Samsung today announced that it has developed unbreakable flexible OLED panel. Current-generation flexible display products attach a glass-covered window to their display that often breaks when severely impacted, but this uses unbreakable substrate and an overlay window securely adhered to it that makes it more durable.
Samsung also said that the unbreakable smartphone panel has been certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), and it did not show any sign of damage during subsequent 1.8M (nearly 6 feet) drop tests – significantly higher than the U.S. military standard. Samsung said that it can also be used in automobiles, mobile military devices, portable game consoles and tablet PCs for e-learning.
After a drop test administered at 1.2 meters (nearly 4 feet) above the ground 26 times in succession, and accompanying high (71 degrees) and low (-32 degrees) temperature tests, the Samsung unbreakable panel continued to function normally with no damage to its front, sides or edges, according to UL. The company did say when we can expect it in smartphones.
Hojung Kim, general manager of the Communication Team, Samsung Display Company, said:
The fortified plastic window is especially suitable for portable electronic devices not only because of its unbreakable characteristics, but also because of its lightweight, transmissivity and hardness, which are all very similar to glass.