resistant screens. The DiamondShield coating has been proven to give a longer, high-quality viewing of the display."
The coating increases the robustness of portable electronic products by strengthening the surface hardness of the plastic used on the screen. It has exceptional transparency, with a low index of refraction and virtually no absorption in the visible wavelengths.
The surface hardness is similar to that of glass, providing enhanced durability and an increase in abrasion-resistance and wear-resistance. Its high surface hardness and durability leads to an extended product lifespan, as there is less wear on pieces such as keypads and push buttons. Additionally, the coating ensures the screens maintain clarity over time, and they are easier to read.
Duchnak continued: "Diamonex pioneered the use of this technology for mobile devices with the Luminoso phone. We are also working with other OEM manufacturers to further develop the coating."