An open frame screen, also known as an Open Frame Monitor (OFM), is essentially a display device designed for integration into other equipment or enclosures, rather than being used as a standalone monitor.
Understanding Open Frame Screens
Based on the definition, an Open Frame Monitor (OFM) is:
- A display device mainly situated in a bare metal enclosure and does not usually include a bezel.
- It is instead typically supplied with an outer metal flange for mounting.
Unlike standard desktop monitors which have a finished casing and a protective bezel around the display area, an open frame screen is supplied in a more fundamental state. It has a basic metal frame or chassis that houses the display components, but it lacks the decorative or protective front bezel. This design makes it ideal for being mounted inside another structure.
Key Characteristics
Open frame screens are defined by their construction and intended use:
- Bare Metal Enclosure: The core display components are mounted within a basic metal frame.
- No Bezel: The front face of the display panel is typically exposed without a traditional protective or decorative bezel.
- Mounting Flange: They come equipped with a metal flange or brackets specifically designed to simplify their integration into walls, kiosks, machines, or custom enclosures.
Why Use Open Frame Screens?
The unique design of open frame monitors makes them perfect for applications where the display needs to be embedded or integrated seamlessly into a larger system or environment. Common uses include:
- Kiosks: Information points, ticketing machines, interactive displays.
- Industrial Equipment: Control panels, manufacturing line interfaces.
- Medical Devices: Integrated displays in diagnostic or treatment equipment.
- Retail Displays: Point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital signage integrated into shelving or counters.
- Gaming Machines: Arcades, casino game interfaces.
Their robust construction and flexible mounting options allow manufacturers to incorporate displays into their products without needing to design complex external casings for the monitor itself.
In essence, an open frame screen is the underlying display component supplied in a format ready for permanent installation within another structure, differing from consumer monitors primarily by its lack of a bezel and inclusion of integrated mounting hardware.
