Anti-Fingerprint (AF) Coating - Surface Treatment
The essential finishing touch for high-end touch displays. Our AF (Oleophobic) coating repels fingerprint oils and water, ensuring screens remain crystal clear and easy to clean. Ideal for fully laminated display modules, it delivers an ultra-smooth, premium tactile experience.
- Initial Water Contact Angle: 110° – 115°
- AF Coating Thickness: 10~50nm
- Exceptional Durability: CA >90° after 500 steel wool rubs.
What is Anti-Fingerprint (AF) Coating?
The Science of the "Lotus Effect"
Anti-Fingerprint (AF) Coating, technically known as an Oleophobic (oil-repellent) and Hydrophobic (water-repellent) Coating, is a nanoscale surface treatment applied to the outer layer of cover glass. It utilizes specialized fluorinated compounds to fundamentally alter the surface energy of the glass substrate, mimicking the natural liquid-repellent properties of a lotus leaf.
The Molecular Bonding Mechanism
Core Properties of Anti-Fingerprint Coating
Unlike traditional adhesive films, this nanoscale chemical treatment bonds directly to the glass matrix, providing several unique engineering advantages:
Our Anti-fingerprint Coating Capabilities
Custom Oleophobic Solutions for Every Application
Achieving the perfect balance between tactile smoothness, long-term durability, and cost-efficiency requires deep process knowledge. We provide comprehensive Anti-Fingerprint (AF) coating solutions tailored specifically to your product’s daily operating environment.
High-Durability Formulations
For premium devices facing heavy daily interaction, we apply highly resilient, deeply bonded AF layers. Our standard processing guarantees a water contact angle of ≥110°, while stricter requirements easily achieve ≥115° and survive beyond 2,500 continuous steel wool abrasion cycles.
Large-Format Display Coverage
Our versatile coating facility is completely unconstrained by substrate dimensions. We possess the infrastructure to apply uniform, highly repellent oleophobic coatings to both micro-lenses for wearables and oversized glass panels used in interactive whiteboards, outdoor kiosks, and industrial control centers.
Complete 3A Glass Integration
AF coatings achieve maximum value when combined with other optical treatments. We specialize in fabricating complete “3A Glass” by seamlessly bonding our Anti-Fingerprint layer over Anti-Glare (AG) and Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings, delivering a flawless, smudge-free, and reflection-resistant user interface.
💡 Engineering Note on Coating Sequencing: Because the AF layer possesses extremely low surface tension, no inks or adhesives can reliably bond to it once applied. Therefore, Anti-Fingerprint (AF) coating must always be the absolute final step in the fabrication sequence. If your final assembly requires OCA optical bonding or double-sided adhesive tape on the glass edges, please notify us so we can apply precision masking to keep those specific areas AF-free.
Anti-fingerprint Caoting Performance Evaluation for AF Glass
Quantifying Tactile Smoothness and Durability
Comprehensive performance evaluation is an indispensable step after AF coating. We do not just measure results to ensure compliance; we use this data to continuously drive improvements. By analyzing wear resistance and surface tension, we reverse-engineer and optimize our AF chemical formulations and fine-tune our deposition parameters, ensuring our coatings consistently meet the most extreme application demands.
Initial Water Contact Angle
Evaluating anti-fingerprint properties and coating uniformity.
- The Method: The glass is placed printed-side down on the stage. A high-precision goniometer measures the contact angle of a micro-drop of distilled water. We systematically test 5 distinct locations across the panel to rigorously evaluate the overall uniformity of the AF coating layer.
- The Criteria: To guarantee superior hydrophobic and anti-smudge performance, our standard pass requirement is an initial contact angle of ≥110°, while stricter custom requirements demand ≥115°.
Water Contact Angle Tester
WCA Testing of AF Goated Glass
Steel Wool Abrasion Testing
Evaluating coating lifespan and mechanical durability.
- The Method: We utilize a 20x20mm (or 10x10mm) friction head wrapped in 0000# steel wool or standardized erasers. Under a 1000g load, the machine rubs the AF surface for 2,000 to 2,500+ cycles at 40-60 cycles/min over a 40mm stroke.
- The Criteria: After abrasion, 3 locations within the rubbed area are tested. The coating passes only if it remains intact and maintains a post-abrasion water contact angle of >100°.
Abrasion Resistance Tester
AF Glass Abrasion Resistance Testing
Dynamic Friction Coefficient Testing (Upon Request)
Evaluating the "silky-smooth" tactile experience.
- The Method: To quantify touch smoothness and eliminate any “sticky” feel, a specialized tester drags an Azwan balance paper beneath a 200g load across the AF surface at 100mm/min over a 50mm distance.
- The Criteria: A standard untreated glass feels abrasive. Our AF coating must achieve a dynamic friction coefficient of ≤0.05, with strict premium requirements demanding ≤0.03 for an ultimate frictionless touch experience.
Coefficient of Friction Tester
AF Glass Friction Coefficient Testing
Thermal Tempering vs. Chemical Strengthening
Thermal tempering and chemical strengthening are both used to improve glass strength, but they work in different ways and are suitable for different product requirements. The right choice depends on glass thickness, size, flatness requirement, breakage behavior, material type, cost target, and final application.
| Comparison Item | Thermally Tempered Glass | Chemically Strengthened Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Size | 2200 × 1600 mm | 2300 × 1800 mm |
| Processing Temperature | 620–680°C Close to Softening Point | 400–450°C No Softening |
| Thickness Range | 3–19 mm More Suitable for Thicker Glass | 0.1–12 mm Suitable for Ultra-Thin Glass Below 3 mm |
| Secondary Processing | Strictly Prohibited After Tempering | Limited Secondary Processing After Evaluation |
| Product Deformation | Slight Warpage May Occur | Better Dimensional Stability and High Accuracy |
| Surface Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Flatness | Longest Length × 5‰ | Longest Length × 1‰ |
| Breakage Pattern | Small Pebble-Like Fragments Designed for Safety Breakage  | Larger Sharp Fragments Not Designed for Safety Fragmentation  |
| Cost and Efficiency | Lower Cost and Higher Efficiency | Higher Cost and Longer Processing Time |
| Suitable Glass Materials | Mainly Soda-Lime Glass and Low-Iron Glass | Soda-Lime Glass, Aluminosilicate Glass, and Other Ion-Exchangeable Glass |
Applications of Anti-fingerprint (AF) Glass
Anti-Fingerprint (AF) coating is considered an absolute mandatory requirement for displays that endure high-frequency human touch, public screens that demand rapid and effortless sanitation, and optical panels exposed to harsh environmental grime. By providing an ultra-smooth, liquid-repellent barrier, it elevates both the user experience and long-term device reliability. Below are just a few examples of the high-demand industries we serve:
Smart Home & Appliances
Smart Switch Panels
Smart Door Lock Panels
Smart Appliance Displays
Premium PC Peripherals & Electronics
Glass Mouse Pads
Laptop Glass Trackpads
Smartphone & Tablet Covers
Industrial Control & Medical
Heavy-Duty HMIs
Outdoor Self-Service Kiosks
Surgical Monitor Glass
Specialty Optics & Automotive
Drone & Sensor Windows
Handheld Barcode Scanners
Automotive Interior Touchscreens
TECHNICAL FAQs
Custom Glass Thermal Tempering Questions Asked
How long does the Anti-Fingerprint (AF) coating last?
AF coating is a highly durable but consumable nanoscale layer. Its ultimate lifespan depends entirely on the friction environment and the specific coating technology used. We offer both standard spray coatings and premium Vacuum PVD coatings. For high-wear products like smartphones or glass mouse pads, our premium PVD coatings are engineered to survive rigorous industrial abrasion tests, ensuring years of heavy daily use before the hydrophobic properties begin to gradually degrade.
Can I apply AF coating over Anti-Glare (AG) or Anti-Reflective (AR) glass?
Yes, this is known in the industry as “3A Glass” (AG + AR + AF). However, the sequence is critical. The AF coating must always be applied as the final, topmost layer. We specialize in providing this complete, multi-layered optical treatment in-house.
What is the difference between Vacuum PVD and Spray AF coating?
Vacuum PVD evaporates the chemical inside a high-vacuum chamber, creating an ultra-dense, deeply bonded layer for maximum durability (ideal for smartphones and gaming peripherals). Automated Spray coating atomizes the liquid onto the glass, which is highly cost-effective and the only way to process oversized panels (like interactive whiteboards), though its mechanical lifespan is slightly shorter than PVD.
Will the AF coating affect the transparency or color of my glass?
No, absolutely not. The AF coating is a microscopic layer (typically only 10 to 20 nanometers thick). It is completely invisible to the human eye, adds zero haze, and does not alter the light transmittance or the color accuracy of the underlying display.
How should the end-user clean an AF-coated glass panel?
Because the surface naturally repels dirt and oils, harsh chemical solvents or abrasive scrubbers are never required (and should be avoided, as they can degrade the coating prematurely). A simple, gentle wipe with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth is all that is needed to restore a pristine, smudge-free surface.
At what stage of production is the AF coating applied?
AF coating must always be the absolute final step in the glass fabrication process. Because the coating fundamentally lowers the surface tension to repel liquids, no other processes can be performed over it. All CNC cutting, edge grinding, thermal or chemical tempering, silk screen printing, and AR/AG optical coatings must be 100% completed before the glass enters the AF coating chamber.
End-to-End Glass Fabrication Process & Capabilities We Offer
As a full-service custom glass manufacturer, we provide end-to-end in-house glass fabrication support, from cutting and CNC shaping to strengthening, printing, coating, bonding, inspection, and final packaging, delivering ready-to-assemble glass components tailored to your project requirements.
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Complete OEM/ODM Glass Solutions
From raw glass to finished components, our custom fabrication ensures tight tolerances for both rapid prototyping and high-volume production. Contact us today. Our team will review your project and respond within 24 hours.