Toppan's Technical Research Institute leads our wide-ranging R&D activities. Development of new products and technologies; development of devices for reducing costs and ensuring quality; and research on basic technologies that support its other efforts are just a few examples of the work it performs. Our R&D activities seek to develop basic technologies beyond the bounds of our business. Responding to market expectations regarding quality and cost requires that we improve existing equipment and come up with new ways to use materials, so that we can deliver higher quality products at reasonable prices. Toward that end, we are pursuing research in three basic and elemental technologies.
In our materials research, we are applying new process development technologies based on unique material design and commercial application approaches, and using sophisticated analysis technologies, to open new frontiers in material development. We are confident that this work will result in new business opportunities. In our production technology research, we are pursuing R&D aimed at opening new realms of knowledge in printing, coating, molding, and other core aspects of our businesses to develop optimal processes. We are working from a scientific perspective to build rational, reproducible processes to advance the implementation of automation, computerization, and network solutions in our manufacturing lines. Meanwhile, in our information technology research, we are using our strength in digital technology to make advances in image processing and information distribution R&D, and applying results in the Information & Networks and Personal Service business fields.
We are also advancing next-generation-oriented R&D by pursuing collaborative work with R&D centers, leading companies, and universities, both in Japan and abroad.
Measuring the color characteristics of an LCD color filter. Toppan color filters provide outstanding color reproduction.
Displays
Toppan's microfabrication technology is a product of the printing plate production we began to pursue from our very founding. Now, our microfabrication technology has taken on many forms. For example, applying etching technology, we manufacture various components for market-leading high-precision electronic products in an integrated system that begins with design work. For LCD color filters, we use a pigment distribution method to microcoat glass substrates with the primary colors-red, blue, and green. We apply microfabrication technology to create the 3-5 micron (1 µm = 1 thousandth of a millimeter) photospacers to keep the two layers of glass evenly separated.
Research on the roll-to-roll vacuum vapor deposition process for GX film, a world-class transparent barrier film.
Packaging
Toppan's thin-film formation and coating technologies originated from our technology for evenly applying ink. These technologies are applied in the production of various functional films and in other areas, too. In addition, we apply advanced vapor deposition technology in making our GX film, which meets the world's highest standard for moisture barrier films. GX film offers as much protection from moisture as aluminum foil and protects package contents from the deteriorating effects of oxygen and moisture.
Prototype of a photomask incorporating Toppan's system design. Photomask production must meet the world's strictest specifications and quality standards.
Semiconductors
Toppan has a track record of over 30 years in the design of printed wiring boards and semiconductors. We are involved in all phases from LSI system design to photomask manufacturing and supply. Recently, we have taken on the new challenges of system and logic design through the joint efforts of our Electronics section, Technical Research Institute, and the Toppan Technical Design Center.
Coating research lab developing high quality reflection-damping films.
Electronics
Reflection-damping is an absolute must for the displays of digital devices like PCs, mobile phones, and flat-screen TVs. We are applying printing, coating, and material development technology in advancing the development of reflection-damping film. We have succeeded in developing a film that offers clear contrast for black-and-white images, reduces the reflectance ratio to 1% or lower through the use of proprietary low-refraction materials, and takes advantage of advanced coating technology to eliminate interference patterns.
Virtual Reality (VR) System for reproducing images of world heritage and cultural treasures with high-resolution image processing technology.
Digital Content
With a base of text and image digitization technology, we have accumulated considerable database construction, network security, digital content distribution, and other IT-related technologies. Putting these to work, we apply advanced information technology, digital expression technology, content planning and development capabilities, and marketing and other expertise to pursue R&D focused on the creation of highly original businesses.