EFUN Technology, a Taiwan-based producer of major parts for backlight modules, LCD monitors and touch screens, declared that it has started production of indium tin oxide film-coated flexible substrates for sophisticated touch panel screens.
EFUN Technology uses Applied Materials’ SmartWeb system for the coating of indium tin oxide films. The SmartWeb system, a roll-to-roll vacuum coater, utilizes physical vapor deposition technology to coat the important indium tin oxide-based multi-layer film stack needed for the production of highly sophisticated touch panels utilized in tablet PC and other portable devices.
EFUN Technology has bought its second SmartWeb system from Applied Materials for the production of indium tin oxide-based touch panel parts. The company has been utilizing the first system since 2009.
With high productivity and flexibility, the SmartWeb system transforms the manufacture of flexible touch panel components. Its modular design enables the concurrent deposition of 12 various thin film layers, allowing the production of intricate structures of touch panels in one step. It has easily-replaceable shielding and sputter-up geometry that reduces particle generation.
Customers have more options of cathodes maximized for insulating and conductive layers, which ensure consistent processing and high productivity. According to Kuang-Rong Lee, who serves as Optoelectronics Business Unit Leader and Vice General Manager at EFUN Technology, superior performance of the company’s first SmartWeb system influenced its purchase of the latest version of the SmartWeb system from Applied Materials for the production of indium tin oxide film substrates for sophisticated capacitive touch screen panels.
Source: http://www.appliedmaterials.com