Samsung Electro-Mechanics is partnering with chemical maker Soulbrain to develop materials for glass substrates, positioning itself in the race to produce next-generation AI semiconductor components.
The collaboration focuses on etching solutions crucial for drilling microscopic holes in glass and removing manufacturing impurities. The companies target mass production by 2027, according to industry sources familiar with the matter.
Soulbrain, Korea’s largest producer of IT device chemical materials, brings expertise from supplying etching solutions to Samsung Display’s OLED operations. The company claims superior material technology compared to competitors in semiconductor and display panel processes.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has established a test line at its Sejong plant and plans to deliver prototypes to several customers in 2024. President Chang Duk-hyun said at CES 2025 that discussions with potential clients are ongoing.
The push for glass substrates comes as traditional plastic materials show limitations for large-area AI chips that combine computation units with high-bandwidth memories. Glass offers better heat resistance and surface flatness.
The competition in Korea’s glass substrate sector is intensifying. SK Group’s subsidiary Absolix secured new orders, while LG Innotek announced plans for mass production by year-end.
