Since the introduction of Sony’s large-sized modular micro-LED display in 2017, other companies, including Samsung and LG, have successively made advances in micro-LED development, in turn generating much buzz for the technology’s potential in the large-sized display market, Emissive micro-LED TVs are expected to arrive on the market between 2021 and 2022. Even so, many technological and cost-related challenges are yet to be solved, meaning that micro-LED TVs will remain ultra-high-end luxury products at least during the technology’s initial stage of commercialization. Of which has also given a great challenge to Nexteck Technology Pte Ltd. R&D team in the packing and protection in reel and tape in cover tape, carrier tape to micro-LED

Also micro-LED technology is likely to first enter the market in several applications, including small-sized head-mounted augmented reality (AR) devices, wearables such as smartwatches, high-margin products such as automotive displays, and niche products such as high-end TVs and large-sized commercial displays.

After this initial wave of products, micro-LED technology will subsequently also see gradual integration in mid-sized tablets, notebook computers and desktop monitors.

In particular, micro-LEDs will see the highest potential for growth in the large-sized display market, mainly since these products have a relatively low technological barrier.

Driven primarily by TV and large-sized display integration, micro-LED chip revenue is expected to reach $2.3bn in 2024.

Taiwanese and Korean manufacturers working to overcome technical and cost-related roadblocks

The vast majority of micro-LED TVs and large-sized displays feature a traditional LED architecture of RGB LED chip packages paired with passive matrix (PM) drivers. Not only is PM costly to implement but it is also limited in terms of how far the pixel pitch of the display can be decreased, making micro-LED technology viable for only commercial displays currently.

Korean companies (Samsung/LG), Taiwanese companies (Innolux/AUO) and Chinese companies (Tianma/CSOT) have all now demonstrated their respective AM display applications. Regarding the LED light source, Samsung has partnered with Taiwan-based PlayNitride to create a full-color micro-LED display manufactured using semi-mass-transfer of RGB LED chips. This process differs from the traditional method of LED display manufacturing, which utilizes RGB LED chip packaging technology instead. Conversely, Taiwan-based panel makers AUO and Innolux have pioneered a color-rendering technology that combines blue-light LED chips with quantum dots or LED phosphors. Nexteck Singapore Pte Ltd is well prepared to support in advance packing solution and precision reel and tape.