Motorola has solved the problem of creases in its foldable smartphone RAZR by using transparent PI film, an indication that manufacturers don’t necessarily have to opt for Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) as screen covers, according to Kolon Industries’ executive Lee Seong-chan at a symposium in Yeouido on Dec. 6.
“RAZR also used hinges to pull the display at the corners for less creases, and this all indicates that flexible thinking and the use of different materials and parts can help solve the problem,” said Lee. At the same time, he said glass was indeed making huge progress.
Except for the fact that it’s easy to break, glass has mostly positive traits, making it a key material for screen covers. In fact, Samsung Electronics will be using UTG for the screen cover of its clam shell-type Galaxy Fold to be launched in the first half of 2020.
“Japan’s Asahi Glass was able to attain 3R-level in terms of bendability by making the glass as thin as 70㎛, then applying chemical reinforcement, and Germany’s Schott is manufacturing UTG of under 10㎛ that can be chemically reinforced,” said Lee.
According to him, this all indicates that glass is becoming more flexible, while film is becoming harder so that gradually, both would be suitable for cover glass.
“Glass has to overcome the challenges of mass production and size, while film material has to raise the yield rate and perfect hard-coating technology,” Lee added. Kolon has already begun to mass produce PI film, while SKC is preparing to do the same.
The Elec is South Korea’s No.1 tech news platform.
