The Sumitomo Chemical Group Launches Transparent Glass LED Display: Achieving Next-Generation Transparent Display for Outdoor Digital Signage and Expanding Product Lineup by Applying Microfabrication Technology

Sep. 5, 2024

The Sumitomo Chemical Group has commercialized its transparent glass LED display, a product for next-generation communication, at Dongwoo Fine-Chem Co., Ltd. (“Dongwoo Fine-Chem”), a wholly-owned subsidiary in South Korea, and has started sales of the new display in the country. This is a new business of the Group developed by leveraging the microfabrication technology it has cultivated for display materials, such as touch sensors, and the Group aims to achieve sales revenue of several billion yen by the late 2020s from this business. The Group positions the ICT & Mobility Solutions business as one of its growth engines, and will actively strive to expand the product lineup and areas of the business by taking advantage of its unique technologies.

The transparent display is a display device that places a light source on a transparent substrate made of plastics or glass, and allows the viewer to look at the content displayed on the screen while also seeing the background through it. The major difference between the transparent display and a conventional display is that, when installed, the transparent display does not obstruct the surrounding scenery or the viewer’s field of vision. With this distinct advantage, demand for the transparent display is expected to be generated across a wide range of applications, such as next-generation mobility components, including those for electric vehicles, and construction materials for commercial buildings.

The transparent glass LED display commercialized by the Sumitomo Chemical Group achieves high light transmittance and high-resolution video imaging by utilizing the unique microfabrication technology the Group has cultivated for touch sensors, as well as other display materials handled by Dongwoo Fine-Chem.
In addition, by using a glass-type substrate, the transparent glass LED display achieves higher resistance to physical damage, such as from impact, as well as to chemical damage, such as from combustion, compared to film-type displays. Various designs can also be employed for the display to suit customer needs.

Dongwoo Fine-Chem has started sales of digital signage using the transparent glass LED display for use on electric bus windows in South Korea this year. It also plans to expand the transparent glass LED display into various applications, such as mobility, indoor and outdoor signage, and exterior building walls.

The Sumitomo Chemical Group will continue to provide solutions that contribute to the development of next-generation communication technologies, such as innovative display materials and high-speed communication antenna materials, with the aim of achieving a smart society.

Contact

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Dept.
https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/contact/public/