Early on the 25th, news broke that mass production plans for Samsung Display's 8.6th generation organic light-emitting diode (OLED) product line (A6) may be affected, raising concerns among South Korean industry insiders. They pointed out that the stability of the electrostatic chuck (ESC) process is a key factor. Previous reports indicated that glass substrates cracked due to malfunctioning ESCs. Therefore, even if mass production begins, it will take time to ensure stable yield rates.

A cautious view of the IT OLED market size is also considered a significant burden. Although Samsung Display has successfully secured Apple as a customer, reports indicate that the company is considering adjusting its mass production pace due to lower-than-expected market growth.

According to South Korean industry insiders, Samsung Display encountered problems with the mounting and dismounting processes of large-area substrates due to ESCs during the construction of its 8.6th generation OLED production line at the end of last year. ESCs are devices that use electrostatic force to adhere glass substrates to the substrate; they are key components for achieving precise deposition and maintaining the flatness of large-area substrates. Furthermore, they can ensure temperature uniformity and mounting stability by regulating helium gas and temperature.

Especially in 8.6 generation OLED processes, electrostatic chucks are becoming a key factor determining mass production stability. This is because as substrate size increases from the current 6th generation (1500mm × 1850mm) to the 8.6th generation (2290mm × 2620mm), gravity-induced sagging must be effectively controlled. Furthermore, since OLED processes require the deposition of organic materials in a vacuum environment, it is necessary to simultaneously ensure substrate flatness, temperature uniformity, and electrostatic control, further enhancing the importance of electrostatic chucks.

South Korean industry insiders point out that problems exist in the mounting and separation processes of the substrate and electrostatic chuck before and after vapor deposition. Reports indicate that even after removing the voltage, the substrate mounted on the chuck cannot be easily separated; or conversely, unstable initial adhesion forces can cause the substrate to vibrate and break during separation. Stable substrate mounting requires precise control of electrostatic force, helium pressure, and temperature conditions. However, if the voltage is increased to enhance adhesion, residual static electricity may adversely affect the thin-film transistor (TFT). Some also believe the problem lies in the vapor deposition equipment used by Canon Tokki in Japan.

Some in the South Korean industry are concerned that if this issue remains unresolved, it could impact overall mass production plans. According to South Korean industry sources, Samsung Display plans to begin mass production in the second quarter of this year and supply approximately 2 million OLED panels for Apple's MacBook Pro in the second half of the year. Therefore, analysts believe that delays in process stabilization could introduce uncertainty into the panel supply schedule. Industry insiders generally believe that even with yield improvement efforts following initial mass production, it's difficult to completely rule out the possibility of further delays.

A South Korean display industry insider stated, "To my knowledge, Samsung Display experienced glass substrate cracking at the end of last year while resolving the electrostatic chuck issue." Another industry insider also stated, "To my knowledge, they did encounter problems related to electrostatic chucks last year." He added, "Samsung Display uses a half-cut deposition method to cut the substrate in half, but even so, the substrate size exceeds one meter. Fixing such a large substrate with electrostatic chucks is itself a very complex technology."

It is reported that Samsung Display is currently stabilizing its production process by comprehensively adjusting helium pressure, electrostatic conditions, and temperature uniformity. Despite improvements in the process, assessments indicate that further adjustments are still needed to ensure stable mass production yields.

Another industry insider stated, "From what I understand, they are currently improving process stability by adjusting pressure and helium usage. Since they don't necessarily need to achieve 80% yield to begin mass production, they seem to be continuing to invest in their 8.6-generation production line, believing that even after entering mass production, they can gradually improve yields and resolve related issues."

Meanwhile, the growth rate of the IT OLED market itself is also a contributing factor. Analysts point out that due to slower-than-expected market expansion, Samsung Display has no choice but to adopt a more conservative mass production strategy.

South Korean industry insiders stated that although recent growth in demand for high-definition displays has boosted market expectations for the IT OLED market, the actual expansion rate remains slow. South Korean industry insiders worry that if market growth cannot support these technologies, it could lead to supply chain oversupply.

https://www.china-digitalsignage.com/Products/Bar_3D_Holographic_Advertising_Player/

https://www.china-digitalsignage.com/Products/Digital_Photo_Frame___Tablet/

Of particular note is the still low market penetration rate, which is considered a limiting factor for its development. According to data from UBI Research, OLED penetration rates in tablets, laptops, and monitors are 5.9%, 4.4%, and 2.0%, respectively, indicating its primary application in high-end products. UBI Research analysis points out that "OLED still faces a significant disadvantage in terms of price competitiveness compared to LCD."

An industry insider stated, "From what I understand, they are considering adjusting their mass production speed because the IT OLED market is still smaller than expected. While the demand for OLED transition in the IT market is obvious, it is currently limited to high-end products, so they have no choice but to take the market situation into account."