DNP to Begin Supplying High-Spec 20 μm-Class FMMs in China

According to UBI Research’s 2026 Analysis Report on China’s OLED Supply Chain Management, DNP, a Japanese company specializing in FMMs (Fine Metal Masks), is scheduled to begin supplying high-spec 20 μm-class FMMs to BOE and TCL CSOT from July. DNP is also expected to expand supply to other Chinese OLED panel makers in the future, depending on each company’s line conditions and demand.

FMM is a key component used to precisely pattern RGB organic materials in the OLED evaporation process. In high-resolution OLED panels in particular, FMM thickness, aperture precision, tension control, and sagging prevention technology directly affect panel yield and image quality. The 20 μm-class FMMs to be supplied by DNP are thinner than conventional products, making them high-spec masks capable of reducing the shadow effect during evaporation and enabling the production of high-resolution OLED panels.

Until now, DNP has effectively led the FMM market for Chinese OLED panel makers. DNP is the exclusive supplier of FMMs for BOE’s 6G and 8.6G OLED lines. However, localization has progressed to some extent in 5.5G OLED lines, and the use of Chinese-made FMMs is expanding among some panel makers such as TCL CSOT, Tianma, and Visionox. Recently, Chinese FMM makers have secured a market share of more than 30%. Zong Ling, located in Zhejiang Province, has developed FMM technology with research personnel formerly from Tianma and Visionox, and began mass production of FMMs for 8.6G AMOLED in October 2025. The company has an annual production capacity of 96K. In addition to Zong Ling, Chinese companies such as Magic Star and Topway are also expanding FMM supply.

As DNP moves to supply high-spec 20 μm-class FMMs, the technology gap with Chinese suppliers is expected to widen again. FMMs cannot be mass-produced simply by making them thinner. As the mask thickness becomes thinner, sagging, wrinkles, thermal deformation, and uneven tension become more severe, and the difficulty increases further as the substrate becomes larger. Even in 6G OLED lines, it is not easy to stably produce and supply 20 μm-class FMMs.

As BOE and TCL CSOT strengthen their production capabilities for IT OLED and high-resolution OLED panels, the supply of high-spec FMMs is expected to become an important factor in OLED line competitiveness. Through this supply of 20 μm-class FMMs, DNP is expected to maintain its position as a key supplier in the Chinese OLED market while further strengthening its leadership in supporting 8.6G OLED lines.

Chinese companies are pursuing FMM localization based on price competitiveness and local supply chains, but a technology gap with DNP still remains in the ultra-thin FMM segment for high-resolution OLEDs. Going forward, the speed at which Chinese FMM makers secure sub-20 μm thin-mask technology and large-area tension control technology is expected to determine the pace of localization within China’s OLED supply chain.