Chinese giant TCL CSOT plans to start small-scale production of inkjet-printed OLED panels by the end of 2024. According to a report from the Korean newspaper The Elec, production will commence later this year, starting with a 21.6-inch OLED 4K panel for medical monitors. For next year, TCL plans to produce displays for IT industry devices.
What distinguishes their production from traditional OLED panels? The ones we know well are usually produced in vacuum chambers, through thermal evaporation (VTE), using a certain type of sprayer and a metal mask. In contrast, inkjet printing uses a precision inkjet printer that applies the OLED material as needed, reducing waste. This method can lower production costs.
It is worth noting that in 2020, TCL CSOT collaborated with Japan OLED (JOLED) for the commercialization of inkjet-printed OLED panels to compete with technologies from OLED LG Display and Samsung Display. JOLED filed for bankruptcy in May 2023, but it seems that TCL has not halted its mission and intends to develop this sector.
TCL CSOT suggested that printed OLED TVs will appear no earlier than 2025.
The manufacturer has not officially announced that the Generation 8.5 factory, which is responsible for producing larger 42-98 inch panels, will be involved in this production, so OLED TV displays are likely to be delayed.
In recent years, TCL CSOT has showcased several prototypes of printed OLED panels, including a 65-inch 8K OLED, a 31-inch 4K dome-shaped OLED, and a 14-inch 2.8K OLED for laptops.
Source:
https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1728555857
https://www.displayspecifications.com/
https://www.oled-info.com/
