New Trends of Anti-reflection Films for In-vehicle Display Market

Using technology to create an ergonomic driving experience

Optical elastic resin (SVR) and Anti-Reflection Film (ARF), manufactured by Dexerials, are used to improve the visibility and safety of laptops, tablets, and smartphone displays. In recent years, these products are now increasingly being used in automotive displays as well.

Dexerials manufacture and sell films and components to improve the functionality of displays installed in automobiles. Dexerials Europa has an office in Germany, which is at the forefront of automobile development. Our customers are car OEM from around the world, as well as Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive component manufacturers that develop in-vehicle displays.

Our products are mainly used in two places. One is the infotainment display located above the center console on the dashboard, which displays navigation and other information. The second is the instrument cluster located behind the steering wheel, which displays the speedometer and other data. More recently, these displays have become larger with more diversified, curved shapes.

Cars are ergonomically designed to be convenient and comfortable. The trends toward larger and more curved in-vehicle displays are also a result of the pursuit for ease of viewing the displays. However, external factors such as screen glare or fingerprint smudges can hinder the driving experience. Our mission is to meet car OEM’ demands for a more comfortable driving experience through products such as anti-reflection films and SVRs.

The in-vehicle display design trends that started in Europe

Dexerials has entered a completely different market, going from consumer electronics to automotive. Behind this was a major change that began in the automotive industry in the 2010s.

The reason use of anti-reflection film and SVRs growing in the automotive market.

Around 2015, Dexerials began selling products specifically for in-vehicle displays. Until then, demand for anti-reflection film and SVRs in automotive displays was not so high. This was because, at that time, most in-vehicle displays were integrated with the car’s audio system and so were inlaid into the dashboard, away from direct sunlight.

Recent car navigation systems attempt to guide the driver’s eyes higher.

Car navigation systems placed below eye level can be dangerous because they require the driver to raise and lower their eyes while driving. In the late 2000s, European automakers adopted a design in which the infotainment display is placed higher. This design became mainstream worldwide in the mid-2010s. However, the higher placement means that the display is also more susceptible to sunlight. Dexerials was approached by many companies to see if our anti-reflection technology developed for the consumer electronics industry could be used in automotive displays, and this led us to establish a new business division. The design trend, which began with European automakers emphasizing automotive safety, has now become the standard for new models around the world. Demand for our anti-reflection film and SVRs has followed this trend.

The market expanded due to efforts to improve vehicle safety.

There is in fact another reason why anti-reflection films and SVRs improve safety. Previous car navigation system touch panels were “resistive,” meaning that when pressing on the panel, the surface slightly indents and the electrode in that location turns on to detect the touch. However, capacitive touch panels, familiar to smartphones and tablets, respond to the touch of a finger. Such touch panels are now installed in cars. Since the surface material (top plate) of capacitive touch panels is glass, there is a risk of injury if the panel is broken due to an accident. However, if anti-reflection film is applied to the surface of the glass, it can prevent shards from scattering even if the glass breaks. In addition, filling the space between the top plate and the LCD display with SVR also makes the display more impact resistant. Because of this, our products enhance car safety.

Durability and safety, backed by many years of research

The location of in-vehicle displays and the changes to touch panel systems are two trends that have progressed greatly since 2015. These trends have created a market that did not exist before. However, Dexerials had to overcome many challenges before its products could be adopted for automobiles.

How do the requirements differ for products made for automotive vs. consumer electronics displays?

A major difference is related to durability. Automobiles have a longer replacement period than consumer electronics and are expected to last for more than 10 years. Furthermore, the film must be resistant to deterioration caused by ultraviolet rays and high temperatures. There are a wide variety of other requirements, and our mission is to respond to all of them based on research data.

Dexerials has accumulated a lot of data since 2013, when we started developing and selling prototype anti-reflection film for automobiles. For example, we already have the reliability data after exposure of AR film to high temperatures for 1,000 hours (42 days test). Although there are many models of anti-reflection films on the market, we take pride in the durability and functionality of our products, which has led to its popularity.

Providing laminating service and display module manufacturing

It has only been a few years since anti-reflection films and SVRs first started being used in automotive displays. Dexerials has since launched a new business to meet the changing needs of its customers.

About your Optical Bonding Service (OBS).

OBS is a service where we coat and apply SVRs and anti-reflection film on behalf of automotive and parts manufacturers. We receive LCDs, top plates, and other components from customers, apply our optical products, and assembled modules. We offer this service together with our partners. Customers can use our materials to improve the functionality of their displays without the need to install new coating production lines or equipment at their factories or hire skilled personnel.

Dexerials not only provides products, but also builds advanced process technology solutions for coating and applying film onto curved displays. Simply selling materials is not enough to broaden this new market and allow people to experience better designed displays. Automobiles will further evolve into more convenient and comfortable machines as electric and autonomous vehicles continue to advance. As an industry leader with comprehensive knowledge and technology, we strive to continue to contribute to the evolution of displays.