Why display protection? The high-quality display is very robust after all!

Antireflective treatment of displays and screens

It's not only about the scratch protection of surfaces and screens, but also about the topic of anti-reflective coating for reflective and glossy displays, also called bright display, glare display or clear bright. In addition, modern displays are very expensive and even the smallest scratches can interfere with the readability and the look! Of course, there are quite good polishing pastes for displays, which can polish out small scratches from plastic displays. However, scratches in glass displays cannot be polished out!

Display protection from mechanical damage

However, it is much better and more convenient to equip your device display with professional display protection in advance. The following feedback on the quality of Neoxum films was sent to us by an industrial customer. Our customer is a metalworker and deals with sharp metal objects on a daily basis. He carries his Apple IPhone 3GS with him in the production shop. Due to carelessness, a piece of sharp metal weighing approx. 200 g fell onto his Apple iPhone 3GS from a few centimeters away. By using the Neoxum AS scratch protection film with 0.13 mm thickness, a display damage could be avoided. The display film was quite badly affected, but the Apple IPhone 3GS display remained unharmed. The protective film can be replaced at any time without leaving any residue. A new display protection film protects the smartphone's display that remained intact.

Effective antireflection coating of displays

Problem description reflections on display

Reflections on the display are quite annoying and distracting. Besides the reduction of the image contrast, important elements and information on the display are partly completely obscured. A further negative effect is the reduction of the visually recognizable color dynamics due to the bright environment or with peak lights, which create a strong reflection on the device display. Another problem is the different focus of the human eye on reflections. These are mostly due to point light sources a few meters away, such as lamps, or windows through which daylight penetrates. Our human vision is very irritated by this: Should the eye now focus on the mostly very bright reflection or on the screen content? A comparison of the brightness of a display, e.g. a good cell phone display of an iPhone or Samsung smartphone with 600 -1000 lux with a modern office ceiling LED lamp with 30 watts at 2500 lumens, a beam angle of 35° and a distance to the viewer or cell phone display of 2.5 meters, gives the following result: The ceiling LED still has about 1300 lux at this distance under the above assumptions. Accordingly, the point light source is 1.3x to 2x as bright as the light source in the display, depending on the situation and the screen brightness setting of the smartphone. We will spare a comparison to the sun at this point: Everyone knows the enormous luminosity of our fixed star, which makes it almost impossible to read information on a reflective display outdoors.

Disturbing reflection on a cell phone display

Reflections on tablet display

Comparison between reflections on a Samsung UE55D8000 LCD TV: left side without anti-reflection screen protection foil | right side with Neoxum anti-reflection screen protection film

Antireflection coating by means of λ/4-layer films

With the help of a factory-applied anti-reflective layer or subsequently applied λ/4-layer film, some manufacturers reduce the reflection on the reflective display. These anti-reflective coatings are very often called λ/4-layer because the anti-glare effect is based on the destructive interference effect. Unfortunately, this type of anti-reflective coating also makes itself unpleasantly noticeable with a purple-blue color cast, since the relatively short-wave green range around 550 nm is filtered out and the addition of the remaining color components cause this blue cast. A disadvantage of this λ/4 layer is also the limited effect with point sources and their point reflection.

Entspiegelung durch matte Entspiegelung

With older displays, such as older Apple iMacs, one could significantly reduce reflections with a matte screen protector. Unfortunately, this also resulted in a loss of screen content sharpness, as the distance between the screen glass and the actual LCD display was relatively large. Fortunately, the distance between the cover glass or display and the actual LCD, LED, or OLED screen is very small in most display models (or no longer exists at all due to new technologies), so that a very effective anti-reflection can be achieved through matte diffusion of reflections. In the following example, we equipped the right half of the screen of a 2011 Samsung UE55D8000 LCD TV with a Neoxum anti-reflection film. It is very clear that objects in the living room cause sharply outlined reflections due to daylight coming through window panes.

Only the right half of the LCD screen of the LCD TV Samsung UE55D8000 TV has been provided with a Neoxum anti-glare film for demonstration purposes

Objects, like the green glass jar, are sharply outlined and reflected on the screen. The surroundings of the living room can also be perceived very well as a reflection. The border between the left reflective half of the display and the right half of the screen with the applied anti-reflective Neoxum display film runs exactly from top to bottom through the actress' nose. Comparing the two eyes of the woman, it quickly becomes clear that the left eye is almost completely covered by a reflection of a mural. The contrast is greatly reduced. The left eye can only be guessed at. Watching TV in daylight with many reflections on the TV screen is almost impossible. Only after applying the special anti-glare film the screen reflections are effectively scattered: the right eye of the actress is clearly visible in the picture and stands out prominently. Punctual reflections are strongly diffused by the special matt display film, so that incident light at the air-glass interface of the TV screen is no longer reflected according to the law of entry angle = exit angle, but is extremely strongly diffused. As a result, surfaces as well as point light sources are no longer perceived as disturbingly reflective. Television is also possible in daylight. With the help of such anti-reflective screen protection films, reflections can be reduced by up to 85 percent..

Antireflection foil from Neoxum

The AGS (Anti-Glare Protective Film) anti-glare display film provides anti-reflective protection and protects sensitive displays at the same time. Due to a special surface treatment, annoying reflections on the display are very well reduced, so that even outdoors the display becomes legible again. The following video illustrates the anti-glare effect of the Neoxum display film with a very strong point light source, an LED lamp.

The anti-reflective film diffuses incident artificial light or daylight (even direct sunlight!) on the surface, so that the display can be read. The anti-reflective display film does not distort the display colors! An important point for graphic artists, photo artists or users in the field of cartography.

Current developments in 2024 regarding factory-installed matte displays

In a detailed [blog post](https://www.neoxum.de/displayschutz-wiki-was-sie-ueber-displayschutz-wissen-muessen/), we addressed the question of whether anti-reflective films will become unnecessary when Samsung launches matte displays for its OLED TV devices in 2024 ([Heise News from 13.01.2024](https://www.heise.de/news/Na-endlich-Fernseher-und-Monitore-mit-mattiertem-OLED-Display-9596468.html)). Here's a heads-up: There will (unfortunately) still be reflective displays that can be anti-reflective with Neoxum anti-reflective films...

OnScreen® Hybridglas anti-glare

As a highlight, we can also offer our high-tech material hybrid glass in an anti-reflective variant. Thus, we achieve a further increased robustness of the applied display protection with the help of the novel hybrid glass, which combines the advantages of a high-performance film with the advantages of glass: very flexible and yet a glass-hard surface.

OnScreen hybrid glass in the anti-glare finish effectively reduces distracting reflections and provides a glass-hard surface

Our technical data sheets, test reports and certificates can be found in our download area. Most of the documents are also available in English.

How is the color brilliance with the anti-reflective protective films, as they appear somewhat milky?

A brief excursion on the topic of color, hue, and color perception

The human perception of color is characterized by 1. hue, 2. brightness and 3. color saturation. These three parameters describe the basic individual color perceptions of human beings. The brilliance of a color is thus a subjectively perceived phenomenon and describes the apparent intensity of color perception ("how saturated do colors appear"). Since color brilliance is perceived rather subjectively, the anti-glare AGS display protection foils were subjected to an objective measurement, the measurement of transmission ("how much light is absorbed by the protection foil"). Using UV-VIS spectroscopy, measurements were made in the visible spectral range of 400-850 nm. The results are shown below in graphical form:

The light transmittance in the important visible area is greater than 93% on average. This implies that despite the anti-reflective film, the underlying display only loses a maximum of 7% of brightness - and that with 1. preserved color fidelity and 2. strongly reduced reflections on the display. If it was previously impossible to read anything on the display in sunlight (because it was highly reflective), this is again possible with the anti-reflective film from Neoxum.

Color fastness

We also commissioned several Photoshop artists and photographers to test the Neoxum anti-reflective protective films on their monitors as well as on a camera display. The Apple community confirmed that there is a minimal color deviation, which can be easily compensated for by fine-tuning (no comparison with real color distortions that occur with competitors - violet cast). The well-known photographer and Photoshop artist Xomi (aka Michael Baierl) with his own Video2Brain videos recommends Neoxum AGS (Anti-Glare) films in his workshops to minimize the reflections of Apple device displays.

In addition, thousands of Neoxum anti-reflective films are used for large-format Apple monitors, such as Apple iMac 21.5 inch and Apple Cinema 27 inch at one of the largest publishing houses in Europe, to reduce annoying light reflections.

Comparison antiglare and crystal clear display film

The direct comparison between the anti-reflective screen protection film and the crystal clear variant shows that the anti-glare coating efficiently reduces reflections. The crystal clear film without the special anti-reflective coating is clear and transparent. Both film types are made of the same extremely resistant material.

Crystal clear Neoxum screen protector

How many protective films are in one package?

3-pack? 5-pack? 24-pack? How many sheets are in a package?

Due to the high quality of the protective films, only one film per display is delivered in the retail packaging. This means that if the device has two displays, two precisely fitting films of very high quality will also be delivered. The illustrated instructions for mounting the films on the display, as well as a wet and dry cleaning cloth for cleaning the display before starting the installation, are also included.

Neoxum relies on recyclable cardboard  and paper packaging that optimally protects the display protection films during transport. We place great importance on sustainability , and for this reason, we are also naturally affiliated with the Dual System, meaning we have already paid for the recycling of the packaging of the professional protective films and the films themselves. You can thus contribute the packaging to the paper cycle through general paper and cardboard collection points. Even after years of use, the best films will eventually wear out. You can then confidently contribute the films to plastic recycling. We consciously avoid annoying, environmentally harmful, and difficult-to-open plastic outer packaging.

If, as an industrial customer or manufacturer of devices, panels, or displays, you wish to have your own packaging in your corporate identity, then you are in the right place with us as a full-service manufacturer..

Advantage of high-quality protective films – anti-reflective or clear

In addition to the efficient anti-reflection with an anti-reflective film from Neoxum, the display is also protected against mechanical, physical, and chemical influences. A crystal-clear Neoxum protective film without anti-glare coating is just as robust and durable but completely clear and transparent.

Especially when the owner is considering selling the device again after a certain period or the end of the leasing term is approaching, the value of the device remains preserved. A device with scratches on the display is less desirable to buy or only at a significantly reduced price. In a leasing contract, significant deductions and additional payments may be required if the display or touchscreen has scratches or even cracks. The films are made from a special material that is both very durable and completely non-toxic. Beverage bottles made of plastic are made from the same basic material as the Neoxum protective film (PET – polyethylene terephthalate).

Diluted acids, diluted alkalis, fats, oils, solvents, and cleaning agents cannot harm Neoxum display protection films.* Detailed test reports and tests on Neoxum films can be found in the Download section. You can also find the datasheet in English, as well as the technical datasheet in German in the download section.

*no continuous load, own tests are recommended

Adhesion / Adhesive Strength Neoxum Display Protection

Adhesive forces on surfaces

Neoxum display protection films and our OnScreen ® hybrid glass adhere purely through physical adhesion, meaning the films attach to the display using a kind of “suction cup at the nanometer level” without any use of glues or adhesives. When removing Neoxum display protection films or hybrid glass from the display, no residues remain on the display.

Physical Chemical Forces

Several factors play an important role in the adhesion of high-quality screen protectors to screen surfaces. Adhesion is a decisive phenomenon in the molecular range that arises from polar interactions at interfaces, in our case the interface between the display surface and the silicone adhesive layer of the display protector. In particular, so-called van der Waals bonds in the area of molecules of the display surface and molecules of the adhesion layer (the very thin silicone adhesive layer) are decisively responsible for the strong adhesion to smooth surfaces. The decisive condition of adhesion is the spatial proximity of the two surfaces. The silicone adhesion layer of the Neoxum display protection or surface protection is such that Neoxum display films, as well as the OnScreen Hybrid Glass adhere extremely well to numerous smooth materials, such as plastic, metal, but also glass. The adhesive film and the hybrid glass can be removed from all materials without leaving any residue.

Layer Structure Neoxum Protective Film

Layer construction OnScreen ® Hybrid Glass

Why is that 

Commercially available simple adhesive films usually have an adhesive layer made of acrylate adhesive or modified acrylate. This adhesive layer exerts much stronger physical bonds than the adhesive forces of the adhesive films. This type of acrylic adhesive film usually CANNOT be removed from displays without leaving residue after a few weeks or months of use.

Quality first, quantity second

High quality industrial grade display protection

We are not talking about foils that are sold on various platforms for €2.95 for 12 pieces. In general, the question arises why you need 12 foils as a user. This can only mean that the quality of the cheap film is in the range of better cling film and has nothing to do with industrial and professional protection or an effective anti-reflection effect.

Screen protector for cell phone and smartphone

Neoxum anti-reflective and crystal clear films are made of special completely non-toxic or non-irritating polymer that meets industry standards. Manufactured in Germany according to DIN ISO 9001 quality standard.

We summarized the key features, as well as a technical data sheet, in the download area.

Durability of Neoxum screen protector films

With normal usage intensity and stress, the film lasts for the lifetime of the device. If the film does get scratched under heavy use (only the film – not the device display!), the protective film can be easily replaced. The enormous durability and resistance, combined with the very high chemical resistance of the special plastic, ensure perfect protection and readability of the display. Neoxum display protection is extremely robust and protects displays of electronic devices from mechanical damage.

Apple IPhone protection

For many manufacturers and models, you can conveniently purchase the Neoxum screen protector online from our partner .

We are happy to provide you with well-known references upon request. References.

Do I still have to cut the Neoxum screen protectors myself?

Die Folien müssen nicht selbst zugeschnitten werden!  Sowohl die antireflektiernde AGS, als auch die glasklare AS Schutzfolie wird mit modernster Laserschnittanlagen passgenau zugeschnitten. Es werden dabei Aussparungen für etwaige Kameralinsen, Mikrofone oder Lautsprecher genauso berücksichtigt, wie spezielle Eckenradien oder Displayformen und –maße. Wir schneiden auf 0,1 mm genau Ihre Displayschutzfolien, sowie das Hybridglas und berücksichtigen dabei eine optimale Montage und alle notwendigen Kanten, Radien und Aussparungen. Selbstverständlich fertigen wir auch Sondermaße bis 3000 mm x 1000 mm (zum Beispiel als Sichtschutzfolie oder Splitterschutzfolie).

Cutouts for camera, microphone, sensors, outer contour

A modern touch display device with its sensor or microphone, but also a special sensor can do much more than just display an image. All these cut-outs, as well as the exact outer contour of the device display is taken into account with Neoxum products.

How many protective films are in one package?

3-pack? 5-pack? 24-pack? How many sheets are in a package?

Due to the high quality of the protective films, only one film per display is delivered in the retail packaging. This means that if the device has two displays, two precisely fitting films of very high quality will also be delivered. The illustrated instructions for mounting the films on the display, as well as a wet and dry cleaning cloth for cleaning the display before starting the installation, are also included.

Neoxum relies on recyclable cardboard  and paper packaging that optimally protects the display protection films during transport. We place great importance on sustainability , and for this reason, we are also naturally affiliated with the Dual System, meaning we have already paid for the recycling of the packaging of the professional protective films and the films themselves. You can thus contribute the packaging to the paper cycle through general paper and cardboard collection points. Even after years of use, the best films will eventually wear out. You can then confidently contribute the films to plastic recycling. We consciously avoid annoying, environmentally harmful, and difficult-to-open plastic outer packaging.

If, as an industrial customer or manufacturer of devices, panels, or displays, you wish to have your own packaging in your corporate identity, then you are in the right place with us as a full-service manufacturer..

Adhesion / Adhesive Strength Neoxum Display Protection

Adhesive forces on surfaces

Neoxum display protection films and our OnScreen ® hybrid glass adhere purely through physical adhesion, meaning the films attach to the display using a kind of “suction cup at the nanometer level” without any use of glues or adhesives. When removing Neoxum display protection films or hybrid glass from the display, no residues remain on the display.

Physical Chemical Forces

Several factors play an important role in the adhesion of high-quality screen protectors to screen surfaces. Adhesion is a decisive phenomenon in the molecular range that arises from polar interactions at interfaces, in our case the interface between the display surface and the silicone adhesive layer of the display protector. In particular, so-called van der Waals bonds in the area of molecules of the display surface and molecules of the adhesion layer (the very thin silicone adhesive layer) are decisively responsible for the strong adhesion to smooth surfaces. The decisive condition of adhesion is the spatial proximity of the two surfaces. The silicone adhesion layer of the Neoxum display protection or surface protection is such that Neoxum display films, as well as the OnScreen Hybrid Glass adhere extremely well to numerous smooth materials, such as plastic, metal, but also glass. The adhesive film and the hybrid glass can be removed from all materials without leaving any residue.

Layer Structure Neoxum Protective Film

Layer construction OnScreen ® Hybrid Glass

Why is that 

Commercially available simple adhesive films usually have an adhesive layer made of acrylate adhesive or modified acrylate. This adhesive layer exerts much stronger physical bonds than the adhesive forces of the adhesive films. This type of acrylic adhesive film usually CANNOT be removed from displays without leaving residue after a few weeks or months of use.

Mounting of display films

Neoxum protective anti-glare, as well as ultra-clear display films are delivered with detailed and illustrated installation instructions. If you follow these instructions, the application is very simple and can be done by non-professionals without any problems. It is recommended that a second person helps with the application of a large display film (from about 22-24 inches display diagonal) (if you don't have any practice). A low-dust room is recommended for the installation.

Furthermore, one should allow some time (2-4 minutes).