[News] Micro LED Capacity Expanded: Tianma Completes Micro LED Full-Process Integration

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On December 30, Tianma announced the successful full process integration of its Micro LED production line.

(Photo credit: Tianma)

At the ceremony marking this milestone, Tianma showcased a self-developed PID standard display module. This standard module is built on Tianma’s LTPS-based glass backplane and uses the company’s proprietary full-laser mass transfer technology. It enables seamless, bezel-free display splicing without size limitations.

Tianma officially began constructing its full-process Micro LED production line in 2022, with a total investment of 1.1 billion RMB. The line focuses on the development of mass transfer technologies based on TFT substrates, targeting automotive displays as a key application area.

The production line employs a fully laser-based process and is equipped with customized automated mass transfer and bonding equipment. During the construction phase, Tianma collaborated with upstream and downstream supply chain partners to develop over 30 mass-production devices and materials for the first time, achieving a production line integration driven by proprietary technologies.

At an innovation conference in November, Tianma revealed that after achieving full-process integration by the end of 2024, it plans to enhance production yield and efficiency by 2025, moving towards small-scale production.

As a famous display panel manufacturer, Tianma has been investing in Micro LED technology since 2017, focusing on high PPI, high brightness, and high transparency display technologies. The company has introduced a range of Micro LED products, including high-transparency, seamless splicing, adjustable transparency, ultra-low reflection transparency, and ultra-high PPI displays.

Significant Progress in Micro LED Production Lines in 2024

The year 2024 has seen continuous advancements in Micro LED technology, especially in production. Several Micro LED projects have reached key milestones, entering mass production and commercial phases. As production capacity continues to expand, Micro LED technology is poised for broader application on a larger scale.

In December, VISTAR illuminated China’s first TFT-based Micro LED mass production line. With an investment of 3 billion RMB, the fully self-designed line incorporates several “first-of-its-kind” production devices developed jointly with equipment manufacturers. The line also integrates an intelligent production system within its clean production areas and supporting facilities.

In November, BOE HC SEMITEK’s 6-inch Micro LED mass production line in Zhuhai commenced operation, producing Micro LED wafers and pixel devices. These products target ultra-large and ultra-small high-definition display scenarios, such as commercial large displays, AR/VR headsets, and wearable devices. Once fully operational, the line will have an annual production capacity of 24,000 Micro LED wafers (6-inch) and 45,000 KKs of Micro LED pixel devices.

During the same month, Leyard’s first-phase, fully self-developed next-generation high-end MIP production line at its Wuxi Lijing facility began operations. The line produces advanced MIP products featuring full-flip-chip, substrate-free Micro LED chips smaller than 50μm, with an initial production capacity of 1,200 KK/month. The second-phase expansion is expected to double the capacity to 2,400 KK/month, further driving cost reduction and efficiency gains in Micro LED products.

In June, Sitan technology’s Micro LED production line project achieved mass production, with an annual design capacity of 6 million display chips. The project supports downstream applications in AR/VR and automotive displays.

In March, Lp Display’s first-phase Micro LED COB project entered production, with an annual capacity of 50,000 square meters of Micro LED COB display panels. These products are mainly used in large-scale commercial displays, big data monitoring centers, smart conference centers, and intelligent terminal displays.

Micro LED Industry Outlook

Thanks to concerted efforts in the LED industry, Micro LED is advancing steadily toward becoming a mature technology. According to TrendForce, Micro LED chip production value is expected to reach approximately $38.8 million in 2024, with large-scale displays being the primary contributors. By 2025, the production value is projected to grow to around $78.5 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of about 102%.

As technical bottlenecks are overcome and applications such as automotive displays and full-color AR glasses mature, the Micro LED chip production value is forecast to increase to $489 million by 2028.

(Photo credit: Tianma)