Challenges for Outdoor ePaper

ePaper displays are well suited to applications with infrequent content updates. When used outdoors, however, they must also contend with sunlight, temperature changes, and weather conditions. The following factors should be considered during product design:

• UV exposure: Prolonged sunlight exposure may degrade ePaper materials, causing yellowing or cracking.
• High temperatures: Sunlight exposure can raise the temperature of ePaper and, in severe cases, prevent images from updating normally.
• Nighttime readability: ePaper relies on ambient light, making content difficult to read in areas without lighting.
• Reflections and moisture: The air gap between the cover glass and ePaper may increase reflections; moisture ingress may also cause ghosting and slow response times.

Outdoor ePaper Solutions

To address these conditions, AMT offers anti-UV protection, thermal management, nighttime illumination, and optical bonding technologies. Customers can select the features they need based on the product’s installation location and intended use:

• Anti-UV design: The design can meet the requirements of ASTM G154 Cycle 1 and MIL-STD-810H Pro 1, each for 1,000 hours. Based on conversion estimates, the expected outdoor service life is approximately 10 years in London, UK; 8 years in Milan, Italy; or 4.5 years in Singapore.
• Thermal management: An IR-cut film, thermally conductive adhesive, and heat dissipation fins in the customer’s enclosure can work together to reduce ePaper temperature by more than 10°C.
• Nighttime illumination: AMT’s front light guide achieves light uniformity of over 70%. Paired with a low-power light bar, it provides more even illumination across the display at night and in low-light environments.
• Optical bonding: AMT uses silicone-based Lucent Gel to bond a cover glass or touch panel to the ePaper display, reducing reflections and enhancing protection against moisture and external impact.

Outdoor ePaper Modules

AMT provides optical bonding and integration services, from cover glass to mechanical design, offering customers flexible and comprehensive one-stop services:

• Optical bonding supports sizes up to 32 inches and is suitable for public information display equipment.
• AMT combines the cover glass, front light guide, ePaper module, TCON board, and mechanical design to create a highly integrated ePaper display module.
• Aqua Switch water-resistant touch buttons can be integrated into the display bezel for operation in rainy conditions.
• A range of customization options is available to meet the needs of different industries.

Drawing on years of experience in touch displays and optical bonding, AMT helps customers address the technical challenges posed by outdoor environments and provides ePaper products and technical support suited to outdoor use. Contact AMT to learn more about our outdoor ePaper solutions!