Why Do Device Manufacturers Choose Materials Prone to Ugly Fingerprints?

When it comes to choosing materials for consumer devices, such as smartphones and laptops, manufacturers often prioritize a combination of practical and aesthetic factors. While many materials boast properties like cleanability, durability, and impact resistance, they may also contribute to the infamous issue of fingerprints. This article explores the reasons behind the choice of certain materials and how manufacturers are addressing the problem.

Ambitions of Ideal Materials

The ideal material for device manufacturers should fulfill several critical requirements:

Cleanability: Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring the device looks its best. Durability: Able to withstand daily use and potential minor impacts without damage. Shock Resistance: Provides protection against drops and accidental bumps. Inexpensive: Economical to produce and use, keeping manufacturing costs in check. Shapeability: Flexibility to mold and form into a variety of shapes and sizes.

The Properties of Common Materials

Several materials commonly used in device manufacturing exhibit the sought-after properties:

Ceramic, Polished Plastics, and Aluminum

Materials like polished ceramic, certain plastics, and aluminum are favored for their:

Non-porous nature: Help prevent liquid and dirt from penetrating the surface. Hardness: Resistant to damage and wear. Glossy finish: Adds a premium look and feel. Rigidity: Maintains its shape and structure. Non-reactive surface: Does not chemically react with the environment. Plasticity at low temperature: Can be easily molded and shaped. Self-finished: Requires minimal additional finishing processes.

For instance, textured surfaces can be highly durable and easy to shape, while glossy surfaces provide a sleek, modern aesthetic. However, these glossy surfaces can also make fingerprints more visible and harder to clean.

The Material Selection Process

The choice of material is not made based on a single factor but rather a combination of properties that best fit the device's intended use and market demands. The decision is often a compromise between all the desired attributes:

Stiffness: Ensuring the device can hold its form. Hardness: Resistant to scratches and dents. Formability: Ability to be molded into a specific shape. Scratch resistance: Protection against minor wear and tear. Optical properties: Ensuring clear visibility through the screen or surface. Aesthetic properties: Attractiveness and premium feel.

Manufacturers must strike a balance between these properties, and in many cases, achieving a flawless surface free from fingerprints may not be among the top priorities.

Addressing the Problem: Oleophobic Coatings

To combat the issue of fingerprints, many modern devices incorporate advanced oleophobic (oil-repellent) coatings. These coatings prevent oily substances from spreading out, instead causing them to bead up. This allows for easier cleaning and removal of fingerprints:

Credit: [Image Source]

While these coatings can significantly reduce fingerprint visibility, they are not foolproof. Over time, these coatings can wear away, especially through frequent touches and usage.

Conclusion

The choice of material in consumer electronics is a complex decision that involves balancing a range of properties. While materials like polished ceramic and certain plastics may be prone to fingerprints, they offer a combination of durability, cleanliness, and aesthetic appeal that manufacturers find ideal for their products. Oleophobic coatings represent a significant step toward addressing the inconvenience of fingerprints, but the battle is not yet won.

As technology advances, manufacturers will continue to innovate, aiming to strike an even better balance between functionality and user experience.