PhilOptics has started mass production of the "Fine Metal Mask (FMM)" for the sixth generation AMOLED wire substrate. Focus on using independently developed electroplating technology to improve production efficiency and price competitiveness. Whether it can set off a new wave of Koreanization in the FMM market controlled by Japanese companies has attracted much attention.
The reporter learned from the industry on the 17th that Philoptics (CEO HanKi-soo) transformed the original 4.5th generation FMM development line into a 6th generation trial production line during the year. According to the needs of customers at home and abroad, not only will the sixth-generation size samples be produced, but also a core production base will be established for future mass production.
Since 2013, Philoptics and its subsidiary PhilMaterials have invested approximately 7 billion won in the localization of FMM. In the future, it plans to invest another 10 billion yuan to build the first large-scale mass production line of the sixth-generation FMM. In the first half of this year, about 2 billion won was invested in trial production.
An official of Philoptics said: “FMM is one of the materials, parts and equipment that the government and display industry actively seek to localize in response to Japanese export regulations.” The demand for sixth-generation samples has increased. "In addition," the 4.5-generation trial products recently provided to customers have been positively evaluated. In addition, the requirements for the sixth-generation samples have increased.
FMM uses Invar materials of iron and nickel alloys and is a key component used in the organic light emitting diode (OLED) process. It is a pattern mask used for deposition, with tens of millions of micro holes drilled in a metal with a thickness of about 20 μm. When high-temperature evaporation is applied to the organic material, it is adhered to the substrate by FMM to form a pixel.
According to estimates, the current domestic FMM market size is between 400 billion and 500 billion won. Japan`s Hitachi Metals Co., Ltd. owns the ultra-thin film forming technology of ultra-yin steel. Japanese DNP uses this material to produce FMM, and has gained nearly 100% market share.
Previously, FMM development problems were considered to be electroplating technologies with a thermal expansion coefficient of 2PPM or less. This is considered a challenge for FMM development. Recently, Philoptics has recently passed the verification of Invar electroplating technology accredited testing institutions. The company expects that through the company's combination of 5-15μm thick Invar plating technology, it can achieve a resolution of 1000ppi or higher, which is higher than the existing etching methods. In addition, he explained that by increasing productivity and increasing productivity, FMM can be produced at a lower manufacturing cost than existing costs.
An executive of Philoptics said: "After the establishment of the sixth-generation test production line, we will strive to obtain mass production and quality certification in the shortest time." "In the future, we will work closely with FMM process-related companies."