New LG stretchable display expands 50%

Seoul – LG has claimed a ‘world first’ with a new stretchable display that is capable of stretching up to 50%.

Developed by LG Display, the new prototype features a 12-inch screen that stretches up to 18 inches, while delivering a high resolution of 100ppi (pixels per inch) and full red, green, and blue (RGB) colour.

Compared to the first stretchable display prototype unveiled in 2022, the new panel’s maximum elongation rate has more than doubled from 20% to 50%, LG said in a statement 10 Nov.

The enhanced stretchability enables various display design possibilities, raising the technology’s potential competitiveness when commercialised.

To achieve the flexibility, LG said it improved the properties of a special silicon material substrate used in contact lenses and developed a new wiring design structure for the display.

Furthermore, LG said it used a micro-LED light source of up to 40μm (micrometres), which strengthens the durability of the prototype to be repeatedly stretched over 10,000 times while maintaining clear image quality.

In addition to being thin and light, stretchable displays are capable of adhering to irregularly curved surfaces like clothing and skin.

According to LG, the technology is expected to be widely applied in various industries, from fashion and wearables to mobility.

LG Display has been leading a Korean project to develop stretchable displays since 2020 and is currently conducting joint R&D work with 19 domestic institutes to advance the technology.