Product

Initiation & Drive: LCY's presence in 5G resin materials

Amid the ongoing transition to 5G technology in major global markets, LCY is actively exploring the future development and market trends of the communications industry, particularly in the field of advanced resin materials. Recognizing the significant growth potential for materials in high-frequency, high-speed applications, LCY has identified the field of "advanced resin materials," currently dominated by the United States and Japan, as a primary target for research and development efforts.

While the 5G project holds considerable promise, it has also presented significant challenges during the research process. These challenges include the need for interdisciplinary research talent, effective resource allocation, and collaboration across various scientific disciplines. For instance, James Hsu, a member of the research team, brings expertise in fundamental small-molecule synthesis instead of polymerization. Hsu believes that approaching problems from a small molecule perspective and adapting and observing the relevance of trends and design concepts are beneficial to the R&D of 5G resins. Therefore, he initially focused on chemical materials analysis to help the team analyze the structure of small molecules.

As the project progressed, the team needed more support from professionals with engineering backgrounds. This support is essential for addressing challenges such as small-scale reactions to mass production, as well as resolving issues related to pipelines and safety.

Research & Challenges: LCY's research journey

During the project executive, the team began an extensive literature review to gain insight into the internal materials of high-end electronic products. This preliminary effort revealed the critical role of advanced resin materials within the PP layer. In the early stages, however, the team struggled with a somewhat unclear understanding of the synthetic formula. As a result, they decided to seek solutions by venturing beyond the confines of the laboratory and engaging directly with the marketplace, visiting customers one at a time.

"Initially, the experiments were relatively rough around the edges, and we encountered uncertainty regarding where adjustments were needed. To address this, we took a proactive approach and engaged directly with the market. By talking with customers and visiting the Industrial Technology Research Institute, we started to acquire more insight," explained Hsu.

However, the validation process with customers presented significant challenges. For example, sourcing suitable raw materials raised cost issues, even when material performance was deemed excellent. This led to a re-evaluation of the material's cost-effectiveness. In addition to cost-related hurdles, the team encountered materials that performed well in tests but exhibited either inadequate reactivity or oxidation problems in products. However, these setbacks served as catalysts for the team, spurring them to delve deeper into researching and addressing these issues.

In addition to in-house R&D efforts, the team actively sought support from various resources. By collaborating extensively within the industry chain, they gained insight into competitors' strengths and weaknesses, continuously adjusted strategies, and tested solutions. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of front-line customer needs, the team refined molecular designs and sought out competitive feedstock to ensure that the resulting products met the company's stringent requirements across multiple metrics, including price, cost, and reactivity.

Despite numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, the team achieved significant milestones. They successfully resolved oxidation issues while maintaining hydrocarbon purity, improving overall product performance and stability, particularly in telecommunication applications.

Impact & Highlight: Patent and competitive advantage

From small molecules to materials, LCY's proprietary 5G resin, developed and manufactured in-house, has significant advantages derived from its patented synthesis technology. This not only underscores Taiwan's R&D capabilities but also positions LCY as a key player in a market traditionally dominated by individual companies.

Moreover, LCY's localized approach effectively tackles concerns within the industry chain regarding logistical constraints and material supply efficiency. This demonstrates a robust confidence in Taiwan's in-house production capabilities. LCY's localized approach also reflects favorably on the cost. Furthermore, LCY's 5G resin bolsters the competitiveness of associated sectors within the supply chain.

1. Minimizing energy and transmission losses: Helping to reduce energy consumption in processes or minimize degradation from the signal transmission; aligning with industry standards for low interface quality while also meeting the demand for sustainability.
2. Superior rigid board technology for telecom applications: Utilizing the properties of copper foil and low surface roughness, along with hot pressing and glass testing to ensure stable material quality in information transmission efficiency, demonstrating superior performance in 5G applications when compared to previous applications.
3. Formula flexibility with stability: Clients can customize powder or liquid formulations to meet their specific needs. As a solutions provider, LCY actively provides product usage guidelines, ensuring high efficiency and quality while meeting industry-specific requirements.
4. Environmental and safety considerations: Complying with ESG guidelines means avoiding environmentally harmful halogens, balancing thermal performance and flame retardancy, and addressing potential explosions associated with powders. Our efforts reflect a commitment to environmental, material, and personnel safety.

Vision & Pledge: LCY's R&D outlook

LCY understands the rapid pace of change in the technology industry, where talent and innovation are invaluable assets in meeting the challenges of the future. We are committed to continuously improving our team's ability to innovate and collaborate while prioritizing the well-being and professional growth of our employees. By nurturing top talent and fostering a culture of collaboration, we aim to maintain the agility needed to adapt to the evolving market landscape. This includes staying abreast of new technologies and trends, as well as partnering with experts in different fields.

In addition, LCY will deepen its collaborative efforts to gain a better understanding of emerging industry needs. As we venture into new areas of technology, we will ensure that the design and production of our new materials align with the company's ESG policy, thereby upholding our commitment to sustainable development. Whether it's in our processes or product design, we will continue to look for greener ways to minimize our environmental footprint. With extensive R&D resources at our disposal, we are committed to making tangible contributions to global sustainability and advancing smart living.