A group of researchers from the University of Hyderabad have developed and designed a low-cost, indigenous rubbing machine-employed in manufacturing LCDs (Liquid Crystal Display). Having the potential of creating new market forces across the globe, the machine is touted to be the first of its kind in India and the cheapest in the world.

Surajit Dhara, professor of UoH, who has worked actively in the field of liquid crystals for years has designed a simple to operate, portable, and inexpensive rubbing machine. Though LCDs are not manufactured in India, the advent of this technology is a step ahead in future, said Prof Dhara.

Speaking about the rubbing mechanism, Prof Dhara said that LCD screens are manufactured by assembling two transparent electrically conducting glass substrates in which the liquid crystal is confined. "Aligning the sandwiched liquid crystal in a twisted fashion is very crucial for LCDs fabrication. Rubbing process creates microgrooves, where the liquid crystals get in, and so, a required alignment of liquid crystals is achieved over the entire LCD. Thus a uniform rubbing of the substrate is very crucial for LCDs," he explained.

The machine is commercially being sold in India and abroad by Holmarc Opto-Mechatronics. Currently, the technology is being used for R&D like making prototypes and in studying fundamental aspects of liquid crystals and liquid crystal-based devices. It is expected that the machine will not only encourage LCDs fabrication in India but will also significantly lower the production cost.