Looking to deploy LCD enclosures in the great outdoors?

Many factors and characteristics should be considered when making an LCD enclosure decision, including the type of enclosure material (stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), LCD size, wiring, gaskets, locks, and windows. Wait a minute… windows are windows, right? They are just a piece of glass that protects the LCD. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Many different varieties of windows exist with an assortment of different films or coating that can be added. With so many options to choose from, this blog will focus on two of the top window materials used when designing and installing an outdoor LCD enclosure.

2 Recommended Outdoor Enclosure Windows

Anti-Reflective Luxar 

One option is tempered safety glass that is of museum quality. If this glass is broken, it will break into small round pieces that are not jagged or sharp. Hy-Tech-Glass describes Luxar Glass coating quite simply, “LUXAR® is a tough, corrosion-resistant, multi-layer coating of metal oxides that meet DIN abrasion and adhesion standards. It can be applied to one or both sides of the glass.” Another positive aspect is its virtually crystal-clear qualities, as described by McGrory.com’s website, “With a reflectance of .5%, mirror-like effects will be prohibited and therefore Luxar is almost invisible when viewing.” The downside – when broken, the LCD housed in the enclosure is exposed to the elements. For that reason, this type of enclosure window works well in lower traffic areas and/or areas that will not be directly exposed to weather. It is similar to the glass used in a car windshield, and with enough force exerted… it will shatter.

Anti-Reflective Laminated

The best part of laminated glass? If broken, the glass will simply “spider,” but will not shatter. The actual glass will stay in one piece. According to the website, doityourself.com, laminated glass is a great window solution, “laminated glass windows provide the strongest layer of protection possible…Installing laminated glass windows reduces the risk of being cut by shattered glass. When laminated glass is broken, its vinyl inner layer keeps the shards from scattering, much like safety glass. The shards stay affixed to the vinyl liner. Additional break-in protection is provided since the glass cannot be cut from outside.” This will protect the LCD (housed inside of the all-weather enclosure) from being damaged by harsh weather or stolen in the case of vandalism. Laminated glass also protects from harmful UV rays, as doityourself.com notes, “UV rays from the sun are blocked up to 95 percent by the film in laminated glass. Visible light comes in, while UV light is blocked.” Obviously, avoiding damaging UV rays is always a plus!

 
Another viable option that could work in a high-traffic area: ballistic glass (AKA bulletproof glass). However, this tends to be an expensive option and varying thicknesses are available. 

In addition, a few window options should be avoided, such as polycarbonate or Lexan windows. Both of these do not work well with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Over time, these windows can actually “yellow” or appear dirty or cloudy. Clearly, this will hinder the beauty of the dynamic digital signage.

It is also advisable to steer away from a glass window that does not offer any type of anti-reflective coating. Glass windows should have an anti-reflective coating on both the inside and outside of the glass. It is essential to have coating on the inside, because it is possible to get a reflection between the screen and glass, which will impede the crisp picture quality of the high bright LCD.

Not all glass is created equal! Always do the necessary research and make sure that the glass type chosen will withstand whatever is thrown at it. If the incorrect glass is chosen, the LCD can be damaged or destroyed altogether. The point of an all-weather enclosure is to protect the LCD for many, many years. Of course, the materials that make up the enclosure construction is always important, but the window is equally important. Do not let price guide the decision. Find the perfect window for the perfect enclosure. 

For more information:
TOUCHSCREEN LCD ENCLOSURES VS. NON-TOUCH FOR RETAIL

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR DIGITAL MENU BOARD SUPPORT SYSTEMS

HOW TO PLAN FOR AN LCD ENCLOSURE INSTALLATION

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