Jabil Jumps Ahead of the Curve with Advanced, New Seamless Touch Screen Integration for Smooth, Sleek 3D Mobile Phone Designs
Collaboration with Touch Screen Leader Delivers OEM Benefits of Design Freedom, Supply Chain Optimization and System Cost Reduction
BARCELONA, Spain – February 19, 2010 – Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE: JBL), one of the world’s largest electronic manufacturing services (EMS) companies and leading vertically integrated mobility solutions provider, today announced a revolutionary new technology to seamlessly integrate touch screens into molded plastic cover lenses for greatly improved 3D mobile phone designs. This new integrated touch screen solution is the result of the close collaboration and co-development work between Jabil | Green Point, Jabil’s Mobility sector group, and JTouch, one of the top five touch screen manufacturers in the world. Using proprietary ultraviolet (UV)-cured glue lamination to improve performance, the new technology gives OEMs greatly expanded design flexibility and higher yields than existing competitive materials. Jabil | Green Point announced the new integration offering here at Mobile World Congress and is demonstrating the high-end solution in stand H59, in hall 2.
“Bezels and seams on mobile devices are unacceptable by today’s highly sophisticated consumers,” said Gordon Ness, business unit director for Emerging Technologies, Jabil | Green Point. “The percentage of mobile and smart phones with touch screens is projected to rise from 25 to 35 percent in the next two-to-three years* driven largely by accelerating consumer demand for even more elegant, smooth surfaces; aesthetically pleasing curves; and improved user experience. Together with JTouch, we can now lead this trend by offering global mobile OEMs a high-performance, state-of-the-art solution with outstanding aesthetics and functional benefits to help them create innovative and differentiated products.”
The new seamless touch screen integration technology from Jabil | Green Point and JTouch does not have the significant drawbacks of traditional approaches. It utilizes the UV-cured glue with specialized equipment to smoothly laminate the touch screen onto the curved plastic A-cover. This produces a seamless result that protects against water and dust and provides a high level of light transmission. Unlike optically clear adhesive (OCA), which is designed for flat covers and may leave air bubbles on curved surfaces, the UV glue seamlessly adapts to the shape of the cover. Also, liquid UV-cured glue permits rework prior to curing for higher yields, while OCA bonds immediately and is immovable on contact, generating a significant percentage of scrap.
Strategic Collaboration Streamlines Development Efforts for OEMs
By joining their areas of expertise to deliver a combined solution, Jabil | Green Point and JTouch have accelerated the availability of this advanced new integration technology, while simplifying supply chain management via a one-stop-shop approach. OEMs can now more easily and quickly address emerging trends and the hottest styles, and deliver the reliable high-performance and functionality that global consumers want.
“The speed of technological advancement is driving the formation of strategic relationships to accelerate time to market for new products and to provide fully integrated solutions instead of multiple component interaction,” said Yu-ChouYeh, chairman and chief executive officer, JTouch Corporation. “Our collaboration with Jabil | Green Point is a perfect example of this. We look forward to continuing our co-development efforts to lead the technology curve by driving newer and better next-generation mobility advancements for our customers.”
About Jabil
Jabil is an electronic product solutions company providing comprehensive electronics design, manufacturing and product management services to global electronics and technology companies. Jabil helps bring electronics products to the market faster and more cost effectively by providing complete product supply chain management around the world. With approximately 85,000 employees and facilities in 22 countries, Jabil provides comprehensive, individualized-focused solutions to customers in a broad range of industries. Jabil common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "JBL". Further information is available on the company's website: www.jabil.com.
About JTouch
JTouch develops and manufactures touch panels in various sizes, for a wide range of industries. With a world-class R&D team, the company strives to provide customers with innovative solutions and to maintain its technology leadership. In Taiwan, JTouch produces cost-efficient and high-quality products, adhering to green production standards. JTouch is listed on the Taiwan Emerging Stock Market. Further information is available on the company's website: www.jtouch.com.tw.