Regardless of Samsung Electronics’ TV Strategy
Samsung Display to complete QD line installation in 2H20
Regardless of Samsung Electronics’ TV strategy, Samsung Display will commence commercial production of QD OLED panels in 2021, according to Seoul Economic Daily (July 26). The company needs the panels to fill the void left when its lines for large-size LCD panels shut down in 4Q20. To this end, it began installing 8.5G QD OLED etching equipment in early July (to be completed in 2H20).
65” QD panel output capacity forecast at 800k
Samsung Display will begin pilot production of QD displays in 1Q21, with commercial production slated to come in 2Q21. The first QD panel line (Q1 line) will be capable of producing 30k glass sheets per month, accommodating 65” 8K TV panels (3 units) and 32” 4K monitor panels (18 units). Assuming a 75% yield, it will be capable of churning out 800k 65” panels (30k x 3 x 75% x 12 months).
QD OLED to evolve into QNED, in which QD materials and inkjet printing technology are crucial
In the longer term, Samsung Display plans to advance its next-generation large-size panel technology from QD OLED to QNED (quantum dot nano-emitting diode). QNED panels are superior because (1) they can use inkjet printing technology to produce nanorod LEDs, which reduce production cost, and (2) QD materials ensure longer lifespans and a larger color gamut. However, Samsung Display will need two to three years to improve production yield and become capable of mass producing QNED panels. Ultimately, QD panels will be the focus of Samsung Display’s next-generation large-size panel technology. The main beneficiaries will be SEC and Hansol Chemical (a QD material manufacturer).