Optical bonding machine having cure in place and visual feedback

An optical bonding machine comprising:

• a transparent datum, the transparent datum located within an interior region of the optical bonding machine, wherein the transparent datum supports a first substrate;
• a robotic placement head, the robotic placement head configured to pick up a second substrate and place the second substrate into contact with the first substrate, on the transparent datum;
• and
• a curing source disposed proximate the transparent datum, the curing source emitting UV rays that pass through the transparent datum and a center portion of the first substrate to cure an optically clear adhesive between a bonded substrate comprising the first substrate, the optically clear adhesive, and the second substrate;
• wherein the bonded substrate is cured while remaining on the transparent datum.

An optical bonding method comprising:

• disposing a first substrate on a transparent datum located within an interior region of an optical bonding machine;
• dispensing an optically clear adhesive on the first substrate;
• contacting the first substrate and the second substrate, causing the optically clear adhesive to flow between the first substrate and the second substrate;
• and
• displaying a video of a flow of the optically clear adhesive between the first substrate and the second substrate as captured by a camera positioned with respect to the transparent datum such that a field of view of the camera encompasses a center portion of the first substrate when the first substrate is supported on the transparent datum.