Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd showcased a light guide plate made with an ink-jet technology at FPD International 2012 from Oct 31 to Nov 2, 2012, in Yokohama, Japan.

It is targeted at LCD panels using an LED backlight such as of TVs and monitors. The light guide plate was made by using an ink-jet technology to form a concave-convex pattern with an ultraviolet curable resin on the "Sumipex," Sumitomo Chemical's acrylic resin. The diameter of the pattern can be controlled between 30-70μm.

Compared with light guide plates made by using an injection molding or screen printing method, the diameter of the new light guide plate's pattern is smaller, enabling to reduce the thickness of the plate. Moreover, because the plate is made with an ink-jet technology, the concave-convex pattern can be easily changed.

Sumitomo Chemical disclosed that, "We have already completed investment in facilities and aims to start volume production this year."