New 3M-BOE Lab Targets Better Bonding for Foldable and Advanced Displays
3M, a global materials science and manufacturing company, and BOE, a display technology manufacturer, have opened a joint R&D laboratory focused on materials for next-generation LCD, OLED, and MLED displays.
Among the technologies being developed are optically clear adhesives and structural adhesives for applications including foldable displays and ultra-narrow bezel designs. According to the companies, the collaboration is intended to integrate materials development earlier in the display design process, helping new technologies move from testing into mass production more quickly.
For display and electronics manufacturers, adhesive performance is especially important in flexible and foldable devices, where bonded layers must maintain optical clarity and mechanical reliability while repeatedly bending and flexing.
3M and BOE said their previous work has already supported mass-produced flexible display technologies. 3M optical adhesives and customized bonding solutions have been used in BOE foldable displays, while a newly demonstrated mirror-like “crease-free” OLED display incorporates 3M foldable optical adhesive technology.
The joint laboratory will also use simulation, optical testing, and mechanical reliability testing to evaluate new materials and display configurations before commercialization.
In addition to consumer electronics, the companies are developing technologies for automotive displays, including full-screen cockpit displays and other advanced panel applications. Future collaboration may also extend into areas such as optical interconnects, glass-based packaging substrates, and perovskite photovoltaics.
Source: 3M / BOE