Due to optical unit errors in Canon's MPA-800 stepper series, exposure equipment used to etch circuit patterns onto LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), LCD panel makers LG.Philips and Samsung may be postponing their LCD panel ramp up plans. Yet the possible glut relief resulting from the event could be interpreted as good news to the LCD panel industry.

 

LG.Philips' new sixth generation LCD panel plant, just launched into mass production in August 2004, is expected to delay its upgrade into full production by three months. The Korea-based plant is now estimated to reach its full monthly capacity of 90,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

Mass production of Samsung's seventh generation LCD panel plant, scheduled to take place in February 2005, is likewise anticipated to happen slightly later than originally planned. The facility will be used to produce panels for wide-screen LCD TVs at a capacity of 60,000 units per month.

 

Nikon and Canon are the two major stepper makers in the world. Other LCD panel makers adopting Canon's steppers, Chi Mei and AUO, and CPT, do not perceive serious impacts on their shipment schedules so far.