What They Say
The Elec reports that Samsung Display needs orders for OLEDs tor use in iPads to be confident with its production plan to build a new G8.5 fab for OLEDs for IT applications. The site has previously reported that Apple wanted a better price than Samsung could offer for the tandem OLED panels that it would want for this application. (Apple and Samsung Display cancel 10.86-inch OLED iPad development).
The timeline for an investment is said to be
- Obtain order from Apple (Q1 22)
- Finalise spending plan (Q2 2022)
- Place POs (Q3 2022)
- Equipment delivery (2023)
- iPad with OLED (2024)
Samsung has been developing a machine for vertical material deposition with Ulvac. That eliminates that sag that is typically seen in horizontal deposition with fine metal masks (FMMs), but needs higher temperatures. LGD, on the other hand, is said to be working on horizontal deposition for G8.5 IT OLEDs.
What We Think
These are big investment bets if you don’t have a guaranteed big customer. I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision! (BR)
To minimise sagging in horizontal deposition, FMMs are welded into a frame. Image: eng.wavetc.com
