[Public Notice+] KPS Obtains US Patent for OLED FMM Vertical Evaporation Tensioner Manufacturing Technology

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] KPS has secured a U.S. patent for an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) FMM (Fine Metal Mask) tensioner and its manufacturing method. The FMM tensioner is a key piece of equipment in the OLED display manufacturing process, fixing the FMM in an exact position without sagging during the organic material deposition process.

On the 26th, KPS announced that it registered a U.S. patent for the "Mask Frame Assembly Device (Tensioner) and Its Method for a Vertical Deposition Machine."

KPS has previously supplied equipment related to the FMM frame assembly device (tensioner) incorporating this patented technology to American Company A, a global leader in materials engineering. The company is currently developing related process technologies with a Japanese OLED display manufacturer.

According to KPS, vertical deposition machines experience less mask sagging compared to conventional horizontal deposition machines.

A KPS official explained, "Due to sagging issues, OLED mass production methods have been limited to the half-cut (G6H) method, which involves cutting 6th-generation substrates in half for deposition. However, with the development of vertical deposition processes, attempts at expanded mass production such as full-cut for 8th and 10th generations will become possible."

He added, "The FMM tensioner is equipment that directly affects OLED production yield and is considered a core device along with the deposition machine. Based on our technological capabilities, KPS is actively conducting research and development not only on tensioner manufacturing but also on FMM parts and materials."

Meanwhile, the OLED display and materials market is rapidly growing due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including remote work, telemedicine, and online classes.

Global market research firm IHS Markit forecasts that shipments of small- and medium-sized OLED display panels for smartphones will increase by about 10% compared to 2019. The OLED materials market is also noticeably expanding, with a roughly 30% increase in the second half of last year compared to the same period the previous year.