TPK and Nissha announced a strategic cooperation on SNW (Silver Nanowire) touch panel technology on October 3, aiming to trim production costs by as much as 20% for 5" to 6" touch panels used by mid-range smartphones, according to Taiwan's Economic Daily News. SNWs are expected to replace the more expensive ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) films currently used in most touch panels. Nissha will hold a 25% stake in the US$25 million capital of TPK Film, a joint venture set up by TPK and Cambrios, and provide the state-of-the-art thin film process and roll-to-roll production technology, in hopes to establish the worldwide SNW specs and standards. TPK Film plans to begin mass production of SNW products in the second quarter next year, with an overall capacity of 2 million units (6") in the second half of 2014.