KPS Unveils First 15.6-inch FMM for OLED Laptops

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] As full-scale investments are being made in the next-generation OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel mass production in the global display market, KPS is attracting attention by unveiling an FMM (Fine Metal Mask) prototype using a new manufacturing method.

KPS researchers are showcasing a large FMM mask for laptops that they successfully developed in-house. / Photo by KPS

FMM is a key material in the OLED deposition process, with a market size reaching 1 trillion KRW annually based on the 6th generation. However, Japan's DNP (Dainippon Printing) monopolizes this market, making domestic production urgent.

Kim Jeongho, CEO of KPS who oversees the OLED business, stated on the 4th, "It has been about four years since we first started developing equipment and parts in 2019, and we have completed a 15.6-inch laptop FMM prototype." He added, "This achievement is the result of accumulated technology built over the past 15 years through transactions with global FMM and panel companies."

He further explained, "The successfully developed FMM completes a full mask by assembling cell-unit masks one by one, enabling ultra-high definition and production response for large PC screens, making future 8th generation full-size and 10th generation compatibility easier."

The resolution of smartphone OLED panels is limited to about 500 PPI due to technical challenges of FMM. CEO Kim emphasized, "Our FMM has the same form as existing stick-type masks, so it can also be applied in the 6th generation process, which is a key advantage."

FMM is a component made by engraving fine holes for R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) on Invar, an alloy of nickel and iron. As resolution increases, thickness becomes thinner and the number of holes rapidly increases, significantly deteriorating tensile strength and deposition yield. When the panel size grows, high tensile strength is required, which is pointed out as a limitation for large-scale production.

To localize high-definition, large-screen FMM, KPS has signed strategic agreements with OLED deposition companies and global panel manufacturers and presented a mass production roadmap.

CEO Kim said, "In the first half of this year, we plan to conduct full-scale mass production tests for the existing 6th generation using our 15.6-inch FMM mask with domestic deposition companies." He added, "At the same time, in the second half, we will start developing FMM for the next-generation 8th generation with panel manufacturers." He especially noted, "Since we are conducting cooperative development and mass production tests with deposition, panel, and mask companies, we will continue to unveil various solutions for FMM localization."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.