FineX (Fine Cross)
Development background / Transparent Conductive Film is…
FineX and FineX Pronounced Fine Cross logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Panasonic Holdings Corporation in Japan and other countries.
IWhat is a Transparent Conductive Film?
Transparent conductive films have the function of transmitting both electricity and visible light. ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) has been widely used as a transparent electrode for various applications, such as touch displays or solar battery cells.
IFrom ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) to Metal Mesh
ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) typically has a resistance of tens to hundreds of ohms per square. ITO must be applied in thicker layers to meet the increasing demand for lower resistance in recent years.
However, this thickness can reduce transmissivity and color changes, such as yellowing. To address these challenges, there is a push for developing and using alternative materials to ITO.
One such alternative is themetal mesh, which Panasonic has developed.
IMetal Mesh: Conventional Etching Method
Etching methods are generally used to produce metal meshes, but it is difficult to achieve both low resistance and fine wiring. When large size is required, transmissivity is sacrificed by the increased line width in order to lower the resistance.
In addition, metal remainder at the cross point, which tends to happen in the metal mesh produced by etching process, causes deterioration of appearance.
IMetal Mesh: Panasonic’s proprietary Roll-to-Roll Process
Panasonic has developed the industry’s first* roll-to-roll process to create the double-sided wiring Transparent Conductive Film FineX (Fine Cross).
By using our proprietary method, we achieve a high wiring aspect ratio andproduce the Transparent Conductive Film FineX (Fine Cross), which balances high transmissivity and low resistance.
*According to our research (As current as February 16, 2022).
IMetal Mesh: Fundamental Specifications Comparison
Item | FineX Panasonic’s proprietary Process Metal Mesh |
Conventional Etching Method Metal Mesh |
Wiring Line Width |
2 um or more |
4 um |
Transmissivity |
89 %*1 |
87 %*1 |
Aperture ratio |
96 % |
92 % |
Sheet Resistance |
2 Ω/sq. |
2 Ω/sq. |
Frame Wiring (L/S) |
8/8 um |
15/15 um |
Base material |
PET / PC |
PET / PC |
Bendability |
R2 mm or more*2 |
R2 mm or more*2 |
Comparison with our prototypes.
*1: Including film base material.
*2: Film only