AUO Reportedly To Build 6G OLED Line In 2H19

AU Optronics (AUO) reportedly plans to build a 6G line for the production of OLED panels based on inkjet printing technology before the end of 2019, having set up a 3.5G testing line in the first half of the year, according to industry sources.

AUO has been developing OLED inkjet printing technology since 2013, and is now deepening its deployment in the sector thanks to the availability of new materials and equipment, company chairman Paul Peng said, without making reference to the reported 6G OLED plan.

AUO currently has a 4.5G OLED line which volume produces panels using technology other than inkjet printing process.

AUO’s present inkjet printing OLED line is still at its product development stage, and the schedule for volume production has not yet been decided, Peng said.

With regard to the production of flexible panels, Peng said that AUO is ready for mass production and will roll out related panels as scheduled in the second half of 2019.

However, Peng said the production of flexible panels remains a challenge in terms of the foldable strength and product life span of such products.

AUO’s capex budget for 2019 will reach NT$40 billion (US$1.295 billion), of which NT$20 billion will be set aside for equipment upgrades and related R&D efforts, Peng revealed.―Digitimes