LCD Handling, Storage & Cleaning

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) require careful handling and storage to ensure correct and continued operation.

If you need further information or guidance contact our quality team.

Storage

When long term storage of LCDs is required, follow these basic precautions:

Store LCDs in the original factory packaging whenever possible. The sealed polyethylene antistatic bags or the antistatic trays are designed for long term storage.
Store the LCDs where they will not be subjected to high heat, sunlight, or high humidity conditions. Recommended storage temperatures should be kept between 0C and +40C, with relative humidity below 80%.
Desiccant should not be required if properly sealed and room temperature ambient temperatures are maintained.

Cleaning

If cleaning of the LCD panel surface is necessary, Isopropyl or Ethyl alcohol, as purchased at 50% by volume or higher concentration, or diluted as low as 50% by volume using distilled water, may be used on a moist clean soft cloth.

Do not use abrasive, ketone-containing, and aromatic solvents which will damage polarizer materials or potentially cause delamination of the adhesives used in the construction of the module.

Do not allow any types of liquids or solvents to flow inside the LCD metal chassis or near the electronics.

Assembly Handling

FPC Handling

FPCs (Flexible Printed Circuits) can be damaged if improperly handled.

Avoid sharp 90 degree bending or fold-over conditions which could damage or weaken the conductive traces.
The proper FPC bending direction for tight bends should be in the direction that puts the conductive traces on the inside radius of the bend. A rule of thumb is to limit the bend radius to not less than 10 times the FPC thickness. With an FPC of 0.2 mm nominal thickness, the bend radius should not be tighter than ~2mm.
Avoid pulling up on the FPC in a pealing fashion from the glass bonding area.
Avoid stretching the FPC, especially near the stiffener/contact end

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) and Voltages

The LCD module contains highly sensitive electronics circuits that can be damaged by subjecting them to high voltages.

Proper ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) procedures must be followed. The electronics in the touch controller and LCD module damaged when subjected to high voltages, and any multiple-programmable memories in the module may lose calibration and/or program data causing the module to be inoperable.
Do not insert or remove the FPC connector from an energized socket
Do not apply input signals to the module if the logic circuit power is off.
Terminals labeled as NC (no connect) should not be connected to Vss or tied to any other connection

Protective Release Sheet

Some LCDs are shipped with a protective film, or “release sheet”, attached to the surface of the cover glass, touch panel, or polarizer.

If the LCD is shipped with a protective release sheet on the front polarizer or cover glass, leave this protective film in place until the module is mounted in the final assembly to prevent scratches and fingerprints from marring the display surface.
Do not expose to high temperature and/or high humidity testing with the protective release sheet place.
It is possible to generate a static charge when removing this film. When mounted electrically in the circuit, this will not harm the device. However, the static charge may turn certain sections of the module on due to this static charge. This is normal and will dissipate shortly.

Mechanical Care

Some LCDs are shipped with a protective film, or “release sheet”, attached to the surface of the cover glass, touch panel, or polarizer.

Do not attempt to disassemble the module.
As with any glass product, use reasonable care when handling to avoid glass chips and cracks.
Do not apply excessive force to the IC or display surface.
On non-touch LCDs apply no pressure to the LCD surface and ensure no impact can be made by end users to it. There is no specification for pressure or impact on non-touch LCDs.
On resistive touch panels, do not use sharp objects to activate the touch screen or the overlay material may be damaged.
Avoid excessive and pointed force on the back of the chassis of the LCD which can damage the backlight structure and cause hot spots on the display or permanent damage to the unit
COG Modules with Multiple-Time Programmable memory are sensitive to photon excitation. Under intense exposure to strong ambient light, MTP cells can lose its content before the specified memory retention time span. By design, the IC is expected to be mostly shielded in operation.
If the LCD glass breaks and the LCD liquid materials escape, avoid contact with bare skin. Wash exposed skin with soap and water immediately and dispose of the product according to local materials handling procedures.