Anti-Scratch Coating:The Complete Scratch Resistant Solution for Your Plastic Products
Do you have scratch problem on your plastic product?
If yes, then you are in the right place.
Why?
Because this guide is the ultimate scratch resistant solution: Anti Scratch coating
Let’s check how the anti-scratch coating can solve scratch problem on your plastic products like helmet visor, screen protector, etc.
What is Anti-scratch Coating?
This is a very thin layer of microscopic substrates or ingredients that prevent different scratching effects. These scratching effects may include:
- Scratch; they are due to small cuts on plastic material.
- Mar; these are marks due to compression of a plastic surface.
- Abrasion; it is due to rubbing or scratching of surfaces.
Surface with and without anti-scratch coating
The substrates in anti-scratch coating are nano particles that neither affect nor interfere with the optical properties of a surface. They simply function as protective a layer of the plastic material.
Don’t worry, I will explore about more about these nanoparticles in chapter 2, keep reading.
For now, I want to make one thing clear:
Quite a number of people tend to confuse these two words – anti-scratch and scratch proof.
The truth is that, hardly will you find a scratch proof coating for plastic material. All we have is a scratch resistant or anti-scratch coating.
It is exactly what I am going to discuss in this guide.
So, let’s see what exactly makes this coating scratch resistant.
Key Ingredients/Substrates of Anti-scratch Coating for Polymers
Knowing the specific ingredients or substrates in your anti-scratch coating is great. It helps to avoid incompatibility issues which can lead to either poor or virtually no anti-scratch performance.
To be honest with you, there are many anti-scratch coating for plastic available on the market today.
Therefore, it is important to find out from your anti-scratch coating manufacturer the specific compounds they use and why.
I know most people avoid this process, but that is the worst mistake you can make.
Below are some of the most common anti-scratch coatings for plastics:
Zirconia Nano particles as Abrasion Resistant Coatings
Quite a number of polymers feature Zirconia nanoparticles as scratch resistant coating.
As anti-scratch coating for polycarbonate (PC) or poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), they do not interfere with the optical properties of these materials.
Basically, they not only function as the best anti-scratch coating, but also exhibit homogenous adhesion.
This may sound mysterious, but I will explain.
During the manufacturing process, the Zirconia nanoparticles are “grown” chemically on the plastic surface. This produces a wear resistant surface.
Under normal circumstances, the thickness of this coating is very small – about 130 nm. This does not compromise any optical properties of polymers.
Illustration of coating process – Phone Credits: ResearchGate
Just in case you want to learn more about this technology, you can follow the link at the end of this chapter.
It was a research published on ResearchGate and conducted by F. Tana, M. Messori, D. Contini and F. Bondioli.
Apart from this, another fascinating technology in scratch resistant coating for plastic is the use of:
Alumina Nanoparticles as Anti-scratch Coating
They have 37% non-volatile matter with 30% nanoparticle content, which are basically the surface modified polysiloxane.
Polysiloxanes are efficient and effective scratch resistant coatings. They are suitable for robust and demanding scratch resistant coating applications such as in military ballistic panels, glazing windows, etc.
Photo Credits: Lachelle Sussman
The Polysiloxanes are popular for their excellent optical properties.
Silica Nanoparticles as Scratch Resistant Coating
These are surface modified silica with 50% non-volatile matter and 50% nanoparticle content.
In the organic group, silica tends to increase the cross-linking density of all reactive groups. It is a popular anti-scratch coating for plastics that combines ease of processing and flexibility properties.
Synthesis of silica nanoparticles – photo credits: Science Direct
In short, the use of nano-silica and nano-alumina in polymers is popular due to their reliability and efficiency.
For a fact, they are popular in the mar and anti-scratch applications.
Even as you consider any of these anti-scratch coatings for plastics, it is vital to know their scratch hardness.
With these, you can easily obtain scratch resistant polymer films for a wide range of applications.
Related Resources about Anti-scratch Coating Ingredients:
How Anti-scratch Coating Works
Today, there are many products that are made from polycarbonate or acrylic materials.
Even though these materials have many advantages over glass, they are susceptible to scratches.
As I had stated earlier, a scratch resistant coating for acrylic or polycarbonate functions as a protective layer.
That is, a barrier between the plastic material and external factors responsible for the scratching effect.
Scratches on glasses causes distortion – Photo Credits: AIQUS
There are so many ways of applying anti-scratch coating on plastics as you will see in chapter 5. Once it cures successfully, it will protect the material from any material that can cause scratches to its surface.
Ideally, anti-scratch coating for polymers is made up of micro particles which are naturally hard.
Therefore, at any given point, it is this hard coating that will be in direct contact with the external environment.
The extent to which it will protect the plastic material will depend on its degree of hardness. Later in this guide, I will take you through the degrees of hardness of anti-scratch coating (chapters 6 & 8).
Keep reading.
In short, how an anti-scratch coating works is straightforward. It neither requires chemical reactions nor molecular interactions as other acrylic or polycarbonate coatings.
Related Resource about Anti-scratch Coating Working Principle
Benefits of Anti-scratch Coating for Plastics
I know the most obvious benefit of anti-scratch coating is to protect plastic surfaces from abrasion.
Definitely, you already know that and it’s one of the main reasons for investing in high quality anti-scratch coating.
The good news is:
That is not the only benefit of scratch resistant coating for polycarbonate and acrylic sheets.
Polycarbonate sheet
Let’s explore more:
Anti-scratch Coating Guarantee Superior Optical Clarity
Whether you think of anti-scratch coating on glasses or plastic, it guarantees optical class 1 property on all surfaces.
It does so by preventing any possibility of scratches on the surfaces of these materials thereby enhancing maximum light transmission.
Remember, any scratches on lenses, however small they may seem to be, there is a high chance of light distortion.
Plastic Remain Durable and Safe
Basically, an anti-scratch coating for plastic is a hard protective layer. Therefore, at any point, it will protect the surface from possible damage and deterioration.
Different types of polycarbonate lenses
As a result, your goggle, shield, instrument cover or windows will serve you for a long period of time.
Therefore, there will be no need for you to invest in a new accessory (significant cost saving).
Help Maintain Aesthetic Value of Surfaces
The aesthetic value of surfaces, whether in acrylic or polycarbonate display panels, display screen in supermarkets, face shields, etc. will remain as good as new.
This is because the anti-scratch resistant material will protect it.
For example, the lens of IP camera may have an anti-scratch coating, which ensures it captures clear images.
Lens of IP camera lens
Ability to Consolidate Anti-scratch Coating with Other Coating Technologies
Let’s face the reality:
The scratch resistant coating does not offer other benefits such as anti-fog solution, tinting or anti-glare just to mention a few.
Therefore, the ability to consolidate it with other coating technologies makes it possible to achieve unlimited possibilities in terms of safety and reliability.
Face shield with both anti-fog and anti-scratch coating
That is, you can customize plastic material with an anti-scratch coating to your unique specifications and needs.
By that I mean that you can easily adapt it to suit virtually all applications.
Available in Different Grades and Performance
Depending on your needs, you may have abrasion resistant polycarbonate or acrylic sheet with different degrees of hardness.
This allows you to customize it for unique applications.
Different tints of solid polycarbonate sheets
As you can see, there are so many benefits of anti-scratch coating for plastics.
Here is a video that summarizes the key applications of anti-scratch coating for plastics:
To enjoy all these benefits, you must invest in high quality anti-scratch coating for plastic.
That is, one that has been engineered to solve all abrasion and scratching problems.
With these benefits in mind, now let me take you to yet another critical aspect of this anti-scratch coating guide.
This is a must –read chapter.
Why?
You will learn how to apply anti-scratch coating on glasses or plastics. This is a fundamental aspect whenever you want to attain optical class 1 properties.
Now, let’s dive straight to the main point.
How to Apply Anti-scratch Coating on Material Surfaces
To maintain the effectiveness of scratch resistant coating for plastic on any surface, choosing an appropriate process is a must.
Yes, you must consider the process of applying the coating and curing or drying.
This will determine the quality, effectiveness and reliability of the anti-scratch coating on polycarbonate or acrylic material.
Some of the most popular ways of applying anti-scratch coating on surfaces include:
Flow Coating
Here, you will direct a stream of anti-scratch coating on a surface of plastic material you want to coat.
In flow coating, you will apply the anti-scratch coating on a plastic material moving in horizontal plane i.e. in conveyor belt system.
This is a simulation of flow coating process. So in our case we replace pain with anti-scratch coating. Photo credits: DACRYLATE
It is a perfect choice for coating multi-dimensional surfaces such goggle lenses and helmet visors.
Flow coating results in anti-scratch surface that is durable and uniform. In most cases, it is a perfect alternative, especially where you cannot use dip coating technique.
Flow coating remains a popular way of applying scratch resistant coating for polycarbonate.
Apart from flow coating, you can also opt for:
Dip Coating
Dip coating is a popular method of creating thin anti-scratch film coatings. Adopting dip coating for anti-scratch substrate involves the following:
- Immersing plastic material in anti-scratch coating at a constant speed.
- Plastic material remains in anti-scratch coating for a while. It is during this stage that the abrasion resistant coating gets deposited on the plastic material.
- It is then withdrawn at a constant speed. The speed will determine the uniformity and thickness of the anti-scratch coating.
Dip coating – Photo Credits: SOLGEL
It is then drained and cured appropriately. I will take you through the process of curing anti-scratch coating shorty.
Spin Coating
Like in dip coating and flow coating processes, you can use spin coating to apply anti-scratch substrates on plastics.
Spin coating technology – Photo credits Laurell Technologies
However, in spin coating acrylic or polycarbonate with anti-scratch coating:
- First, you will deposit a small anti-scratch substrate at the center of the material.
- Spin the substrate at a high speed of about 3,000 rpm.
- Due to this rotation, centripetal force will make the anti-scratch substrate to spread to the edges. This leaves behind a very thin film.
Among the key factors that affect the size of the film include drying rate, surface tension and viscosity of the anti-scratch coating.
Roll Coating
Unlike other methods of applying scratch resistant substrates, in roll coating, a series of rollers do the coating.
You can see this from the image below.
Roll coating process – Photo Credits Schaefer Machinery
The roll coating machines come in a wide range of shapes and designs. Some may feature more than two rollers.
The bottom line:
It delivers anti-scratch coating substrates through a series of rollers.
Now, apart from the popular coating techniques and processes, spraying is also a common process here. Let’s see how it works.
Spraying
Anti-scratch coating spray is also a popular process that can deliver abrasion resistant substrates on a plastic surface.
Here, you will use a praying gun or nozzle that will atomize the silicon nanoparticles to form a thin protective film on plastics.
Different types of nozzles for anti-scratch spraying
Now:
Which is the best way to apply an anti-scratch substrate on a surface?
Well, depending on your unique applications, you can use anti-scratch spray or any other coating mechanism.
However, from experience, I can recommend flow coating or dip coating as an effective way to apply anti-scratch coating.
But, we don’t stop here:
Why do I say so?
Remember, after coating, our polycarbonate or acrylic surface will still be wet. You need to dry it.
This is why I want you to learn:
Methods of Drying or Curing Anti-scratch Coating on Plastics
These are methods that will ensure the coating binds permanently to the plastic surface.
When it comes to scratch resistant coating for plastic, you can choose either UV curing or thermo curing.
Let me explain what I mean here:
UV Curing Anti-scratch Coating
Here, you will use sun’s UV radiation to cure the hard coat on polycarbonate sheet.
It is a sustainable and cost effective way to bind the anti-scratch coating and plastic material.
UV curing process – Photo credits: Polymer Innovation Blog
Normally, the UV curable hard coating or anti-scratch coatings have a fast curing property.
Here is the science behind the UV curing anti-scratch coating:
It is a process that depends on photochemical reactions.
That is, the anti-scratch coating contains photoinitiators that facilitate fast curing on exposure to UV radiation.
Thermo curing Anti-scratch Coating
In this curing process, you have to induce heat that cures the anti-scratch coating on plastics. You can use either a microwave or any other source of heat.
Thermo vs. UV curing
You must choose a source of heating mechanism that will not interfere with the desirable intrinsic properties of the plastic.
Remember, even thermo curing of anti-scratch coating guarantees excellent adhesion.
In short, the effectiveness of a scratch resistant coating on polycarbonate or acrylic will depend on the process.
That is, choosing an appropriate way to apply and cure anti-scratch coating on polymers.
Related Resource about How to Apply the Anti-scratch Coating
Classification of Anti-scratch Coating (Based on Performance)
As you will see later in chapter 9, there are many applications of anti-scratch coating on plastics. Therefore, you must choose the abrasion resistant coating depending on your needs.
For the scope of this abrasion resistant coating guide, I will focus on the following key classification criteria:
Types of Coating Ingredients
Do you remember my discussion in chapter 2 of this anti-scratch resistant material coating guide?
Let me give you a quick overview:
Generally, there are many types of anti-scratch coating ingredients or substrates. They may include zirconia, alumina nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, etc.
Well, this is a key classification criterion thus you can choose an anti-scratch for polymers based on this fact.
You can apply it on face shields, goggles, plastic mirrors, etc.
Acrylic with anti-scratch coating
Apart from the type of substrate, you can also classify anti-scratch coating for plastics depending on:
The Degree of Hardness of Anti-scratch Coating
The process on how to hard coat polycarbonate or acrylic sheet will definitely determine the degree of hardness. In most cases, you can use the Mohs Hardness Test where you can classify anti-scratch coating from H=1 to H=10.
I will cover various hardness testing procedures later in chapter 8.
Just keep reading.
For now, focus on classifying anti-scratch resistant material depending on performance and degree of hardness. Here, we have 5 types of anti-scratch coatings and they include:
- General use anti-scratch coating with a hardness of >1H
- Upgraded anti-scratch coating whose hardness is >3H
- Superior anti-scratch coating with a hardness between 8 to 9H
- Optical anti-scratch coating
- Thermoformable anti-scratch coating
Goggles with upgrades anti-scratch coating
As you can see, you can choose an anti-scratch coating for polymers depending on the type of application at hand.
But, that’s not all.
You can classify the existing types of anti-scratch materials depending on the plastic material.
Type of Anti-scratch Coating by Plastic Material
Depending on the method of applying and curing anti-scratch coating on plastics, you can implement these substrates on any plastic material. It may include:
Anti-scratch Coating for Acrylic Sheet
Is acrylic sheet scratch resistant?
Well, acrylic or Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is not naturally scratch resistant. However, its scratch resistant properties are better than polycarbonate.
Besides, it may also recover from minor scratches.
Even with this, the best solution is to have an anti-scratch coating on acrylic sheet.
The anti-scratch coating for acrylic sheets can last for several years. It can withstand high traffic application and still maintain excellent optical properties.
Another good thing about anti-scratch coating for acrylic sheets is that, you can consolidate it with other coating technologies.
You will learn more about this coating as we progress in this anti-scratch coating guide.
Always remember that the primary material here is acrylic.
Anti-scratch Coating for Polycarbonate Sheet
In anti-scratch coating for polycarbonate sheet, the primary material is Polycarbonates (PC).
As I had mentioned earlier, polycarbonate sheet is not inherently scratch resistant.
The best part, you can improve this property by applying anti-scratch coating. With an anti-scratch coating for polycarbonate sheets, you can customize PC to your unique specifications.
Again, you will learn more about anti-scratch coating for polycarbonate sheet as I explore more of its applications in this guide.
In addition to these, remember, you can use anti-scratch coating for plastic on other polymers such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) and Polysulfone (PSU) Plastic.
Furthermore, you can have it in the form injection molded components more so, for the case of acrylic and polycarbonate materials.
With the advancement in manufacturing technologies, you can also use this coating on glass.
Anti-scratch Coating for Glass
Glass has better scratch resistant properties either polycarbonate or acrylic.
However, it is not a perfect choice in most applications due to its heavy weight, less resistance to impact, high chances of shatter, etc.
But, even with its inherent properties, glass is still susceptible to scratching.
This is why you need an anti-scratch coating for glass to protect its surfaces.
Like in the case of polycarbonate and acrylic sheets, you can apply the coating on one or both sides.
In most cases, the anti-scratch coatings on glass are in the form of polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like carbon (DLC). They are optically clear hard films.
Normally, the process of forming an anti-scratch coating for glass involves ionization.
Anti-scratch Film
Another common anti-scratch material that is popular in most applications is the anti-scratch film.
An anti-scratch film is mainly a polycarbonate or polyester film coated with a permanent anti-scratch coating.
It is basically a Nano material you can use to protect other surfaces such as glass or plastics in windows and doors.
You will learn more about the anti-scratch film in chapter 10.
For now, I want you to appreciate another critical aspect of scratch resistant coating for plastics.
That is, how you can consolidate it with other coating technologies.
Related Resource about Classification of Anti-scratch Coating:
Consolidating Anti-scratch Coating with Other Plastic Coating Technologies
An anti-scratch coating alone cannot provide an optimal performance on a surface.
There are some natural phenomena such as fogging, exposure to harmful UV radiation or glare that anti-scratch coating cannot solve.
The good news is that you can consolidate anti-scratch coating for plastic with most coating technologies.
Let’s see how you can improve performance of antic-scratch coated polycarbonate or acrylic sheet by adding more coating technologies.
You can consider the following:
Anti-graffiti Coating
It prevents graffiti from bonding to surfaces or permanent staining. Therefore, it will save you the expensive cost of removing graffiti.
You can also refer to this coating as anti-fingerprint coating.
Anti-graffiti film/Anti-fingerprint coating
Anti-fog Solution
The Anti-fog solution is a hydrophilic ingredient that depends on molecular interaction to eliminate the fogging phenomenon.
Showing effects of anti-fog solution
When you want to implement it alongside anti-scratch coating, it will be such that one side anti-fog coating and the other side anti-scratch coating. It aims to eliminate any form of fog on either polycarbonate or acrylic sheets/films.
Today, there are many anti-fog anti-scratch sheets or films available on the market. Thanks to these two technologies.
Anti-glare or Anti-reflective Coating
This coating eliminates possible reflections that can blur vision. This reduces eye strain and improves vision.
Compare two goggles with/without anti-reflective coating
Basically, anti-reflective coating is a thin layer that you can easily consolidate with anti-scratch coating.
At times, reflection may be very distracting and may interfere with your eye’s ability to focus.
UV Resistant Coating
Here is the truth:
Both the UV-A and UV-B are harmful to the eyes. Besides, for plastic materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic, they tend to degrade on exposure to the UV radiations.
It is for this reason that I insist on consolidating UV resistant coating with anti-scratch coating. It is an easy and effective process.
Anti-UV coating – Photo Credits: Excelite Plas
Basically, UV resistant coating on polycarbonate or acrylic sheet acts as filters. Thus, they eliminate all ultraviolet radiations that can either damage the eye or polycarbonate material.
Photochromic Coating
With photochromic coating technology, a surface automatically tints on exposure to a certain threshold of light (UV radiation). Again, in the absence of this light, it reverses back to a clear state or original color.
You can see this in the video below:
This is one fascinating technology, which you can consolidate with an anti-scratch coating to make photochromic lenses, visors, face shields, films or sheets.
Frankly, these are just a few coating technologies you can consolidate with the anti-scratch coating.
Depending on your unique applications, you can apply them on anti-scratch polycarbonate or acrylic sheets and films.
Besides, you can use them on visors, lenses, face shields, goggles, etc.
What’s the bottom line here?
Anti-scratch coating for plastics is a versatile product that will not limit the extent to which you intend to customize products.
You are free to improve functionality of surfaces as much as possible.
But wait a minute:
Even as you think of how to consolidate anti-scratch coating for plastics with other technologies, quality is a critical factor to consider.
Related Source about Consolidating Anti-scratch Coating with other Coating Technologies:
Quality Testing of Scratch Resistant Coating
In this chapter, I am going to take you through various ways to determine the quality of anti-scratch coating for plastics.
Over the years, Mohs hardness scale has been used as a means to rate various anti-scratch coatings for polymers. Generally the Mohs scale aims to compare the hardness or softness of a material.
It uses a range of minerals that represent the degree of hardness. This is what I am talking about:
Photo credits: Metallurgist
With this background information about surface hardness, let’s have a quick overview on how to test anti-scratch coating for plastics.
Some of the most popular ways of testing anti-scratch coating include:
Bayer Test for Abrasion Resistant Coating
To conduct this test, you need a Bayer test kit. This is where you will mount your material.
First, you will determine the haze value of the material. So you need a haze meter.
Below is a video illustrating how to machine setup and abrasion resistance test:
This video has been produced by Taber Industries, so all copyrights belong to them.
You will then insert the material in a Bayer test kit to begin the abrasion testing.
While using Alundum ZF-12 material, you will then subject material to an abrasive force. The process is such that, the machine reciprocates at a distance of 4 inches at 150 cycles/minute.
After 4 minutes, you will remove the material and determine its haze value after abrasion.
In Bayer testing, you will determine the quality of anti-scratch coating by comparing haze value.
Normally, a large haze value is a clear indication that the material is less resistant to abrasive forces. The Bayer test conforms to the ASTM F735-81 test standard.
Taber Scratch Resistant Test for Plastics
In this quality tests, you will use conical diamond tool to rub the surface of the material. It is a perfect test for determining quality of unusually hard coating on plastics.
This is Taber Multi-Finger Scratch machine by Taber Industries
However, for materials that tend to be fragile, you will use a 1.0mm hemispherical scratch tip.
In these tests, you will determine the quality of anti-scratch coating for plastics depending on minimum load that can penetrate the surface.
Taber scratch tests conform to the ASTM D1044-82 test standard.
Eraser Abrasion Resistance Test
Also known as the Military Standard MIL-E12397A , here you will rub plastic material back and forth using a special eraser.
This eraser has abrasive particles that cause the scratching effects on material.
Eraser abrasion testing machine – Photo Credits: Dahometer Instruments
For accuracy and consistency you need to:
- Apply a consistent amount of force
- Frequency and speed of rubbing should be constant
- Time the rubbing process
At the end of the process, you will have to compare two surfaces for conclusion on the quality of anti-scratch coating.
Steel Wool Abrasion Test for Plastic
With a predetermined pressure and force, you will rub an acrylic or polycarbonate sheet with a steel wood.
Illustrating steel wool abrasion testing process – Photo Credits: GBABOGADOS
Just like in Bayer Test, you will also compare the gain in haze effects on the material.
Since a steel wool test was adopted in 1975, there have been significant improvements to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
Tumble Abrasion Test for Plastics
The underlying principle here is the ability to determine wear properties of materials over a period of time.
It involves subjecting material to various off-site conditions with an aim of determining changes in haze properties.
In short, the Tumble, Bayer and Steel Wool share one common factor – by the end of each process, you must determine the change in haze. Just choose one you find convenient.
Another test that is common and handy in testing the quality of anti-scratch coating or film is:
Pencil Tester JIS K5400
Again, this is a critical test whenever you want to determine the hardness of an anti-scratch coating.
To go about this process successfully, you need a special instrument and a pencil.
To make it easier for you to learn and understand how the Pencil Tester JIS K5400 test works, you can watch this video.
Please note that this video is a property of MacDermid Autotype.
Remember, there are other simple machines such as this (it comes as a complete kit):
Pencil tester kit – Photo Credits: KARKIMYA
It is worth mentioning that the Pencil Tester JIS K5400 is a simple and effective way of testing scratch hardness of anti-scratch coating.
In this test, you will use several pencils from 6B to 8H. Moreover, during the test, you will place the pencil at 45° to the surface.
You should move the pencil at constant pressure then assess the anti-scratch material using an optical instrument.
Basically the main aim here is to find out which pencil hardness causes damage to the anti-scratch coating.
Wait a minute!
Assessing the quality of anti-scratch coating for plastic materials does not just end by conducting any of these 6 tests. There is more to it.
From the above discussion, you can see the main focus is on assessing quality of the anti-scratch coating.
That alone is not enough to give you go ahead to choose a scratch resistant material.
Normally, there is one important document that most people ignore – the anti-scratch coating data sheet.
This is what I am talking about:
Anti-scratch coating data sheet
Let me take you through a quick analysis of this data sheet.
Depending on your specific applications you need to know the requirements for the optical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties of the anti-scratch coating.
In each case, you must pay attention to the main physical and chemical parameters.
Furthermore, you know the test method, findings and standards.
All these are important aspects that you cannot ignore when sourcing for a high quality anti-scratch coating.
The values and test results are available on the data sheet as you can see from the above sample.
In a nutshell, you must evaluate every aspect that can affect the quality of ant-scratch coating in one way or another.
More Resources on Quality Testing of Anti-scratch Coating:
Key Applications of Anti-scratch Coating
Depending on the degree of hardness of the abrasion resistant material you can use it for a wide range of applications.
Frankly, nearly every product you see on the market, from smartphone screen protectors to face shields all have anti-scratch coating.
In this chapter, you are going to learn about the top 13 anti-scratch coating applications. Normally, we use anti-scratch coating to make:
Helmet Visors
Nearly all helmet visors are made from polycarbonate sheet, which is susceptible to scratches.
These may include hockey helmet visors, motorcycle helmet visors, flight helmet visors or football helmet visors, just to mention a few.
HUD helmets
They all feature anti-scratch coating on polycarbonate sheets. It helps the helmet visor to maintain optical and aesthetic properties after several washings or use.
Safety Glasses and Goggles
Anti-scratch coating on safety glasses and goggles help maintain optical class 1 property.
The high impact resistance feature protects the eye from projectiles that can cause injury.
Different types of goggles
These may include ski goggle, racing goggles, anti-fog safety goggles, etc.
As long as they feature the right goggle lens technology alongside anti-scratch coating their performance is a guarantee.
Face shields
There are quite a number of face shields with anti-scratch coating. These include bionic face shields, ballistic face shields, motorcycle face shields, medical face shield, UV face shield, sanitary mask, riot face shield, medical face shield, etc.
Riot face shield
Plastic Mirrors
Here, you can choose an anti-scratch polycarbonate or acrylic sheet/film.
Some of the main products here include deluxe plastic mirrors, fog free shower mirror, polycarbonate mirrors, etc.
Polycarbonate mirror
With anti-scratch coating, all your mirrors will remain as good as new all the time.
Window Films
Cleaning polycarbonate windows will leave behind many scratches. Obviously, this will not make it aesthetically appealing.
So, you can use anti-scratch film to make windscreens, windows, refrigerator door, etc.
In fact, having an anti-fog and anti-scratch on surfaces such as commercial freezer doors will improve sales significantly.
Refrigerator with/without anti-fog anti- scratch coating (the difference is quite clear)
Bulletproof Glazing Material
I know you want something that is strong, impact resistant and shatterproof.
So here, you have no option but to go for polycarbonate material with anti-scratch coating.
You can use bulletproof glazing material in banks, cashier cage, vehicles, etc.
Bulletproof windows
Screen Panels for Devices and Accessories
Good examples here are the IP camera lenses, smartphone screens and instrument display are made from scratch resistant material.
They may have either polycarbonate sheet or film.
IP camera with anti-fog anti-scratch coating
POP and Products Display
Here, you can choose polycarbonate or acrylic sheet/film with anti-scratch coating.
They are a perfect way to reach out to your clientele through the visible display panel.
Acrylic wine rack for display
Signage for Marketing
With a polycarbonate and acrylic sheets that are wear resistant, featuring anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings, you can make the best signage for marketing.
An acrylic signage – Photo Credits: Design Journal Mag
Picture Frame
Glass is generally fragile than either acrylic or polycarbonate sheets.
It is for this reason that most people are switching to anti-scratch polycarbonate film/sheet or anti-scratch acrylic sheet or film.
Acrylic picture frame
Lighting Systems
From street lights to those we use at home, the casings are made from strong and impact resistant polycarbonate.
LED soft light polycarbonate sheet
The anti-fog anti-scratch coated polycarbonate sheets guarantee optimal and smooth diffusion of light from the bulbs.
It ensures virtually no distortion and refraction of light.
The use of polycarbonate of acrylic sheets is common with most modern LED light systems.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Honestly, glass lenses are nearly becoming obsolete.
This is because polycarbonate lenses are durable, impact resistant and guarantee optical class 1 properties.
Polycarbonate lenses
To improve the performance of these shatterproof lenses, you can use anti-fog anti-scratch polycarbonate material.
Architectural Structures
Anti-scratch coated polycarbonate sheets and films alongside acrylic material are common glazing material these days.
You can use them on windows, doors, skylight system, noise abatement barriers, sunrooms, etc.
Polycarbonate barrier – Photo Credits: Excelite
In short, these are only 13 main practical applications of anti-scratch coating on polycarbonate or acrylic sheet/film.
There are thousands of products with anti-scratch coating out there.
So, what’s the bottom line here?
Anti-scratch coating has unlimited applications. It all depends on what you want and how it should look like.
WeeTect Anti-scratch Solution
With a military background and years of research, WeeTect has developed a range of silicon based anti-scratch solutions.
They include standard anti-scratch coatings (>1H) to military grade with superior anti-scratch coating (8~9H).
Let’s have a quick look at some of these anti-scratch solutions:
WeeTect Anti-scratch Coating
It is a superior anti-scratch solution that you can apply on films, plastics and injection molding visors.
At the moment, the company has its uniquely formulated version called the WeeTect Anti Scratch Coating (WASC).
With its optical class 1 performance, availability in custom options and efficiency, you can use it in the following key applications:
- Anti-fog anti-scratch safety glasses
- Scratch resistant acrylic sheet
- Anti-scratch plastic lenses
- Scratch resistant polycarbonate sheet
- Anti-scratch film that you can apply on windows, LED and LCD panels
Practical application of WeeTect anti-scratch coating
WeeTect Anti-Scratch Film
Also called scratch protection film, this is a polycarbonate or polyester Nano material with permanent anti-scratch properties.
The newly developed WeeTect Anti Scratch Film (WASF) features permanent abrasion resistance and optical class 1 properties.
They come with or without a back adhesive.
These are basically high impact resistance film.
WeeTect Anti-scratch film
The main applications of WeeTect Anti Scratch Film include:
- Anti-scratch film for window panels, cars, fridge, etc.
- Offer protection for lenses, screens, etc.
Anti-Fog Anti Scratch Acrylic Sheet
WeeTect Anti-Fog Anti Scratch Acrylic Sheet (WAFASAS) is an impact resistant, optical class 1and UV resistant multipurpose sheet.
It has anti-scratch coating and anti-fog coating on both sides.
Its main applications include, but not limited to these:
- Anti-fog anti-scratch hockey glass
- Windshield, windows
- Glazing material
- Shower mirror
- Forklift and truck cabins, etc.
You can also call it fog resistant acrylic sheet, anti-fog anti-scratch PMMA sheet or fog free acrylic sheet.
They all mean the same thing as anti-fog anti-scratch acrylic sheet.
Anti-fog anti-scratch acrylic sheet
Scratch Resistant Polycarbonate Sheet
It is a thermoformable WeeTect Scratch Resistant Polycarbonate Sheet (WASPCS), allowing for unlimited fabricated and customization into other shapes.
This sheet offer advanced scratch resistance properties with optical class 1 properties.
The main applications of this scratch resistant polycarbonate sheet include:
- Eye and face protection products or accessories
- Motorcycle windshields
- Thermoformed aircraft windows
- Glazing
- Signage, etc.
A scratch resistant polycarbonate sheet
You may also refer to this product as hard coated polycarbonate sheet, scratch resistant Lexan or anti-scratch polycarbonate sheet.
Anti-Fog Anti Scratch PC Sheet
Featuring anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, WeeTect Anti-Fog Anti Scratch PC Sheet (WAFASPCS) is an easy to fabricate sheet, offering unlimited possibilities in customization.
It is an optical class 1, scratch resistant, fog free and impact resistant sheet for better safety and protection from projectiles.
The main applications of anti-fog anti-scratch PC sheets include:
- Safety face shields
- Polycarbonate goggles
- Safety glasses
- Polycarbonate lenses
- Windows and panels
Anti-fog anti-scratch PC sheet
Clearly, you can see that WeeTect offers numerous anti-scratch coating solutions for numerous applications.
Therefore, it is upon you to choose an anti-scratch coating technology that meet specific needs of your applications.
Examples of finished products for the OEM market that WeeTect offers with its anti-scratch coating solutions are:
Helmet Visors
Quite a number of WeeTect anti-scratch helmet visors feature either >1H or >2H anti-scratch coating. This is basically a general use anti-scratch coating.
However, for military grade helmet visors, WeeTect may incorporate advanced anti-scratch coating technologies.
The truth is:
All helmet visors you see in the market must have an anti-scratch coating. It is a sure way to keep them free from possible scratching that can blur vision.
Anti-scratch helmet visors
Irrespective of your specific field and area of specialization, WeeTect offers numerous of helmet visor technologies.
The good news is:
You can incorporate these technologies alongside the anti-scratch coating.
Some of these helmet visors technologies include augmented reality helmet visor, HUD helmet visor, shatterproof helmet visor, photochromic helmet visor, iridium helmet visor, heated helmet visor, bubble helmet visor and chrome coated helmet visor, just to mention a few.
Augmented Reality Visor
The bottom line is:
All helmet visors must have anti-scratch coating to guarantee an optical class 1 property and preserve the aesthetic value.
Anti-scratch Coated Face Shields
WeeTect offer many anti-scratch coated face shields. They are mainly thermoformed from anti-fog anti-scratch PC sheet.
Medical face shield
Some of the most common designs include anti-scratch coated safety face shield, UV face shield, bionic face shield, sanitary mask, ballistic face shield, riot face shield, medical face shield, etc.
Anti-scratch Coated Goggles
WeeTect anti-scratch coated goggles lenses feature either general use or military grade coating technologies.
The goggles have anti-scratch coating alongside other technologies such as photochromic, ballistic, anti-fog, tint, etc.
Photochromic goggles with anti-scratch coating
Among the available anti-scratch coated goggles include motocross goggles, ski goggles, dirt bike goggles, anti-fog swimming goggles, safety goggles and ballistic goggles, just to mention a few.
Anti-scratch Coated Screen Protectors
To improve performance of various instruments and accessories, WeeTect produce a number of screen protectors with anti-scratch coating.
These include IP camera, speedo meter, instrument cluster and test instrument lenses or screen protectors with anti-scratch coating.
Speedo meter with anti-scratch coating
Clearly, WeeTect offers unlimited solutions to anti-scratch coating.
By adopting flow coating or dip coating, alongside appropriate curing technique, WeeTect can effectively apply silicon based anti-scratch coating on all surfaces.
For sure, I have no doubt in my mind that WeeTect offers the most reliable anti-scratch coating solution.
WeeTect will always provide high quality anti-scratch coating with reliable and consistent performance. It is a permanent anti-scratch coating that can withstand several washings.
Now it’s your turn:
Do you have any scratch problem on your product?
You can tell me by leave a comment below.