Spacers in LCD Technology

To ensure a uniform distance between the two glass plates of an LCD display, spacers are used. In earlier times spherical spacers were usually sprayed onto one of the glass plates before the assembly of the LC display. Today, so-called litho-spacers are mostly used, the spacers are defined using lithographic processes and produced by deposition and etching techniques. The new method is particularly suitable for mass production of high-resolution displays. However, there are still some LCD applications where very high resolution is not required and the costs for the new litho-spacers are simply too high. Therefore the conventional spacer spray process still has its justification, although by now there are hardly any manufacturers left for corresponding spacer spray systems. The company we formerly represented, SE (Shibuya Electric), like Nishin, formerly the largest manufacturer of dry spacer spray systems, has stopped production. Crystec can, however, still assist you in sourcing the corresponding equipment.

The Spacer Spray Process

Special spacers made of glass or plastic are sprayed onto the lower glass plate of the display to maintain a uniform distance between the glass plates across the entire surface of the flat panel. Formation of spacer clusters must be avoided because they may become visible and cause defects in the display.

Spacer Spray

There are three different ways to spray spacers onto the glass: one can assist the spraying process with solvents, spray the spacers dry, or process them wet (semi-dry). All three methods have particular advantages and disadvantages.

Spacer Spray Machine Shindo

The heart of this innovative system are the powerful spray chambers with a precision spray head. The Shindo spacer spray machine uses the wet process to reliably and evenly create the spacing between cells. Robust materials such as SUS 304 stainless steel, an intelligent heating control with PID regulator and optional safety equipment make it an efficient and safe solution for modern production processes.

In addition, the machine is also suitable for the smart windows sector and can be designed for correspondingly large formats, making it ideal for ensuring the highest quality and flexibility in the manufacturing of modern glass and display technologies.

Specification
Technical Features Product Data
Chamber material SUS 304 stainless steel
Heating temperature Max. 120 °C
Heater type Rubber heater
Temperature control PID controller
Spray method Wet process
Mixer installation Included
Control Spray pressure, flow rate, speed control
Certification CE
Fire prevention / extinguishing equipment Optional
Spacer Sprayer

Spacer spray systems are available as standalone units in manual and automated versions. For mass production, spacer spray machines are often integrated into production lines together with cleaning stations and additional process equipment.

Integrated Quality Control for Highest Precision

The Shindo spacer spray machine can be equipped with automatic quality control. An integrated counting device ensures that the spacers are distributed precisely and evenly across the glass plate. This reliably prevents cluster formation and provides the basis for displays of the highest quality.