Development and evaluation of bend‐testing techniques for flexible‐display applications

Abstract— Two different approaches to automated bend testing of flexible substrates for display applications were implemented and characterized: a conventional collapsing radius geometry and a novel technique called the “X‐Y‐θ” geometry. Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polymer substrates were used to compare the performance of the two automated systems by in‐situ electrical‐resistance measurements. Manual bending on fixed‐diameter mandrels was used to help interpret the results. The advantages and drawbacks of the two systems for providing information of practical use to flexible display R&D are discussed.