Epson adds colour to 8th generation LCDs

NEW DELHI: Seiko Epson Corporation has developed inkjet equipment for manufacturing colour filters compatible with 8th generation large LCDs.

This equipment has been installed at Sharp Corporation's Kameyama Plant No. 2 and is in operation for production of colour filters destined for Sharp's latest large-screen LCD TVs, Epson said in a statement.

The inkjet-based colour filter manufacturing technique grew out of research into industrial applications for inkjet technology conducted by Epson over many years.

Through its participation in the Future Vision project1 to develop next-generation displays, the company worked this research into a method for manufacturing large-screen LCD TVs that has attracted attention for its remarkable effectiveness in reducing both the environmental impact and the cost of manufacturing.

Epson will continue to develop its inkjet-based manufacturing equipment business - including colour filter applications – to contribute to the widespread introduction of next-generation manufacturing processes that save on both energy and costs.

Based on original Micro Piezo head techniques accumulated in the course of its inkjet printer business, Epson has researched and developed new technologies for applying inkjet methods to industrial processes.

These efforts have resulted in a range of innovative applications including a method of forming alignment layers for LCDs using inkjet technology - the world's first industrial application of inkjet technology, the statement said.

Manufacturing of colour filters with inkjet methods is another result of the R&D conducted by Epson's LCD business over the last ten years with a view to commercialization of industrial inkjet applications.

At the same time, Epson took part in the project led by Future Vision to develop next-generation displays and looked at how its original technologies could help to advance industrial processes.

By cooperating with Sharp Corporation, which also took part in the project, Epson succeeded in developing the world's first manufacturing technology to produce colour filters for large-screen LCD TVs using inkjet methods.

Compared to conventional colour filter manufacturing methods, this new technology achieves substantial cost reductions and outstanding colour properties.

Moreover, it is an environmentally friendly next-generation manufacturing technology that significantly reduces waste volumes.

Amid trends towards larger flat panel displays and lower prices, inkjet is likely to become the mainstream method of manufacturing colour filters.

More than 50 percent of colour filter manufacturing for large-screen LCD TVs is forecast to switch to inkjet methods within the next three years, making this technology the de facto industry standard.

Making full use of the company's original Micro Piezo head technology and its techniques for producing LCD colour filters and alignment layers, Epson will continue to develop its industrial-use inkjet equipment business,contributing to the widespread introduction of next-generation manufacturing methods that save on costs and energy.

© CyberMedia News