Korean media The Elec reported on June 17 that Samsung is collaborating with Hansol Chemical to develop next-generation quantum dot (QD) TV panel technology. The goal is to simplify the structure and reduce manufacturing costs.
Currently, Samsung's QLED TV screens use a five-layer QD film design: "Barrier film - PET substrate - QD layer - PET substrate - Barrier film". The two barrier films, which prevent moisture and oxygen damage, account for 40% of the total cost.
To cut costs, Samsung and Hansol Chemical are working on a three-layer design: "PET substrate - QD layer - PET substrate". This removes the barrier films entirely, keeping only the PET substrates and QD layer. While this simplifies production, it exposes the sensitive QD layer to environmental risks like humidity and oxygen.
To address this, Samsung proposes individually encapsulating each quantum dot. By coating each particle, they aim to protect it from environmental damage, eliminating the need for barrier films. However, the key challenge is achieving this at a lower cost for mass production. If encapsulation costs exceed current barrier film expenses, the advantage disappears.
Samsung has invested years in R&D, but The Elec notes that moving from lab to production will take time. If successful, QD film costs could drop by ~40%, lowering overall QLED TV manufacturing expenses.
This breakthrough would give Samsung three advantages:
1. Higher profit margins
2. More competitive pricing for consumers
3. Stronger market position against rivals
Analysts warn that challenges like encapsulation stability and mass-production yield must be solved first. Immediate results are unlikely.
Currently, Samsung's QLED TV screens use a five-layer QD film design: "Barrier film - PET substrate - QD layer - PET substrate - Barrier film". The two barrier films, which prevent moisture and oxygen damage, account for 40% of the total cost.
To cut costs, Samsung and Hansol Chemical are working on a three-layer design: "PET substrate - QD layer - PET substrate". This removes the barrier films entirely, keeping only the PET substrates and QD layer. While this simplifies production, it exposes the sensitive QD layer to environmental risks like humidity and oxygen.
To address this, Samsung proposes individually encapsulating each quantum dot. By coating each particle, they aim to protect it from environmental damage, eliminating the need for barrier films. However, the key challenge is achieving this at a lower cost for mass production. If encapsulation costs exceed current barrier film expenses, the advantage disappears.
Samsung has invested years in R&D, but The Elec notes that moving from lab to production will take time. If successful, QD film costs could drop by ~40%, lowering overall QLED TV manufacturing expenses.
This breakthrough would give Samsung three advantages:
1. Higher profit margins
2. More competitive pricing for consumers
3. Stronger market position against rivals
Analysts warn that challenges like encapsulation stability and mass-production yield must be solved first. Immediate results are unlikely.
