A Roll of Light

"In this project, REHAU is venturing into the market of printed electronics. With our know-how in the processing of polymer materials, we are trying to integrate OLED films into edgebands and profiles," explains Dr.-Ing. Constanze Ranfeld, Corporate Research & Development / Advanced Technologies at REHAU. If the project is successful, these profiles could light up in aircraft cabins, for example, as a design highlight. Moreover, the advanced, film-based and therefore flexible OLEDs could be used for numerous other application areas. The polymer specialist also sees possible applications in the automotive sector. REHAU demonstrates the new design freedom, which OLED lighting brings, in its technology carrier Smart Backend. On the rear of the vehicle, the films have been integrated into the lights in a spiral and thus created a unique optical effect. The integration of OLEDs into REHAU products fits perfectly within REHAU’s strategic direction. The company’s goal  is continuous development. The polymer specialist invests in innovative technologies, in order to be able to supply high-quality and high-tech products to its customers.

There are, however, commercialization obstacles, which must be overcome before the technology reaches the mass market. Two of these are price intensity and limited availability: "OLEDs could become the lights of the future. Initially, however, technology scale up and commercial price points must be achieved," Ranfeld emphasizes. Lyteus is helping companies such as REHAU to bridge this gap. Integration into windows would also be conceivable. "Panes of glass that are transparent in the daytime and light up the room in the evening are visions for the future, though," the developer explains.