14/11/2024
When clients visit the factory, they observe the general sequence of the production line, which includes cutting, CNC machining, ultrasonic cleaning, chemical strengthening, printing, baking, inspection, and packaging. Following their visit, clients usually expressd that the entire process appears to be quite straightforward. While the production of cover glass panels may seem simple & easy in terms of its workflow, it is essential to consider the underlying technical complexities. Today, the cover specialist will explain the critical technical aspects involved in the processing of cover glass panels.
Firstly, the processing of the profile.
Typically, the processing of square and round cover glass panel is relatively straightforward; however, the complexity significantly increases when dealing with intricate shapes. The following scenarios illustrate this point:
1. Custom-shaped cutting: This includes the processing of irregular forms, curved edges (2.5D), or polygonal shapes. Such processing necessitates equipment with advanced precision control capabilities, and it is crucial to fine-tune the equipment parameters to prevent issues like chipping and cracking.
2. Precision internal openings / cut-outs: Certain cover glass panels require openings for the integration of other components, such as camera apertures, sensor openings, or even nested hole structures. The accuracy in size and positioning of these openings is critical to the functionality of the product, thereby requiring high-precision CNC control and specialized tools.
3. Complex grooves: Grooves are often designed to accommodate certain specific design or functional requirements, such as the assembly of embedded electronic components, blind keys, etc. The depth and accuracy of the grooves will demand a higher equipment stability & precise process control.
The processing of such complex shapes not only require highly precise equipment, but also extensive operating experience and parameter optimization capabilities to meet customer requirements for both dimensional tolerance and appearance consistency.
Next is silkscreen printing.
Common black and white borders printing are relatively simple, but multi-layer and multi-color printing requires extremely high process accuracy and quality control.
1. Multi-layer printing: When the number of printing layers reaches 6 or more, the over print accuracy between each layer becomes very critical. A slight deviation will affect the visual effect.
2. Color tone control: The tone of each printed piece needs to be very consistent, especially bright colors such as white and red. Slight deviations are easily noticeable. Fine details in the mixture of colors must be taken care of, and rigorous process parameter control to ensure the consistency of every product batch.
3. Printing accuracy and yield: For some cover glasses used in precision equipment, the accuracy of the printing position must be very precise. The printing facility, printing environment and operation protocols of the factory must adhere to very stringent controls in order to effectively improve the yield rate and reduce the yield loss.
4. Ink performance and stability: The cover glass is a “visual cosmetic project”, and the quality of the ink directly affects its durability and appearance. Especially in terms of weather resistance, UV exposure and adhesion, the ink must pass rigorous tests to ensure that the cover can maintain color stability and adhesion even in harsh environments.
Lastly, the surface treatment process.
The surface treatment of glass cover includes AG (anti-glare), AR (anti-reflection), and AF (anti-fingerprint). These are the three common surface treatment processes. They can not only enhanced the functionality of the product, but also improve the product’s performance in different environments. The stability and uniformity of AG and AR are a display of technical competency as well.
Although the processing process of cover glass panels look “simple”, complex shape processing, precise printing processes, superior surface treatment, and strict quality control form the foundation of competitive advantage in glass cover manufacturing. For a factory demonstrating genuine technical prowess, the focus extends beyond mere ex*****on to encompass precision, stability, and a high yield rate. When evaluating suppliers, customers frequently rely on these technical specifics to assess the factory’s technical capabilities and the reliability of its product quality.
Gelivable is the Chinese leading brand of anti-glare glass for industrial touch screen products.
