Launched at the beginning of the year, the European OptIntegral project uses a manufacturing process based on in-mould hybrid integration of thin, organic and large area electronics and photonics components.
This enables manufacturing of LED displays at lower cost and higher display resolution than is currently possible. The optics are moulded directly onto a bendable LED substrate in an injection moulding process. This is said to make the displays energy-efficient, lightweight, bendable and even three dimensional.
The three year project will develop flexible illuminated advertisement boards suited for transport and other applications requiring lightweight, 3D designs. The LED display is designed to give the viewers a 3D experience without having to wear special glasses.
As part of the project, Finnish based VTT Technical Research Centre will develop a roll to roll manufacturing process for the bendable LED substrates. VTT is also integrating the in mould hybrid technology into the process, enabling future mass production and cost savings.
Author
Tom Austin-Morgan
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk