Essential Terms for Display Manufacturing

Fast to Know the LCD & TP Lamination Technology Abbreviated Explanation

1. LCD: Liquid Crystal Display

The construction of an LCD involves placing a liquid crystal cell between two parallel glass substrates. The lower substrate glass is equipped with TFTs (thin-film transistors), and the upper substrate glass is equipped with color filters. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is controlled by changing the signals and voltages on the TFTs, thereby controlling whether the polarized light of each pixel is emitted or not to achieve the purpose of display. Normally people think it is liquid crystal glass, but it requires additional components to function as a complete display.

2. LCM: Liquid Crystal Module

LCM refers to LCD display products that integrate glass and LCD with the upper POL. It provides users with a standard LCD display driver interface (with different types such as 4-bit, 8-bit, VGA, etc.), allowing users to operate according to the interface requirements to control the LCD to display correctly. This complete assembly is what most device manufacturers integrate into their products.

3. IC: Integrated Circuit

IC is a type of miniature electronic device or component. Using certain processes, the required transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and other components and wiring of a circuit are interconnected and fabricated on one or a few small semiconductor chips or dielectric substrates, then encapsulated in a package to become a miniature structure with the desired circuit functions. All the components have been structurally integrated into a whole, making a significant step forward for electronic components toward miniaturization, low power consumption, intelligence, and high reliability. It is denoted by the letters IC in circuits and serves as the brain behind display control.

4. FPC: Flexible Printed Circuits

FPC is a type of printed circuit board made using polyimide or polyester film as the substrate, featuring high reliability and excellent flexibility. It has the characteristics of high wiring density, light weight, thin thickness, and good bendability. In display modules, FPC acts as the critical bridge connecting the display to the main circuit board.

5. B/L: Backlight

Backlight is a light source located behind the liquid crystal display (LCD), and its luminous effect will directly affect the visual effect of the liquid crystal display module (LCM). The liquid crystal display itself does not emit light; it displays graphics through the modulation of light. Quality backlight units are essential for optimal display performance.

6. TP: Touch Panel/Touch Screen

TP is an input device for computer devices, including various types such as IR touch frame, resistive touch panel, and capacitive touch screen. Capacitive touch screens come in several configurations including G+F+F, G+F, G+G, OGS, and surface capacitive touch panel. Each type offers different benefits for specific applications.

7. POL: Polarizer

Polarizing film is essential for LCD function. All liquid crystals have two polarizing films, front and back, closely attached to the liquid crystal glass, forming a liquid crystal plate with a total thickness of about 1mm. If any polarizing film is missing, the liquid crystal plate cannot display images. POL is therefore a critical component in the display stack.

8. ACF: Anisotropic Conductive Film

ACF is used for ITO connection to fix and conduct in the binding area of module IC, FPC, TP-FPC, and LCD. This specialized film enables precise electrical connections between components while maintaining physical stability, making it essential for reliable display assembly.

9. Silver Conductive Paste

Silver conductive paste is used for the CF surface in the LCD terminal area of module products to connect and conduct with the main ground line ITO, forming a conductive circuit. It channels away static electricity from the CF, preventing it from affecting the display quality of the screen. For resistive touch panel and capacitive touch panel, the conductive line is made by silver conductive paste.

10. Clean Wiper

Clean wiper is used with cleaning solvents for cleaning the module LCD terminal position bonding area, TP, LCD, and surface wiping. Proper cleaning before lamination ensures strong bonds and prevents defects in the final display product.

11. Teflon

Teflon is one kind of thermal buffer material. It generally refers to the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in various display screen hot-press bonding processes, such as hot-press conductive films, flexible circuit boards, and ITO conductive glass. It is placed under the surface of the hot-press head, providing cushioning for temperature and pressure, making the temperature more uniform, and preventing direct contact between the press head and the product for protective purposes.

Key Properties of Teflon:

High temperature resistance — Can be used at working temperatures up to 250℃
Low temperature resistance — Has good mechanical toughness; even when the temperature drops to -196℃, it can maintain 5% elongation
Corrosion resistance — Inert to most chemicals and solvents, able to withstand strong acids, strong alkalis, water, and various organic solvents
Weather resistance — Possesses the best aging lifespan among plastics
High lubrication — Has the lowest coefficient of friction among solid materials
Non-adhesive — Has the lowest surface tension among solid materials and does not adhere to any substances
Non-toxic — Physiologically inert; when used as artificial blood vessels or organs implanted long-term, it causes no adverse reactions
Electrical insulation — Can withstand high voltage up to 1500V

12. Teflon Tape

Teflon tape, also known as PTFE tape, Teflon adhesive tape, or PTFE adhesive tape, is made by coating Teflon (PTFE) resin onto imported fiberglass yarn to produce Teflon fiberglass tape. It comes in three colors: brown, black, and white, and can be cut into various widths and manufactured in different thicknesses according to customer requirements. Using imported PTFE film, after special treatment, high-temperature resistant silicone is applied to produce Teflon (PTFE) film tape. The maximum width can reach 1000mm, and it is available in white and gray.

13. Silicone Tape

Silicone tape is one kind of thermal buffer material. It appears as a gray, green, or black heat-conductive silicone rubber sheet. It is used in various display screen hot-press bonding processes, such as hot-press conductive films, FPC, and ITO conductive glass. Placing it under the bottom surface of the hot-press head provides cushioning for temperature and pressure, helps to make the temperature more uniform, and prevents direct contact between the press head and the product, offering a protective effect.

14. TUFFY Glue

TUFFY Glue, also known as peelable blue adhesive, is a single-component insulation protection specifically for touch screens. It is mainly used on the ITO coatings of transparent conductive glass and films in touch screens, providing insulation, moisture resistance, and protection. This temporary protective coating can be peeled away when no longer needed.

15. UV Glue

UV glue is one kind of photosensitive adhesive, also known as shadowless adhesive or ultraviolet-curable adhesive. It is a type of adhesive that must be cured under ultraviolet light. It can be used as a bonding agent and can also be used as an adhesive for paints, coatings, inks, and other materials.

UV is the abbreviation of Ultraviolet Rays, which refers to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible to the naked eye and is a segment of electromagnetic radiation beyond visible light, with a wavelength range of 10~400 nm.

Curing Principle: The curing principle of shadowless adhesive is that the photoinitiators (or photosensitizers) in the UV-curable material absorb ultraviolet light under UV irradiation, generating active free radicals or cations, which initiate the polymerization and cross-linking chemical reactions of the monomers, transforming the adhesive from liquid to solid within seconds.

16. OCA: Optically Clear Adhesive

OCA is a transparent layer of special optical double-sided tape without a base. This transparent layer of special substrate-free optical double-sided adhesive is used as a special adhesive for bonding transparent optical components (such as lenses). It is required to be colorless and transparent, with light transmittance above 90%, good bonding strength, capable of curing at room or moderate temperatures, and having characteristics such as low curing shrinkage.

OCA optical adhesive is one of the important raw materials for touch screens. It is made by producing optical acrylic adhesive without a substrate, then applying top and bottom layers, and adhering a release film on each side, forming a substrate-free double-sided bonding tape.

17. LOCA/OCR: Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive

LOCA or OCR is liquid transparent optical adhesive. It is colorless and transparent, with a light transmittance of over 98%, good adhesive strength, and can cure at room or medium temperatures. It also has characteristics such as low curing shrinkage and resistance to yellowing over time, making it ideal for high-performance optical bonding applications.

18. OCA Release Film

OCA release film is a plastic film coated with a silicone release agent on the surface of environmentally friendly PET release film, PE release film, or OPP release film, allowing it to exhibit extremely light and stable release force for various organic pressure-sensitive adhesives. It is also called release liner, separation film, or release film, and it protects the adhesive until application.

19. Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealant is an ointment-like colloid that solidifies into a tough rubber-like material upon contact with moisture in the air. It is mainly used as a new process to replace foam. Once it comes into contact with moisture in the air, it solidifies into a tough rubber-like material. It is mainly divided into acetic acid type, alcohol type, amine type, and propyl type.

Because silicone sealant is often used for glass bonding and sealing, it is commonly known as glass sealant. Single-component silicone glass sealant is similar to an ointment, and once it comes into contact with moisture in the air, it solidifies into a tough rubber-like material.

20. Solder Wire

Solder wire is composed of tin alloy and additives. The alloy ingredients are divided into tin-lead and lead-free additives, which are evenly infused into the middle part of the tin alloy. This creates reliable electrical connections in display assemblies and circuit boards.

21. Keypad Adhesive

Keypad adhesive, or double-sided tape for mobile phone keys, is used to stick and fix the keys. Through heat pressing, it bonds the touch FPC with the CG to ensure that the key touch capacitance meets requirements.

Double-sided tape is widely used in mobile phones, automobiles, digital cameras, LCDs, TVs, PDAs, LCD displays, laptops, and other fields, maximizing the satisfaction of different customer needs. Selection should be based on the product and environmental requirements of the application.

22. Release Paper

Release paper, also called anti-stick paper or silicone paper, is a release paper that prevents prepreg from sticking and also protects prepreg from contamination. The release paper is made of paper coated with a release agent, and its type is distinguished based on material, thickness, elongation, and whether it is single-sided or double-sided.

23. Black Rubber

Black rubber refers to rubber products used for protective covering in modules. It is generally used for covering the surface of glass-driven ICs, serving as insulation protection to ensure that static electricity does not damage the protected IC. This simple component plays a crucial role in display reliability.

24. Electromagnetic Susceptibility Film

Electromagnetic Susceptibility Film is a shield made of conductive and magnetic materials that confines electromagnetic waves within a certain range. When electromagnetic waves are coupled or radiated from one side of the shield to the other, they are suppressed or attenuated.

3C products such as laptops, GPS, ADSL, and mobile phones can all generate noise due to high-frequency electromagnetic interference, affecting communication quality. This film helps maintain signal integrity in sensitive electronic devices.

25. Rolled Copper Foam Polyester Belt

Rolled copper foam polyester belt is used to isolate electromagnetic interference, providing an additional layer of protection for sensitive display components and circuits in electronic devices.

26. Foam

Foam materials provide flexible, lightweight, fast pressure-sensitive fixing and cushioning in display assemblies. They help protect delicate components from mechanical shock and ensure proper spacing within the device.

27. Electrical Insulation Materials

Electrical insulation materials provide insulation, protection, and light-blocking for PCB circuit boards. Key properties include:

High insulation strength and high voltage resistance
Resistance to moisture, gases, high heat, and chemical attacks
Low shrinkage, not easily brittle, and wear-resistant
Dimensional stability and flatness
Excellent tear strength
Heat and cold resistance
Moisture and water resistance
Chemical corrosion resistance
Super insulation performance with excellent electrical, mechanical, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant properties

28. High-Temperature Adhesive

High-temperature adhesive (insulation protection) serves an important function in display assembly. The role of high-temperature tape is to stick on the positive and negative electrodes, components, and touch IC after welding to prevent them from contacting the casing and the electrode sheets, achieving the purpose of insulation protection.

29. Conductive Fabric

Conductive fabric, made from polyester fiber fabric treated with conductive material and laminated, is mainly used to connect the main FPC ground wire to the backlight metal frame or the phone’s metal casing. This prevents the creation of isolated conductors and enables the discharge of static electricity residue, protecting sensitive components from electrostatic damage.

30. Double-Sided Adhesive Tape

Double-sided adhesive tape is composed of substrate, adhesive, and release paper or film. This versatile bonding solution is used throughout display assembly for attaching various components and ensuring secure mechanical connections.

31. Easy-Tear Tape

Easy-tear tape is a tape specially designed to facilitate the removal of protective films attached to LCD panels. It is the name of the tape designed specifically to make it easier to remove protective films from LCD panels. It is also known as tear-off label, easy-tear paper, and sometimes called pull tab or handle.

It is used to conveniently remove protective films from LCD, LCM, TP, and other liquid crystal panels, making the removal process easy, time-saving, and leaving no traces or residue behind.

32. PI Stiffener Film

PI Stiffener Film is used to reinforce the mechanical strength of the FPC, making surface mounting operations easier. Common thicknesses range from 3 mil to 9 mil. This reinforcement ensures that flexible circuits maintain structural integrity during assembly and throughout the product lifecycle.