AP Systems is developing inkjet printing equipment for organic light emitting diode(OLED) post-process. They will expand their OLED post-process equipment portfolio with inkjet equipment as their new growth engine.
Inkjet equipment that is being developed by AP Systems will be applied to the optically clear resin (OCR) bonding process that makes modules in the OLED post-process. The OCR process refers to a technology that minimizes light reflection by bonding a display panel and a cover glass. The development of inkjet equipment is active for OCR process to replace the existing optical clear adhesive (OCA) process.
OCA process uses several transparent adhesive films to attach the display and glass. The price of film is expensive, and the cost burden is heavy for large products such as TV, tablet, and monitor. Inkjet printing can reduce the cost burden, because multiple layers are cemented by spraying liquid droplets. Inkjet equipment is also advantageous in realizing flexible displays because it is possible to adhere to curved surfaces. Synergy with existing display Laminator is also expected.
AP Systems also strengthens research and development (R&D) of deposition equipment for the entire display process. In the existing display manufacturing, a deposition process of evaporating and attaching red, green, and blue (RGB) organic particles was used. Inkjet printing equipment can respond to changes in OLED shape while precisely spraying with control.
AP Systems is also expanding their semiconductor equipment business. From 8-inch wafter equipment to Rapid thermal process (RTP), which is being supplied to semiconductor manufacturer, are continuing to grow in the expansion of memory products such as DRAM and NAND flash. RTP equipment is also expected to enter the system semiconductor market soon.
An official from AP Systems said, "We will strengthen equipment investment and R&D in line with the industrial environment and technological development in semiconductors and displays field."
By Staff Reporter Ji-woong Kim jw0316@etnews.com