Hard coatings improve the durability, optical performance and functionality of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylic (PMMA) display cover lenses. Depending on the application, specialist surface treatments can provide enhanced scratch, abrasion and chemical resistance, alongside anti-glare, anti-static, anti-fog, anti-reflective and antimicrobial properties.
Display Protect Solutions supplies precision-engineered cover lenses manufactured from a range of hard-coated polycarbonate and acrylic materials. We support design engineers in selecting appropriate materials and surface treatments to meet their optical, mechanical and environmental requirements.
Hard Coating Options for Polycarbonate and Acrylic
The appropriate hard coating depends on the operating environment, optical requirements and functionality of the finished cover lens. The following options can be specified individually or, depending on the material system, combined to provide multiple surface properties.
Improves scratch, abrasion and chemical resistance while maintaining high optical clarity.
Clear Hard Coating
Reduces surface reflections and glare by diffusing incident light, improving display readability in challenging lighting conditions.
Anti-Glare (AG) Hard Coating
Anti-Static / ESD Hard Coating
Anti-Fog Hard Coating
Helps dissipate static charge at the cover-lens surface, supporting applications where electrostatic discharge and dust attraction need to be controlled.
Helps prevent condensation forming visible droplets on the surface, supporting visibility where temperature or humidity changes occur.
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
Reduces specular surface reflections to improve light transmission, display contrast and readability, particularly in high ambient lighting conditions.
Antimicrobial Hard Coating
Provides an antimicrobial surface treatment for applications where hygiene and frequent user interaction are important considerations.
Compare Hard Coating Properties
Hard coating performance varies depending on the substrate, coating technology and application requirements. Key considerations can include surface hardness, abrasion and chemical resistance, haze, light transmission, surface resistivity and environmental performance.
Our Hard Coatings Comparison Guide provides indicative technical data across the coating options available for display cover lens applications.
Selecting the Right Hard Coating
Selecting a coating should start with the requirements of the finished application rather than the coating itself. Factors such as the operating environment, display brightness, ambient lighting, cleaning chemicals, touch interaction and ESD requirements can all influence the most appropriate solution.
Display Protect Solutions can support material and coating selection alongside CNC machining, screen printing and optical lamination, allowing the complete cover lens construction to be considered from the outset.
For further technical guidance, explore our Coatings for Electronic Display Cover Lenses Insight, covering surface treatments, performance characteristics and application considerations.