DNP Develops ``FOS,'' Micro Silica Particle, Finishing Polish Film for Optical Connector End-faces.

Business Editors

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 6, 2001

Acquires U.S. Patent and to Aggressively Expand Sales for Global

Markets

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, President: Mr. Yoshitoshi Kitajima, Capital: 114.4 billion yen) today announced the development of FOS, micro silica (SiO2) particle film used in the finishing polish process of optical connector end-faces. DNP has initiated full-scale worldwide sales, starting with Japan and North America.

High-density data transmission via optical fiber networks requires extremely precise optical connector (1) end-faces. Precise polishing is essential to guarantee flawless surface in one-tenth microns precision requirements, especially, for optical connector end-faces for single-mode optical fiber (2), which exhibits enhanced performance.

Generally, the polishing process is divided into multiple processes, which include adhesive removal, surface sphering, rough polishing and finish polishing. A special polishing film (3) is used in each process, and the finishing polish is the most important process in determining connector performance. Therefore, developing a fixed abrasive polishing film (5), which maintains a high return loss (4) and can produce a flawless connector end-face has been in high demand.

As a response to these demands, DNP developed FOS, the finishing polish film of optical connector end-faces. Its polishing layer was produced with a technology that evenly disperses and coats micro silica particles of one hundredth microns. FOS guarantees a stable, finished surface, offering of optical connector end-faces with highly precise and superior optical performance levels.

Furthermore, by applying polishing particles onto a polyester film, FOS dramatically improved the stability of quality and cleanliness of work environments, compared to traditional polishing processes that utilize polishing liquids.

FOS has received favorable responses in the market for its high-quality polishing performance and ease of use. DNP has already filed patent applications in Japan, North America, European nations and Korea. DNP has already acquired the patent in the United States. DNP plans to leverage FOS's high performance and a patent acquisition strategy, to expand its global market share, focusing on the North American optics market. DNP forecasts annual sales of 3 billion yen in the next three years.

In recent years, semiconductor components and high-density magnetic recording fields have demanded extremely precise polishing technologies, and DNP plans to expand FOS sales in various other fields.

(1) Optical connector: A demountable device that connects one optical fiber to another. The conventional connector is composed of zirconia ferrule. Polishing processes that create a spherical and flawless surface are required to reduce light reflection at connector end-faces.

(2) Single-mode optical fiber: There are two basic types of optical fiber, single-mode optical fiber and multi-mode optical fiber. Single-mode optical fiber is capable of long-range transmissions.

(3) As polishing processes advance, the particles used on polishing films become smaller. Traditional polishing processes include the use of diamond film or slurry/diamond film.

(4) Return loss: An indicator of optical connector performance. A higher value indicates superior performance. Physical contact polished connectors can realize nearly 60dB performance.

(5) Fixed abrasive method: A product, in which polishing particles are already fixed on a film. Meanwhile, a floating type utilizes slurry with polishing materials. The fixed abrasive method maintains a cleaner work environment since purified water is used as the lubricant.

About Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) commemorates its 125th anniversary this year, as the oldest company in the Japanese printing industry. Consisting of over 70 group companies and 34,094 employees (as of March 2001), DNP's consolidated sales in year ending March 2001 reached 1342.035 billion yen, with 85.941 billion yen in consolidated operating income.

DNP provides a wide variety of products, including magazines/books, commercial printing materials such as posters, business forms including stock certificates, decorative materials, and packaging materials, to more than 30,000 companies.

Moreover, by applying printing technology, DNP provides shadow masks for TVs/CRTs, color filters for LCDs, back plates for plasma displays, photomasks (plates for LSIs), electronic components including lead frames for LSIs, printer ribbons, carrier tapes, and polishing films. By providing Web server-hosting services to more than 400 companies, DNP is also high reputed in the field of Internet solutions and information systems.