SK Innovation is developing FCW (Flexible Cover Window) as the next-generation business revenue growth engine.
It is understood that FCW is the brand name of transparent polyimide (CPI) film developed by SK Innovation for flexible (bent) displays. It debuted at the CES, the world's largest information technology (IT) exhibition, in Las Vegas this January. This component, called Flexible Cover Window, is a transparent film designed to protect the display screen and can be applied to the new generation of smartphone products. Claims that after thousands of folding and bending, the surface is still flawless and scratch-resistant.
The company has been developing FCW based on polyimide (PI) film technology since 2006. In one year, the researchers conducted experiments on the durability and strength of seven optical films, and concluded that PI films are the most likely materials to replace glass. Since then, the company began commercializing it in 2013 and completed the development of flexible display products at the end of last year.
According to Yin Haozhe, chief researcher of SK innovation FCW, "FCW is a very expandable material for future products. FCW includes the thin film and coating technology accumulated by SK innovation in the diaphragm business. The display that will break or leave folds not only uses special hard disk (HC) technology, but also uses functional coating technology to prevent fingerprints, pollution, etc. The company stated that it has ensured a high level of folding ( Flex) and strength. "
In addition, the company is different from domestic and foreign competitors in that the company has the technical advantages of being able to perform all processes such as film production and coating in one factory. At present, FCW is considered to be a material that can dramatically change the surface layer (FCW) of smartphones, laptops, televisions, and automotive displays. Researcher Yin Haozhe said: "We are also working closely with foreign automakers because our products can achieve superior design in electric and autonomous vehicles."
In terms of the scale of the new generation smartphone market, FCW is competing with the "Gorilla Glass" camp for tempered glass for smartphones. Researcher Yin Haozhe said: "In order to ensure the strength and durability while having a gorgeous appearance like tempered glass, the company is researching it." In recent years, global smartphone manufacturers have been developing foldable smartphones, so the relevant raw material market It is also growing rapidly.
According to global market research firm Strategy Analytics, by 2022, global sales of foldable phones (the main market for flexible displays) are expected to increase from 3.2 million units in 2019 to 50.1 million units. It also predicts that flexible display applications will expand from smartphones and laptops to TVs, cars and VR, and flexible display applications will become more diverse.
SKI researcher Yin Haozhe said that in order to meet the market demand, the company is expanding its investment and construction. At present, SK innovation has invested about 40 billion won (about 234 million yuan) in the LiBS plant in Zengpingqun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea to build the FCW plant. In addition, SK Innovation is looking at the market expansion prospects of transparent PI films and plans to build a second factory.
It is understood that in May of this year, SKC submitted a trademark application for transparent polyimide film for smartphones, TPI (Transparent PI), and cooperated with the main application of transparent polyimide (PI) film and the development of the mobile phone market. , Invested 85 billion won to build a mass production facility for transparent polyimide film in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, and completed it in July. It plans to launch related products in October. However, it has been pointed out by related parties as a duplicate investment in SKI (FCW) products.
In addition to the PI film developed for foldable screen mobile phones, Samsung and Apple are also researching and developing flexible screen technology for foldable screen mobile phones.
According to previous reports from foreign media, Samsung ’s new-generation Note smartphone screen may adopt a curled design. The screen can be displayed not only on the front of the fuselage, but also can be bent to the back of the fuselage, so that the entire body has a screen on the front and back Display function.
Bloomberg reported on July 3 that, according to people familiar with the matter, Samsung Electronics has completed a two-month redesign of the foldable phone Galaxy Fold. The new design aims to repair the problem of previous screen failures. Now the screen protector has been stretched to cover the entire screen and cover the outer border, so it cannot be removed manually. Samsung redesigned the hinge, pushing it slightly up from the screen (the two screens are now flush) to further stretch the screen protector when the phone is turned on.
In addition, Apple is also developing materials for rollable screen technology.
According to Patently Apple, a patent shows that Apple is developing a thin layer of coating material with a light tint to protect new screens of smart phones that can bend. At the same time, Apple has also developed another patent. Users can operate specific application functions by curling the screen or tilting the screen angle.
Foreign media have previously reported that the Apple iPhone's curved display screen technology can bend both sides of the display screen, can also be rolled into a cylindrical hollow shape like paper, and can also be folded into a triangular shape.