Definition
A glass substrate is a thin glass sheet with an extremely flat surface. There are three production methods: float, overflow down-drawing, and slit down-drawing.
Principle
A layer of In2O3 or SnO2 transparent conductive layer, namely ITO film, is vapor-deposited on the surface. The transparent conductive pattern is formed by photolithography. These graphics are composed of pixel graphics and outer lead graphics. Therefore, the outer leads cannot be conventionally soldered, and can only be connected by conductive rubber strips or conductive tapes. If it is scratched, cut or corroded, the device will be scrapped.
Although this component only accounts for 17% of the total cost of the LCD panel, it is the most delicate, and the transportation cost is very high, and its output directly affects the output of color filters and other components above the 5th generation line. The most critical part of panel production.
Development prospects
More than 99% of the global TFT-LCD glass substrate supply is concentrated in the hands of several major manufacturers such as Corning in the United States and Asahi Glass of Japan. There are also several companies in Europe. However, most of the production is in cooperation with Japanese manufacturers, and the share is still less than 1%. Only Corning and Asahi Glass can supply glass substrates for the fifth and sixth generation lines. Among them, Corning occupies more than 50% of the global market share.
In addition, a team based on China National Building Materials Group and Hebei Dongxu Group has also begun to build liquid crystal glass substrate production bases in Chengdu, Mianyang, Shijiazhuang and Zhengzhou. These glass substrate production lines will make a great contribution to the development of my country's LCD industry.