TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Panel maker Apex Material Technology said its e-paper display shipments surpassed 10,000 units last year, with the company planning new outdoor displays and expansion into the European market, per Economic Daily News.

Around 90% of the company’s touch panel business comes from the industrial control and medical sectors. Orders from Siemens account for 10% of its annual revenue, while global industrial computer leader Advantech and major power supplier Delta Electronics are also key clients.

To meet growing European demand for low-power outdoor displays, Apex Material has supplied e-paper screens up to 42 inches with minimal power use. Last year, e-paper display sales accounted for 3% of the company’s annual revenue.

Company Chair Chao Shu-hua (趙書華) said Apex’s Lucent Gel solid adhesive keeps e-paper displays firmly attached to walls in temperatures ranging from minus 40 C to 80 C. She noted that when used outdoors, displays with traditional acrylic adhesives can become brittle and lose adhesion at temperatures above 60 C.

Chao said e-paper displays are highly sensitive to UV light. When used outdoors, the displays require special materials to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation to help prevent damage and discoloration.

The company said most of its e-paper displays have built-in lighting, allowing clear visibility at night or in bright sunlight without affecting the screen’s appearance.

The company has also developed software that lets users remotely manage and update content on its displays. Many bus displays in Taiwan are made by the company. It is also working on similar projects in Canada and Ireland.

Chao added that the company plans to expand its healthcare display business, focusing on panels used in ultrasound machines, dialysis devices, and dental equipment. She said it is addressing challenges such as waterproofing, enhancing touch sensitivity, and avoiding signal interference between multiple hospital devices.