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EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Convertech Japan 2013

Recently, January 30-February 1, I visited Convertech Japan 2013, another high-tech trade show held at Tokyo Big Sight. The event was approximately 30% smaller compared to the InterNEPCON exhibition held at the same location two weeks ago. 

This trade show was originally organized for companies affiliated with conversion technologies to showcase and demonstrate their latest technologies, products, and materials, including film formation, lamination, and surface treatment. Over the last few years, the show has expanded its scope to include electronics and electronic materials, with conversion technologies now considered secondary at the show. I estimate that more than two-thirds of exhibitors were pitching products or materials from the electronics industry.

The majority of vendors were focused on coating and printing and almost all of the printing vendors had converted to printed electronics. The equipment on display included screen-printers, inkjet printers, and gravure printers designed for manufacturing microelectronics. The type of inks used for these printers are nano and copper inks and many ink manufacturers were also present at the show.   The most interesting products were the nano inks used with inkjet printers. A representative from one of the inkjet manufacturers was very excited about the increase in business from their prototype production line. Unfortunately, no examples were available to verify any volume business applications. Conversely, vendors who showcased traditional printing equipment, such as screen printers, did have orders for some of their larger volume production customers.

Nanotechnologies was the most popular topic throughout the show. Almost one-third of floor space was occupied with companies in this area. Representation ranged from manufacturers and vendors, to technical colleges and R&D organizations such as Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany and AIST in Japan. NEDO, an R&D organization for the Japanese government, built a huge display exhibit to showcase progress with nanotechnologies. Many prefectures and towns in Japan had their own booths and organized local manufacturers to feature their unique technologies. Countries from Germany, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Czech, Australia, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Iran, the U.S., and Canada were also present to introduce the latest technologies from their venture firms. The U.S. booth was relatively small, but the one from the state of Illinois was a bit larger.

One unique aspect of the convention is the free, open-air seminars. More than 15 auditoriums were prepared for hundreds of speakers to introduce their latest technologies and new products. It was standing-room only for all of these seminars.

I have not discovered the true meaning of the word nanotechnology. Many types of technologies and materials that have the word “nano” tied to them, but I have yet to hear the true meaning. Most of the companies that displayed “nano” products, had items that were smaller than micrometers. Maybe a product that is smaller than “x” is considered nano?

I recognized a few other terms floating around the exhibition floor, but I can't quite define them. These include: Mobile electronics, clean energies, photovoltaic cells, smart batteries, functional displays, and organic transistors. One thing many of these devices share is that they are still in the R&D stage and it may take another 10 years to appear on the commercial market. The exception to this was a thin, flexible display from Plastic Logic. The company's general manager told me it was ready to receive volume orders.

I did not come across any earth-shattering practical technologies or products. However, I realized that this is not the place to discover today's or tomorrow’s business--this is the show that presents concept technologies and products of the future. These products may be available in the next 10 or 20 years, but, for now, are not practical.

Dominique K. Numakura, dnumakura@dknresearch.com DKN Research, www.dknresearchllc.com

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Headlines of the Week

(Please contact haverhill@dknreseach.com for further information on the news.)1. Hitachi Chemical (Major electronic material supplier in Japan) 1/29The company will build a new volume manufacturing line for transparent conductive transfer film (TCTF) for touch screen applications.2. Teijin (Major organic material supplier in Japan) 1/30The supplier has unveiled a new heat resistant PEN film, “Teonex,” with high transparency for flexible optical devices.3. Toshiba (Major electric & electronics company in Japan) 1/30The company has developed a new transparent conductive film by a hybrid technology of graphene and silver nanowire formed on a thin plastic film. 4. Hitachi Zosen (Major equipment supplier in Japan) 1/29The supplier has developed a new volume manufacturing technology of sheet shape carbon nanotube introducing a RTR CVD process.5. Seiko NPC (Electronic device manufacturer in Japan) 1/30The manufacturer has commercialized a new broad-range spot light sensor “SM3320.” It covers infrared to ultraviolet light with high sensitivity and low noise. 6. Murata (Electronic device manufacturer in Japan) 2/1The manufacturer will acquire the magnetic resistance (MR) sensor business of NEC.  7. Panasonic (Major electronics company in Japan) 2/4The company has developed a new color image sensor with higher sensitivity by introducing newly-developed micro dispersion mechanisms.  8. Fuji Electric (Major electric equipment manufacturer in Japan) 2/6The manufacturer will roll out a new quick battery charger (25kW by CHAdeMO standard) for electric vehicles in the U.S. The device has UL certification.9. Panasonic (Major electronics company in Japan) 2/6The company has begun volume shipment of HIT photovoltaic cells from its new plant in Malaysia. The annual manufacturing capacity of the new plant is 300MW.10. Sharp (Major electronics company in Japan) 2/7The company has developed a new 100W class LED, “GW7GAL50SGC,” as a lighting source with new heat conductive substrates.11. Fujitsu & Panasonic (Major electronics companies in Japan) 2/7The companies have agreed to create a new joint venture for the design and development of system LSIs. Current business will be transferred to the new JV.Recent Articles from DKN ResearchTo view the complete list of DKN Research articles, click here.