Mon, 23 Mar, 2015 01:16:18 AM Technology awaits commercialization FTimes Report, Mar 23  Photo VTT Press image The Oulu branch of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a large luminous plastic film to be used, for example, in advertising displays.
This type of light-emitting plastic film and processing in ambient atmosphere has not been created before on this scale.
Based on the OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology and implemented by means of a printing machine, this method offers an opportunity to create patterned and
flexible light-emitting surfaces on advertising displays, info signs and lighting fixtures, among others. The method also enables transparent smart surfaces to be attached to
window panels or packaging.
The OLED technology is commonly used in mobile phone displays and television sets, though until now has only been found in glass surfaces implemented using traditional
microelectronics manufacturing methods.
Photo VTT Press image By using VTT’s method, OLED elements can now be printed not only onto glass or steel surfaces but also onto flexible plastic films, enabling significantly larger light surfaces
and expanding the usage possibilities of the technology.
Traditional printing methods such as gravure and screen printing, enabling very large production volumes, are used for manufacturing OLED light surfaces. Through VTT’s
new method, OLED elements can be pressed to glass and metal surfaces as well as a flexible plastic substrate, which allows for significantly greater light surfaces. Production
of the OLED surfaces is also possible through presses found in traditional printing firms.
At this point, the VTT plastic film illuminates for about a year, as the materials are sensitive to oxygen and moisture. In the future, the film’s lifespan will increase as the
development of screen protectors continues and the film’s application possibilities grow.
“The plastic film is optimally suited to advertising campaigns, in which large light-emitting surfaces can be used to draw significantly more attention than can be gained through
mere printed graphics or e-ink-type black-and-white displays that do not emit light,” says VTT Research Area Manager Raimo Korhonen.
OLED light also makes possible wireless data transmission, which opens up new possibilities for printed light surfaces to take advantage of applications for the Internet of
Things.
VTT is currently looking for commercialization of its OLED technology. Korhonen says the technology is tested and ready for production. “Commercialization requires interested
parties, who shape the commercial technology. The technology itself is ready.”
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