Samsung is taking a key step in its display manufacturing approach. The company is elevating its 8.6th-gen OLED facility to support LTPO technology for smartphones. This could open the door for flexible production across different devices, including laptops.
Samsung pushes 8.6th-Gen OLED line to support LTPO technology
Samsung Display is currently building 8.6th-gen OLED production lines. These lines use oxide TFT technology, suitable for large-screen devices such as laptops. They can handle a monthly capacity of about 15,000 glass substrates. The first production line may begin mass production in June or July of this year. Apple will reportedly source the OLED displays for its upcoming MacBook Pro.
According to a report from ETNews, Samsung Display is introducing equipment for LTPO TFTs at its second 8.6th-gen OLED production line. The company has recently ordered Excimer Laser Annealing (ELA) equipment, a key process for LTPO. Industry watchers expect the supplier to deliver the equipment in the first half of next year.
The report also says that Samsung intends to convert two existing 6th-gen OLED ELA machines for use in its 8.6th-gen production line. ELA plays a key role in making LTPS TFTs (part of LTPO technology). In the manufacturing process, LTPS is combined with oxide layers to form LTPO, offering excellent performance. As a result, LTPO becomes suitable for smartphones.
Samsung’s decision to introduce LTPO equipment is likely to better fulfill various customer needs. The IT OLED market, including tablets and laptops, is growing quickly. However, OLED adoption in laptops remains low compared to other devices. At the same time, the smartphone market is seeing ample OLED adoption in premium models.
“Establishing LTPO lines, which are advantageous for securing customers, will be inevitable, even if only to prepare for the possibility that the IT OLED market expands slower than expected,” said a display expert. Basically, this latest move could help the Korean firm stay prepared for future possible increasing OLED demand.
