DNP Develops Low Reflection Film That Combines Low Reflectivity with Superior Scratch Resistance

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) has developed a low reflection (LR) film that combines a low reflectivity with superior scratch resistance.

Compared with currently available DNP product at right, the newly developed product at left does not reflect the characters DNP. In addition, it can be seen that with the newly developed product there is no scratching in the arrow portion of the image.

[Background]

LR film is an optical film used on the upper most surface of displays, including TVs, digital signage, car navigation systems and personal computers, in order to reduce reflections from lighting and external light sources, making the display easier to see. Use of such displays as touch panels that the user directly touches and operates has been on the rise in recent years. At the same time, there are also growing cases of displays being scratched due to wiping. This has led to calls for improvement measures.

However, one challenge has been a deterioration in scratch resistance, as a result of lowering the reflectivity of the film in order to prevent light reflection.

In this latest development, in addition to newly developing film coating materials, DNP has reviewed the entire production process, and has developed LR film that combines a low reflectivity with superior scratch resistance, when compared with currently available DNP LR film.

[Product Features]

The newly developed product can be widely deployed in various applications, including displays with touch functions, which has been difficult with currently available LR film.

Combination of a low-reflectivity with high-level scratch resistance

• The reflectivity of the newly developed product is 0.3%, and scratch resistance of 1,500g on the Steel Wool Scratch Test has been achieved. The Steel Wool Scratch Test determines the presence or absence of scratching by rubbing each test unit ten times. 
• Currently available DNP products exhibit a 700g scratch resistance for a reflectivity of 1.0%. As a result, the ratio of scratch resistance to reflectivity has been greatly improved more than seven times from 700g/1.0% to 1,500g/0.3%.

Other features

• It is easy to maintain a clean screen, as the new product boasts advanced stain and dust proofing and hence makes it difficult for stains such as fingerprints to stick to the screen and easy for them to be wiped off.
• As light is reflected from the film in natural colors, there are fewer instances of users worrying about strange color reflections. In addition, the newly developed film provides for a wide viewing angle, with excellent visibility even from the sides.
• The new product exhibits excellent resistance to alkaline liquid and more.

[Looking Ahead]

DNP plans to launch sales of the newly developed LR film in 2020. We aim for sales of 2 billion yen annually in FY 2022 by proposing the new film to display and in-vehicle system manufacturers.

* Product prices, specifications and service contents mentioned in this news release are current as of the date of publication. They may be changed at any time without notice.