Flexible OLEDs Take Photonics Technologies from Lab to Market

At the moment, not a day passes without exciting news on printed electronics. Therefore, it is no surprise, that we gave these future technologies a prominent platform once again with our PEPSO area for innovative printed electronic products at drupa 2016 and still bear them in mind with a view at drupa 2020. Among the promising solutions from this field are organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Thanks to PI-SCALE, it is now economically attractive to realize innovative products with flexible OLEDs even for SMEs.

Bridging the Gap Between R&D and Mass Production of Flexible OLEDs

The European project steps up to shape the future in OLED lighting and supports EU companies in taking their ideas from lab to market. As it also counts for PIX4LIFE and MIRPHAB, shall help high-tech SMEs to release their photonics technologies. By creating an open access line for the manufacturing and system-level integration of flexible OLEDs, the project managers aim to boost the European market for flexible OLEDs. Despite its great potential, smaller players often do not have access to the infrastructure and expertise needed to test, scale up and commercialise new and innovative products.

It was in late 2016 that PI-SCALE demonstrated the first pilot of flexible OLEDs, which can be used as a raw material for special lighting applications in healthcare, architecture, and transportation. These OLED stripes, which can be produced using a roll-to-roll or a sheet-to-sheet process, can be scaled up to 15 meters, an efficiency of over 30 lumens per watt and nearly 100 percent yield.

High-Class Customers Waiting for Unique Customized Flexible OLEDs

PI-SCALE, which is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 688093, is expected to be completed in December 2018. But it is likely to supply first customers such as Audi, REHAU, emdedesign GmbH or Pilkington with flexible OLEDs on thin-glass or plastic foil already in July 2017.

Which inventions could PI-SCALE make possible? Let us know your ideas in the comment section below!

Cover picture: PI-SCALE