Unlocking the Power of AF Waterproof Coatings: Understanding Oleophobic Protection How to assess and determine the quality of waterproof coatings in general industry.
Oleophobic coatings have become an essential feature in modern electronic devices, providing invaluable waterproof and oil-resistant protection. AF waterproof coatings, also known as oleophobic or fingerprint-resistant coatings, consist of unique low surface tension fluorine-containing layers. These coatings are commonly applied to smartphone, tablet, and camera screens, offering a multitude of benefits such as water resistance, oil resistance, stain resistance, and remarkable transparency. In this article, we will delve into the concept of AF waterproof coatings, exploring their applications and the advantages they bring.
What are AF Waterproof Coatings?
AF waterproof coatings, also referred to as oleophobic coatings, are protective layers applied to screens to provide exceptional water and oil resistance. Their primary objective is to minimize the appearance of fingerprints and smudges, ensuring a pristine and crystal-clear display. These coatings possess a distinct characteristic of low surface tension, effectively preventing water and oil from adhering to the screen surface.
The Crucial Role of AF Waterproof Coatings:
AF waterproof coatings play a pivotal role in optimizing the surface of modern electronic device screens. Many of us have experienced the initial smoothness of a newly purchased phone, and this is due to the presence of the AF waterproof coating layer. Let's explore the outstanding features of this coating:
Applications and Advantages:
The application of AF waterproof coatings has revolutionized the user experience of electronic devices. Here are some key advantages:
- Waterproof and Oil-Resistant:
The primary purpose of AF waterproof coatings is to prevent water and oily substances from accumulating on the screen, ensuring clarity and functionality even in humid conditions.
- Stain Resistance:
AF waterproof coatings effectively ward off fingerprints, oil, and other pollutants, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and ensuring a long-lasting, smudge-free screen.
- High Transparency:
These coatings preserve the original clarity and brightness of the screen, allowing users to enjoy vivid visual effects and impeccable image quality without any hindrance.
- Enhanced Touch Experience:
AF waterproof coatings not only provide protection but also enhance the touch experience. By reducing friction, they make sliding and scrolling smoother, thus rendering the interface more responsive. Additionally, they facilitate easier cleaning of fingerprints, ensuring optimal visibility for users.
With AF waterproof coatings, electronic devices can truly withstand the rigors of daily use, maintaining their visual excellence and functional brilliance.
Testing the effectiveness of the AF waterproof layer:
One method widely used to determine the presence of an AF waterproof coating is the water droplet angle test. By placing a droplet of water on the coating's surface, we can observe the contact angle it forms. A hydrophobic coating will exhibit a high contact angle, causing the droplet to effortlessly slide off. An excellent waterproof coating will have a big water droplet angle, allowing water droplets to roll freely on the surface. The feaglet, designed for iPhone series glass panels, achieves an impressive water droplet angle of 130°, setting a leading standard in the industry.
Another crucial aspect to consider in advanced AF waterproof coatings is their durability. Users of mobile phones often notice a decrease in the waterproof coating's efficacy over time due to friction, resulting in a less smooth screen surface compared to when it was newly purchased. To simulate this, industry tests employ a cloth for repeated friction cycles. Advanced waterproof coatings can withstand 15,000 cycles of friction while maintaining their waterproof effect. Different application scenarios may have varying requirements for surface adhesion, with some companies setting it at 3,000-5,000 cycles of friction, while others aim for around 100 cycles.
How to apply the AF waterproof layer to the glass surface:
AF materials are typically available in liquid and pellet forms, suitable for spray coating and vacuum deposition coating methods, respectively. For spray coating AF, the specific liquid material is applied to the glass surface using a cloth and then forms a waterproof layer through high-temperature baking or natural evaporation. Due to its cost-effectiveness, this method is commonly used by manufacturers during periods of price competition. However, it has certain drawbacks. The liquid AF coating provides average waterproofing and smoothness effects, lacking advanced tactile sensation and only offering a simple waterproof feeling. Moreover, the adhesion of the coating is limited, leading to peeling off and loss of its intended effect after a few hundred frictions or less.
In contrast, AF using the target pill method is primarily applied in high-end products. This method involves evenly distributing waterproof pills on the glass surface using a specific machine and then vapor-depositing them onto the glass surface and shallow layer through a high-temperature electroplating device. This coating method perfectly integrates the material into the product, delivering excellent waterproofing performance and adhesion. As mentioned earlier, even after undergoing 15,000 cycles of abrasion, it maintains strong waterproofing ability. However, this method is costlier, with target pills being more than five times the cost of liquid solutions, and the vapor-deposition process requiring a significant amount of electricity and equipment wear. Consequently, only a few high-end accessory manufacturers and certain high-end tempered glass film products in the market employ this technology. Feaglet, known for its mobile phones, also utilizes this technology on its glass, providing a smooth, durable, and high-performance experience.
To protect the advanced AF coating, it is crucial to note that frequent cleaning and contact with irritating substances may shorten its lifespan, despite its strong adhesion and effectiveness lasting for 1-2 years under normal use.
Upon closer inspection, what may appear as a straightforward product actually entails intricate internal processes. If you have a discerning taste for top-tier products, look no further than feaglet. With an unwavering commitment to product craftsmanship and upholding the highest standards, feaglet goes the extra mile, even in areas that may escape notice.