The world’s first non-photolithograph process roll-to-roll 20 micrometers fine-line printing technology was unveiled Aug. 27 in Taipei City by Taiwan-based Industrial Technology Research Institute and Japan-headquartered Tokyo Komori Corp.
“Once commercialized, the technology will upgrade the photolithograph process currently used to manufacture touch panels,” said Liu Chun-ting, director of ITRI Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratories.
“The steps are complicated and costs are high. But with the new technology, we can save time and slash at least half the cost of production and save NT$1 billion (US$33.3 million).”
Liu said at present, the line width in screen printing measures between 60 and 80 micrometers, while in gravure printing is 30 to 50 micrometers, adding that sub-20 micrometers capability is a real breakthrough.
Komori Managing Director Tsutomu Niitsuma said his company elected to partner with ITRI because Taiwan is a leader in the touch panel industry. “In addition to touch panels, this know-how can be applied in products such as organic LED [light-emitting diode] lights and solar panels.”
Taiwan claimed 50 percent of the touch panel industry’s global market share in 2012 and finished No. 1 in output, accounting for 47.9 percent of the US$16.5 billion total worldwide.
Established in 1923, Tokyo-based Komori is one of the largest printing press manufacturers worldwide. (KML-JSM)
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