Abstract
The growth of the FPD market with the diffusion of digital home appliances is
driving the large-format photomask market and prompting some companies to
enter. In order to remain competitive in such circumstances, companies have
been strengthening their technological capabilities and creating higher
value-added products, as well as provide products at reasonable cost and with
a delivery time that satisfies customer demands.
LCD panel manufacturers are sizing up glass substrates every year to catch up
with the trend for larger-size products, including LCD TVs, and to improve
productivity. Today, they are coming up with seventh-generation products.
Larger glass substrates create the demand for larger photomasks
Normally, photomasks are made up of two areas that either let light through or
block light completely. However, multi-tone masks also include areas that
partially let light through. By using multi-tone photomasks with such
characteristics, LCD panel manufacturers are able to reduce production process
time, which leads to a growing need for mask production capabilities. The
production of multi-tone masks requires more sophisticated technology than
that required for regular photomasks. The introduction of cutting-edge
facilities in an innovative manufacturing environment at photomask plants
forms the foundation of competitiveness.
This report examines the market for TFT photomasks for LCD manufacturing.
Markets for masks and LCDs are forecast and market shares presented.
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