Direct printing is not winning in the transparent conductive film area

Direct printing is a method of creating transparent conductive films based on the metal mesh concept. Silver nanoparticles can be deposited on flexible substrates using high-throughput deposition techniques such as flexo and gravure printing. Direct printing has the potential to lower cost when the production volumes are high. The sheet resistance can also be low and the BoM small despite using expensive (in $/m2) silver nanoparticles. The linewidth however is around 20-25 um and is therefore visible to the naked eye. The surface is also highly corrugated, requiring a planarising agent when the device stack is ultrathin (e.g., OLEDs). We will assess the technology, trends and players commercialising directly-printed metal mesh transparent conductive films. In particular, we will describe the key production technologies, assess key product performance metrics, carry out detailed SWOT analysis, highlight current and likely future uses, and identify key players globally.