Adenso implements ITO coating on ultra thin glass (UTG)

Rollable glass with thin layers for flexible electronics

Ultra thin glass – thinner than a human hair and therefore rollable – is a novel substrate that is far superior to plastic.
Its main advantages include that it is hermetically sealed against moisture and oxygen, its high chemical resistance, ideal isolation and excellent optical properties, as well as its high surface stability.

Handling ultra thin glass with a roll system (R2R) is a basic requirement for the low-cost and high-volume production of IoE applications (R2R).
“We overcame this key problem with creativity and numerous test series,” explains Uwe Beier, CEO and head of the Flexible Materials program area.

“Thanks to the insights we gained, we can now apply thin layers for glass-based flex electronics in a compact process module. The market now has a system platform on which processes for this new substrate can be developed quickly and efficiently,” Beier continued.

The tasks along the value chain, material – R2R handling – processing – product, are so complex that they are favourably implemented in closely interlinked cooperations: “Thankfully, our network includes all necessary technologies,” Beier explains – “and in Organic Electronic Saxony (OES), we have a network partner with international experience who provides competent support when it comes to initiating business connections.”

These are ideal conditions for new applications and products of the IoE:
“We are determined to use the advantages of this new substrate to open up completely new applications,” Beier goes on. “The vision of the Internet of Everything (IoE) is becoming tangible, an all-encompassing reality.”

Adenso’s partner network includes all necessary technologies, allowing it to cover all relevant processes:

Creavac is our partner for process competence on thin layers in high-vacuum environments. (www.creavac.de)

The cluster competence of Organic Electronic Saxony (OES) is our development partner for expanding the technology network on an international level, as demonstrated by this example of successful cooperation between Japanese and Saxon companies. (www.oes-net.de)

Adenso offers cross-sectional competencies and technologies from the areas of engineering, vacuum and automation across industries. For Adenso customers, specific prototypes, research modules and production systems of all sizes form the basis for globally successful business models. With a keen eye for market needs, Adenso also develops its own products and special solutions for cluster handling and high-vacuum environments. (www.adenso.de)