Stretchable displays are the ultimate flexible tech, allowing screens to stretch, fold, and twist into any shape.
LG Display has unveiled the world’s first stretchable display, capable of expanding up to 50%—the highest elongation rate in the industry. The groundbreaking technology features a 12-inch screen that stretches up to 18 inches while simultaneously delivering a high resolution of 100ppi (pixels per inch) and full red, green, and blue (RGB) color.
The company showcased the technology on Nov. 8 at LG Science Park in Seoul during a meeting with over 100 industry, academic, and research leaders involved in a national stretchable display project.
Unlike the first stretchable technology, unveiled in 2022, the new technology panel’s maximum elongation rate has more than doubled from 20% to 50%. Because of this enhanced stretchability, the possibility of the technology’s potential competitiveness has been increased.
This enhanced stretchability and flexibility are the result of a special silicon material substrate used in contact lenses and a new wiring design structure. Also, they used a micro-LED light source of up to 40μm (micrometers) to strengthen durability. This means it can be repeatedly stretched over 10,000 times without compromising clear image quality, even in extreme environments such as exposure to low or high temperatures and external shocks.
The benefits of stretchable displays include their thinness and lightweight ability to adhere to irregularly curved surfaces like clothing and skin. These plus points make them useful for several industries, from fashion and wearables to mobility.
During the announcement, the company unveiled several concepts for stretchable displays, such as an automotive panel that extends into a convex shape and can be interacted with by hand and a wearable display for firefighters’ uniforms that delivers real-time information.