'UTG Central Etching' CTG Technology Enhancement... Expected Commercialization as Early as Next Year
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According to industry sources on the 4th, Samsung Display is developing 'CTG (Center Etched Thin Glass)' technology in collaboration with partners for application to the top of foldable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels.
CTG is a technology that selectively thins a portion of the central structure layer where the UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass), which is the cover window of the foldable panel, bends. By thinning the central part, the panel can be folded more easily, and by making the remaining unbending area thicker, a taut and durable screen can be created. CTG is also called 'Hybrid UTG'.
Samsung Display has been developing technology to fill the thinned central part of the panel with filler material and make the height of the entire UTG uniform. Work is also underway to make the optical properties of the filled area and the remaining areas similar.
Industry sources observe that Samsung Electronics could apply CTG to some models of the Galaxy Z9 series foldable phones, which are expected to be launched next year. This is because technological advancements are needed to maintain market leadership as Apple is scheduled to launch its first foldable iPhone in the latter half of this year.
Apple has also shown interest in technology that thins the center of the UTG cover window.
A display industry official said, "Samsung Electronics is moving to accelerate the application of next-generation foldable technologies, including CTG, to counter major competitors," adding that "the actual adoption will be finalized in the fourth quarter of this year."
Meanwhile, Apple is known to have applied 'G-barrier,' a glass material, not only to the top (cover window UTG) but also to the bottom of the panel for its foldable products to be launched this year to prevent wrinkles in the center. G-barrier is located between the OLED and titanium backplate and can play a role in reducing wrinkles in the foldable panel.
▶ Original Source: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/092/0002432990
