Optical bonding is the process of affixing anti-reflective glass or touchscreens to the LCD cell. Silicone gel or other adhesive, such a urethane, is inserted between the cover glass and LCD to completely fill the air gap. The assembly is cured in a process that affixes the panels together while solidifying the gel. Benefits of optical bonding over standard touchscreen bonding include:

• Reducing Reflection
  Optical bonding eliminates the internal reflection between the LCD and the cover glass or touchscreen because the bonding process creates a single index of refraction. Reducing internally reflected light loss increases display contrast and viewability.

• Increasing Contrast Ratio
  Improved display contrast enables displays to be more readily seen in bright ambient conditions, without increasing backlight brightness and the associated unwanted higher power and higher operating temperatures.

• Extra Durability
  LCDs have plastic surfaces that are not vandal or weatherproof. To protect your display investment most LCD installations require a cover glass or polycarbonate lens to protect the LCD.

• Preventing Condensation
  The gap between the protective glass and LCD keeps out dust and moisture.