メインコンテンツにスキップ

P&I Innovations

Case Study #04

Digital interface-related

Connecting with information, sharing emotions.
To deliver an intuitive and emotionally rich visual experience.

DNP's Vision for a Better Future

A society where people can live safe, secure, healthy, and fulfilling lives

A society that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability

Issues and Needs Focused On: The evolution of displays supporting the expansion of information devices such as smartphones.

Display technology, which has evolved from cathode ray tubes to liquid crystal displays and then to organic EL displays, is an indispensable technology for all information devices. In recent years, with the increasing size of home televisions and the diversification of devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and in-car devices, there is a growing need for expanded applications and higher functionality of displays.

DNP has a long history of supporting displays, dating back to the post-war period of rapid economic growth when cathode ray tube televisions became widespread, spurred by events like the Tokyo Olympics. Now, in response to changing technology and needs, DNP is working to further evolve its core products, such as optical films and metal masks for manufacturing organic EL displays.

P&I – Strengths in "manufacturing" created and developed through printing – "Optical film" and "metal mask" essential for displays (World's No. 1 market share*)

DNP's involvement in the display field began in 1958 with the development of shadow masks for cathode ray tube televisions. Since then, DNP has continued to provide core components as displays have evolved.

As liquid crystal displays became more widespread, there was a growing demand for optical films that could perform anti-reflective and anti-glare functions on the screen surface. In response, DNP launched a manufacturing project in 1995. Leveraging precision coating technology based on printing coating technology, they proceeded with development, enhanced their competitiveness by introducing multi-layer coating equipment, and developed a lineup of over 100 types tailored to various applications and functions.

Meanwhile, development of metal masks used in the manufacturing of organic EL displays began in 2001. A metal mask is an extremely thin metal plate with countless tiny holes punched in it, and its role is to precisely and accurately adhere organic materials for color generation to the designated positions on the display substrate. DNP has refined its microfabrication technology while leading the development of shadow masks, which are essential for cathode ray tubes, and by applying this technology, it has established mass production technology for metal masks that precisely arrange tens of millions of holes on a metal plate.

All of these products utilize technologies essential for high-definition, highly visible displays, and have achieved the top market share worldwide*.

  • * "Optical Film" holds the No. 1 global market share for anti-reflection film (AR film) and anti-glare films for display surfaces.

TAIWA (dialogue) and cooperation–TAIWA (dialogue) and cooperation between All DNP and diverse partners – Strengthening manufacturing to meet diverse needs through the expansion of production systems.

Optical films are increasingly required to have a variety of functions, including not only low reflectivity and anti-glare, but also foldability, UV protection, stain resistance, and anti-static properties. DNP is further deepening its optical design and material development technologies to control light, enabling the development of components with diverse functions tailored to the shape of devices and usage environments. In particular, to strengthen its ability to meet the needs of large screens, DNP has started operating a production line for optical films mainly for large-screen televisions at its Mihara Plant (Hiroshima).

Regarding metal masks, we have refined our unique microfabrication technology, contributing to the manufacture of high-definition organic EL displays. To meet the demand for large screens, we have also introduced a production line capable of mass-producing large items at our Kurosaki Plant (Fukuoka).

Furthermore, we are promoting collaboration with many partners, including DNP group companies and materials manufacturers, as well as joint development with customers. By advancing these TAIWA (dialogue) and cooperation, we will strengthen the process from research and development to mass production, contributing to responding to increasingly diverse needs and advancing display technology.

P&I
Innovation

P&I
(Unique technologies, know-how, and skills)

Optical films for displays
Optical design technology, materials development technology,
Precision coating technology
Metal Mask
Microfabrication technology
(Photolithography technology, etching technology)

A partner to accelerate your business.

Mihara Plant (Hiroshima)
Manufacturing of optical films up to 2,500 mm wide
Introducing a suitable coating device
Kurosaki Factory (Fukuoka)
Compatible with 8th generation (G8) size
For the manufacture of organic EL displays
Operation of the metal mask production line

A society that can intuitively enjoy information and emotions through rich and sensitive communication.

DNP will contribute to the evolution of displays and the enhancement of visual experiences by providing optical films and metal masks with diverse functions.

High-definition images and realistic color reproduction allow for the free expression of thoughts and feelings. Everyone can access necessary information instantly and without stress. Furthermore, we will support the creation of an environment where people and information connect more deeply and intuitively in various aspects of life, such as living spaces, travel spaces, public facilities, and educational settings, enabling the equal sharing of emotions and knowledge.

Through enhanced display performance and improved usability, we will continue to support a "comfortable communication society" where people around the world can enjoy the information they need and new experiences, and live with smiles and fulfillment.

Going forward, we will anticipate needs in the display field, further refine our technology to ensure the supply of high-quality and stable products, and apply the technologies we have cultivated in optical films and metal masks to fields other than displays, aiming to expand into new growth areas.

Leveraging DNP's strength in "P&I" (Personal and Industrial Integration), we will create unprecedented new value together with our many partners.

We will continue creating new value to help realize a more sustainable society and richer, more fulfilling lives.

DNP releases information such as news releases and videos through its official accounts. Please take a look.