LG unveils FLiPP, its 'dream next-generation OLED technology'

LG has unveiled what it's calling 'dream next-generation OLED technology.' Called FLiPP, which is short for FMM-Less innovative Pixel Patterning, it's all about innovating OLED manufacturing to deliver brighter, more reliable, and affordable OLED panels. Per the naming, it's a proprietary technology that removes the need for a conventional fine metal mask (FMM) process in manufacturing.

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According to LG these FMMs need to be produced for every single panel size and resolution, which adds weight to the panels, leading to alignment issues and defects. To help explain how they work, LG compares the process to stencil art, where red, green, and blue (RGB) organic materials pass through tiny holes in metal plates.

In contrast, LG calls FLiPP a "new OLED manufacturing paradigm" as it removes the need for divided substrates, coating the RGB pixels in order with photolithography. It's a process that enables LG to create OLED panels that are 1.6 times brighter and also last 2.4 times longer. Not only that, it also improves efficiency and reduces power consumption by 13% as the FLiPP process improves the aperture ratio (a single pixel's light-emitting area compared to its total physical area) by 55%.

Ultimately, in addition to delivering brighter OLED panels that will last longer, FLiPP could play a role in the technology becoming increasingly more mainstream and affordable as it will increase LG's manufacturing capacity while also reducing costs. LG says that with FLiPP it's now "free from panel size and resolution constraints," meaning that it can be used to create displays ranging from 1 to 100 inches without having to customize the manufacturing process for every single resolution or panel size change.

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Question #1

What is FLiPP and how does it differ from the conventional FMM (Fine Metal Mask) OLED manufacturing process?

FLiPP, short for FMM-Less innovative Pixel Patterning, is LGs proprietary OLED manufacturing approach that removes the need for conventional fine metal masks by coating RGB pixels in order using photolithography on undivided substrates. Unlike the conventional FMM process, which uses metal stencils with tiny holes for each panel size and resolution and causes added weight, alignment issues, and defects, FLiPP eliminates panel-size and resolution constraints and improves performance: it yields panels that are 1.6 times brighter, last 2.4 times longer, reduce power consumption by 13 percent, and increase aperture ratio by 55 percent.

Answered

Question #2

LG claims FLiPP panels are 1.6× brighter and last 2.4× longer — what specific improvements in the process deliver those gains?

LG achieves the 1.6× brightness and 2.4× lifetime gains by replacing the conventional fine metal mask (FMM) process with its FMM-Less innovative Pixel Patterning (FLiPP) process that uses photolithography to coat RGB pixels in order. Removing FMM and divided substrates eliminates the alignment issues and defects tied to metal masks and increases the aperture ratio by 55%, which the article links to improved brightness and 13% better power efficiency. The article states these manufacturing changes make panels more reliable and longer lasting.

Answered

Question #3

Which product categories will LG produce first using FLiPP, and which categories are planned later?

LG will begin manufacturing OLED panels using FLiPP for tablets and monitors first. Wearables and large TVs are planned to follow.

Answered

Question #4

LG says FLiPP removes panel size and resolution constraints — what range of display sizes can be manufactured with this process?

LG says FLiPP can be used to create displays ranging from 1 to 100 inches, and that the process is "free from panel size and resolution constraints." This capability was described in the primary article.

Answered

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LG notes that it will begin manufacturing OLED panels for tablets and monitors with FLiPP first, followed by wearables and large TVs.