IDTechEx,
the global market research, technology scouting and events firm, finds
that in 2014 three technologies – OLED displays, sensors and conductive
ink – make up 99% of the $23.97 billion market for printed, organic and
flexible electronics. A snapshot of the market size in 2014, based on
research conducted for the new IDTechEx report “Printed, Organic and
Flexible Electronics 2014-2024” (www.IDTechEx.com/pe)
is shown below, highlighting that the range of enabling technologies
involved are at very different points of maturity and profitability.
Source: IDTechEx report Printed, Organic and Flexible Electronics 2014-2024
Three biggest sectors: OLEDs, Sensors, Conductive Ink
The
largest segment so far is OLED displays, commercial now in cellphones,
tablets and TVs, made using vacuum (non printed) processes. The business
has been growing strongly over the last few years due to the onslaught
of competition in the LCD industry and therefore the need to
differentiate. However, OLED TVs have failed to become a commercial
success so far due to their high price but there is strong forward
momentum. Curved and eventually flexible OLEDs are key areas of
development focus.
Sensors
comprise almost exclusively of glucose test strips, where the
electrodes are printed. The glucose test strip market will experience
growth in numbers but revenue growth is less certain as US Medicare
intends to pressure suppliers to reduce cost. Still, the margins until
now have been excellent. Meanwhile many are developing other sensing
solutions, from hybrid organic and CMOS inorganic image sensors to
temperature sensors.
The
mainstay application of conductive ink has been PV bus bars and
fingers, and despite the consolidated PV supplier base the volume growth
in terms of PV wafers produced offsets the progress in reducing the ink
consumption through better structures and process efficiencies.
Secondly, as the touch panel market grows in consumer electronics it is
driving demand for more conductive ink for the edge bezel electrodes.
Hot sectors
IDTechEx
note that in particular, hot sectors are transparent conductive films
targeted to larger area touch panels, with metal mesh and nanowire
solutions in the lead so far. 2014 has seen sluggish adoption of ITO
alternatives as laptop touch screen demand uptake has been slower than
anticipated, but capacity is now beginning to fill up.
However,
most importantly, the industry is now becoming much better placed to
serve customers - strong ecosystems have been developed by some
suppliers to move the focus to complete solution based offerings rather
than a technology component offering. Government investments around the
World are also rightly focussing on reducing capex risks for companies
wishing to get products off the ground, and are indeed helping companies
make product.
Additionally,
the progress of wearable technology is of increasing interest and focus
of developers. It requires the new form factors that printed, organic
and flexible electronics can offer for products that can be priced to
have reasonable margin.
Latest Printed Electronics Assessment
IDTechEx
saves clients time and money and helps them to make the best decisions
by providing impartial assessment of emerging technologies. We have
served clients in 80 countries from our bases in Japan, UK, Germany and
the US. The latest report “Printed, Organic and Flexible Electronics
2014-2024” (www.IDTechEx.com/pe)
provides granular market forecasts by technology type over a ten year
period, based on conducting hundreds of interviews. Critically, we
interview end users to find out what they need. It covers the trends,
market place and technology developments and roadmaps versus end user
needs. For those looking to gain the latest insights and exploit the
unmet opportunities, see www.IDTechEx.com/pe.
Meeting customers
IDTechEx hosts the world’s largest event on the topic – Printed Electronics USA - in Santa Clara on November 19-20 (www.PrintedElectronicsUSA.com).
With 200 exhibitors and 2,500 attendees expected, this event showcases
the applications and emerging technologies. Critically, it focusses on
bringing the technology to market by focussing the event around
applications. Companies such as Jaguar Landrover, Samsung, Hallmark,
Adidas, Lockheed Martin, Osram and many others will discuss their needs
and experiences with the technology.
