From: mk_thisisit
A groundbreaking factory, the first of its kind in the world, has opened in Berlin, Germany, focusing on the printing of light [00:00:00]. This facility is dedicated to the “science fiction technology” of printing light screens that are as thin as a sheet of paper [00:00:52].
Innovation in Printed Light Technology
The core innovation involves printing light in three primary colors: red, green, and blue [00:00:26] [00:21:29]. These are referred to as OLEDs, which are flexible luminous elements [00:15:04]. The ultimate goal is to print screens capable of displaying Ultra HD quality images and moving films [00:15:35] [00:35:49]. Initial tests for printing such screens with pixel matrices were successful in 2019 [00:35:57].
Production Process
The most groundbreaking aspect of this technology is its production process [00:16:49]. Traditionally, OLEDs are produced through complex pad welding processes involving vacuum heating and material evaporation, which are costly and limit shape flexibility [00:17:07] [00:17:19]. Producing the same amount of OLEDs using traditional methods would require ten times the investment, roughly 100 million euros [00:17:26] [00:17:30].
This new process, however, exclusively uses printers normally used for color printing [00:17:36]. Materials are directly applied to plastic foils using these printers [00:17:44]. This method makes the production cheaper and allows the creation of OLED elements in “any shape,” which is virtually impossible with older processes due to the expense of custom masks [00:17:50] [00:18:15]. This digital printing approach represents a significant leap forward [00:18:35]. Currently, this company is the only one utilizing this specific technology [00:19:16].
Factory and Efficiency
The first pilot line was built in Berlin [00:00:23] [00:06:55]. The new factory near Berlin, opened on March 11, cost approximately 10 million euros, considered “crazy cheap” relative to its capabilities [00:14:46] [00:19:24]. The majority of the cost came from the workforce and the engineering team that built the entire machine and process, not just purchased components [00:19:48].
The factory operates in a “Clean Room” with cleanliness standards comparable to semiconductor production [00:34:31]. It features full automation, with robots moving substrates between machines and under printers, eliminating human presence in certain production zones [00:34:44] [00:35:06].
The current efficiency allows for printing about 8,000 square meters of OLEDs per year [00:20:11]. The immediate focus is to scale this production and prove regular, repeatable manufacturing of these luminous elements [00:21:35].
Applications of Printed Screens
The potential applications of printed screens are vast:
- Thin, energy-efficient displays: The technology can transform anything around us where light is needed [00:16:13].
- Smart Packaging: Screens on plastic packaging or other products could display information like expiration dates for food or medicine, or usage instructions [00:16:26] [00:22:15]. This could enable “reusable packaging” and promote a “circular society” by reducing waste [00:26:26] [00:26:30].
- Clothing: Printed light elements can be integrated into clothing to increase visibility [00:16:37] [00:22:04].
- Luxury Products: Currently, the technology is being applied to luxury products to finance further progress [00:21:49].
- Board Games: The company indirectly partnered with Buffel Games to release an interactive, illuminated board game through Walmart, selling about 100,000 pieces [00:20:46] [00:21:07].
The company’s vision extends to enabling further technological advancements, such as printing screens for lenses, potentially leading to completely new applications [00:27:15].
Societal Impact and Future Outlook
The founders believe that this technology can “change the face of the world” not just aesthetically, but by helping humanity become more efficient and live in harmony with nature [00:26:10] [00:26:50].
The company’s valuation is estimated between 100 to 150 million euros [00:22:37]. Despite the potential for significant financial gain, the founders are driven by a larger vision, prioritizing the company’s long-term goals over an immediate sale [00:25:48]. They view money as a “side effect” rather than the ultimate goal [00:27:02].
The speaker notes that fear of technology has historically been unjustified, citing examples like early 20th-century automation improving the quality of life [00:28:28]. He maintains that humanity has always managed technological fluctuations and will ultimately use technology for good [00:29:07].
Technological Innovations in Poland
While the primary factory is in Germany, the company has started investing in Poland, with a sales office and plans to develop R&D and production departments directly for customers in Poland [00:29:32]. The speaker sees Poles as inherently more inclined to take risks and achieve what is considered impossible, attributing this partly to Poland’s history [00:33:09]. He believes that Polish politics has created a good environment for funding companies with “crazy ideas” through VC funds and other vehicles [00:32:38]. The company aims to produce regionally to quickly deliver to markets, including the USA and China [00:29:57].