Summary of the Three AR Coating Methods

2025-07-02 18:37:21

AR (Anti-Reflective) coatings are optical thin films applied to glass surfaces to minimize light reflection and maximize transmission(Up to 99%). In the glass industry, this technology has revolutionized applications across sectors such as automotive, solar energy, and consumer electronics, optical lens, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits.

  • Dip-Coated AR-Glass is immersed in a nano-silica solution; a thin layer forms during drying and curing.
  • Magnetron Sputtered AR-Uses plasma in a vacuum chamber to sputter target materials onto the glass with high precision.
  • Vacuum Evaporated AR-Also performed in vacuum; materials are thermally evaporated and deposited onto the glass.

Technical Comparison Table

Feature

Dip-Coated AR

     Magnetron Sputtered AR

     Vacuum Evaporated AR    

Coating Environment

  Atmospheric or clean oven

High vacuum chamber

High vacuum chamber

Material Deposition

  Chemical sol-gel deposition

Plasma-based sputtering

Thermal evaporation

Coating Precision

Medium

        Very High (multi-layer possible)

 High

Layer Adhesion

Moderate

 Excellent

Good

Surface Hardness

3–5H

≥6H

4–6H

Typical Transmission

92–94%

96–98.5%

94–97%

Scratch Resistance

Moderate

Excellent

Good

Production Cost

Low

High

Moderate to High

  Uniformity (on large glass)

Good

Good

Maybe limited by thickness

Environmental Stability

Moderate

High

Moderate


Applications By Industry

Application Industry 

   Dip-Coated AR

            Magnetron Sputtered AR

             Vacuum Evaporated AR      

   Display Panels/Touchscreens

❌ No

✅ Best choice

✅ Optional

Precision Optical Lenses

❌ No 

✅ Optional

✅ Best choice

Camera Lens Covers

❌ No

✅ Optional

✅ Best choice

Medical Devices

❌ No

✅ Strong resistance

✅ Good performance

Military / Aerospace Optics

❌ No

✅ Best choice

✅ Optional

House Appliance

❌ No

✅ For premium products

✅ Mid-range options

Solar Glass Panels

       ✅ Yes (cost-effective)

❌ Less used (expensive)

❌ Rare

Picture Frame/Art Display

       ✅ Yes (cost-effective)

✅ Optional

❌ Rare




Comparison of 3 AR Coating Technologies

  • Dip-Coated AR: Low cost and suitable for photovoltaic products or low-requirement picture frame items, but with poor light transmittance and scratch resistance.
  • Magnetron Sputtered AR: Suitable for high-performance optics, touch panels, wear-resistant surfaces. Offers optimal performance and excellent optical effects, but features expensive equipment and slow production speed.
  • Vacuum Evaporated AR: Features a flexible process and good optical performance, suitable for optical instruments and electronic devices, but with slightly inferior adhesion and hardness.

KS Glass have the most advanced AR coating equipment in the glass industry and rich production experience. Contact us and consult the most suitable AR coating solution for you.