TAB/COF Market Application Demand Analysis 2016

In this report, we specifically analyzed the market, suppliers, and application trends related to 2-metal COF, as well as the future demand.

In February 2015, the 2-metal COF market began to take off. Suppliers, following the lead of the early manufacturers, increased the number of entrants in 2016. Furthermore, by 2018, the likelihood of 2-metal COF being used in driver ICs for Apple iPhone displays is increasing. The 2-metal COF market is starting to take shape for flexible OLEDs and has the potential for significant growth. While 2-metal COF presents challenges, it is a high-value-added product that is likely to contribute significantly to the market and profits for COF manufacturers, potentially driving growth in the COF market moving forward. For COF used in LCDs, although there has been a recovery due to the shift to 4K, 2015 saw significant fluctuations in the demand balance for LCDs, LDI, and COF. While LCD panels for IT have completely shrunk, production volume has increased due to the 4K effect for TVs. Nevertheless, the COF market has shown stark differences between the first and second halves of the year, with a challenging situation expected in the latter half. Still, inventory adjustments are progressing, and the transition to 4K is steadily advancing. Production for 8K is also expected to progress after 2018.

LCD displayDedicated IC