LG Stretchable Display Key Takeaways:
- LG Display has developed the first-ever stretchable display with a 50% elongation rate, setting a new industry record.
- The 12-inch prototype can stretch to 18 inches while maintaining high resolution and color quality.
- The display’s durability allows it to endure over 10,000 stretches, and it can operate in extreme conditions.
- Potential applications include wearable tech, automotive displays, and flexible screens for various industries.
LG Display has announced a groundbreaking advancement in display technology, unveiling the world’s first stretchable display capable of expanding up to 50% of its original size. This achievement marks the highest elongation rate in the industry and comes after five years of intensive research.
What Makes LG Display’s Stretchable Technology a Game-Changer?
The new stretchable display prototype was showcased on Friday at LG Science Park in Seoul during an industrial event.
The innovative 12-inch screen can stretch up to 18 inches, maintaining a high resolution of 100 pixels per inch and vibrant RGB colors.
This significant leap comes just a year after the company introduced its first stretchable display, which had a 20% elongation rate.
A Leap Forward in Flexible Display Technology
Stretchable displays are considered the “ultimate display technology” because of their ability to transform into any shape by stretching, folding, and twisting.
LG Display’s new prototype is designed to offer greater flexibility for future product applications, from wearable tech to automotive displays.
“The 50% elongation rate opens up entirely new possibilities for flexible screen designs,” said Yoon Soo-young, LG Display’s Chief Technology Officer. “We are committed to building a sustainable future display ecosystem through collaboration with industry, academia, and research partners.”
Breakthrough Achieved Through Advanced Materials and Research
This innovation is part of a national project backed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) in 2020, with 19 other research institutes collaborating on the effort.
The initial goal was to achieve a 20% elongation rate, but LG Display’s team surpassed expectations by using cutting-edge materials, including a special silicon substrate derived from contact lens technology and advanced wiring technology.
The new stretchable display also boasts remarkable durability, able to withstand over 10,000 stretches without compromising functionality.
The micro-LED light source, just 40 micrometers in size, ensures crisp and clear images even in extreme environmental conditions, such as high or low temperatures and external shocks.
Real-World Applications for Stretchable Displays
At the event, LG Display demonstrated several real-world applications for their stretchable display technology. Some examples include:
- Automotive: A convex-shaped automotive display that can be operated by hand.
- Wearables: A wearable display integrated into firefighters’ uniforms, providing real-time information during emergency situations.
These flexible displays are not only thin and lightweight but can also conform to irregular surfaces such as clothing and skin. LG Display believes that these stretchable displays will find applications in a variety of industries, including fashion, wearables, healthcare, and mobility.
The Future of Stretchable Display Technology
As the stretchable display market continues to grow, LG Display’s breakthrough sets a new standard for flexible screen technologies. With continued research and development, the company is paving the way for innovative, sustainable solutions that could transform industries like wearable tech, automotive design, and fashion.
