Focus LCDs works with engineers and product development teams to provide both standard and custom LCD solutions for OEM applications. Our display technologies include monochrome character, graphic, and segment LCDs, TFT LCDs, monochrome OLEDs, AMOLEDs, and Ultra-Wide Viewing Displays (UWVD).
The amount and type of customization available depends on the display technology. Monochrome LCDs provide extensive glass-level customization, while TFT projects typically involve customization of the components surrounding the TFT glass.
For engineers evaluating a custom display, the questions below address several of the most common considerations involving minimum order quantities, lead times, prototypes, tooling, and customization.
Custom LCD FAQ #1: What Is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for a Custom LCD?
Minimum order quantities for custom LCD displays vary depending on the display technology, physical dimensions, construction, level of customization, and production requirements.
There is no single MOQ that applies to every custom display project.
For example, the manufacturing requirements for a custom monochrome segment LCD can differ considerably from those of a customized TFT display assembly. Display size, construction, components, and other project requirements may also affect the appropriate production quantity.
Focus LCDs evaluates these requirements as part of the quoting process before confirming the MOQ for a particular project.
If your product is still in development and the final production volume has not yet been established, an estimated annual quantity is generally enough to begin discussing the application. Production requirements can be refined as the project develops.
Custom LCD FAQ #2: What Is the Lead Time for a Custom LCD Display?
Custom LCD lead times depend on the display technology, complexity of the design, tooling requirements, prototype requirements, and current production conditions.
A custom display project generally progresses through several stages:
- Application and technical requirements review
- Display design and engineering review
- Drawing or specification approval
- Prototype or sample evaluation, when applicable
- Production approval
- Ongoing production
Project-specific timing is established during the engineering and quotation process.
Engineers should discuss schedule requirements with Focus LCDs early in the design process, particularly when the display is part of a larger product development, qualification, or certification schedule. This allows display development to be considered alongside the mechanical, electrical, firmware, and regulatory requirements of the complete product.
Custom LCD FAQ #3: Are Prototype or Sample Displays Available?
Prototype and sample requirements are determined as part of each individual custom LCD project.
When prototypes are appropriate, they allow the customer to evaluate the display before full production. Depending on the application, this evaluation may include mechanical fit, electrical operation, optical characteristics, viewing performance, interface requirements, and integration with the customer’s equipment.
The quantity, cost, availability, and other terms associated with prototype displays are established during the quotation and development process.
This project-specific approach allows the prototype program to reflect the requirements of the display being developed rather than relying on a fixed sample policy that may not be appropriate for every technology or application.
Custom LCD FAQ #4: What Is Included in Custom LCD Tooling?
Tooling requirements depend on the display technology and the extent of customization required.
For monochrome LCD projects, the display can be customized at the glass level. This provides considerable flexibility when an existing standard LCD does not satisfy the mechanical, electrical, optical, or user-interface requirements of the product.
For TFT projects, the approach is different. Focus LCDs does not modify the TFT glass itself. Instead, customization is applied to the components surrounding the TFT panel.
The specific tooling requirements, prototype requirements, development costs, and other project terms are defined as part of the quotation.
Custom LCD FAQ #5: How Are Tooling, Shipping, and Other Commercial Terms Handled?
Commercial terms for custom LCD projects are established on a project-by-project basis.
The appropriate structure depends on factors such as display technology, tooling requirements, customization, prototype requirements, expected production needs, and the overall scope of the project.
Shipping arrangements, tooling terms, prototype costs, production requirements, and other commercial details are confirmed during the quotation process.
This allows the terms of the project to reflect current requirements rather than relying on fixed policies that may not apply to every display or production program.
Custom LCD FAQ #6: What Types of LCD Displays Can Be Customized?
Focus LCDs supports both standard and custom display solutions, but the type of customization available differs significantly between monochrome LCDs and TFT displays.
Understanding this distinction is important when determining the most appropriate approach for a new product.
Custom Monochrome LCD Displays
Monochrome LCD technology offers the greatest degree of customization.
Depending on the application, customization can include display dimensions, glass shape, resolution, character or graphic configuration, segment layout, customer-specific icons and annunciators, backlight configuration, connector or FPC requirements, viewing mode, and other components within the display assembly.
Common monochrome technologies include TN, STN, and FSTN. Engineers who want additional background on these display modes can review TN, STN, and FSTN LCD technologies.
This level of flexibility makes a custom monochrome display particularly useful when a standard display cannot satisfy the mechanical or user-interface requirements of the product.
Customized TFT Display Assemblies
TFT displays are customized differently.
Focus LCDs does not modify the TFT glass itself. Instead, the display assembly can be customized around the existing TFT panel.
Available options can include custom FPC cables, backlights, resistive or capacitive touchscreens, cover glass, optical bonding, adhesives, custom PCBs or PCBA when incorporated into the LCD assembly, and other mechanical or electrical integration requirements.
This approach can provide substantial design flexibility while using an established TFT panel as the foundation of the display.
Additional information about these capabilities is available on our custom display solutions page.
When Should an Engineer Consider a Custom LCD?
A custom LCD may be appropriate when an available standard display cannot adequately satisfy the requirements of the product.
This can occur because of mechanical constraints, unique display dimensions or shapes, specialized segments or icons, interface requirements, backlight requirements, touchscreen or cover-glass integration, optical bonding requirements, or other product-specific considerations.
Customization can also be valuable when incorporating additional components into the display assembly reduces integration work elsewhere in the finished product.
However, a fully custom display is not always necessary. In some applications, an existing standard display or a modified standard solution may satisfy the requirements more efficiently.
Focus LCDs takes a consultative approach to display selection. The objective is to understand the application first and then determine whether a standard, modified-standard, or custom solution is appropriate.
Engineers who are still evaluating their options can also contact our engineering support team for assistance with display selection and integration.
Start a Custom LCD Project
If your product requires a display that cannot be adequately addressed with an existing standard module, Focus LCDs can review the application and help determine an appropriate display approach.
We support OEM customers from initial display selection and prototyping through full production, with both standard and custom display solutions.
Contact Focus LCDs to discuss your application and display requirements, or call 480-503-4295.
