Films function as drawing paper for PCBs - likely to be supplied to PCB makers at home and abroadHigh definition and improved bonding power allow for design of high precision circuitrySK chemicals has successfully applied its own technology to the development of DFR, a key material used in the process of producing PCB. When the DFR is attached to the PCB (an essential component of electronic equipment) and exposed to light, it draws an outline on the film. Then, circuit schematics are drawn up on the PCB after undergoing various processes. High quality DFR is an essential material that guarantees high definition in the course of manufacturing PC circuit boards and semiconductor lead frames. SK chemicals has invested billions of won in the development of DFR over the past two years, as part of a strategy to realize practical new materials via the Company?s in-house research methods and innovation. ?The DFR we?ve just developed falls precisely in line with the company?s vision. We aim to foster the information and electronic parts industry as a pillar of future growth. Furthermore, the UV curing technology that we built up in the process of product development can be applied to a range of additional high value-added, high molecular products.?(Market size) The global DFR market is estimated at about 400 billion won, and the domestic market alone adds up to 50 billion won. Presently only Kolon is actually producing these goods in Korea, but Dupont of the U.S., and Hitachi and Asahi Kasei Corp. of Japan are currently dominating the domestic market. Lately, domestic PCB makers have faced business difficulties after being battered by a protracted economic recession and losing price competitiveness to rivals in China. Competition in the DFR market is also heating up due to an uncertain market environment. SK chemicals said that it will lay a foundation for mass production in the first half of this year, and begin to supply products to both domestic and overseas buyers shortly. (Characteristics of SK chemicals products)In view of the trend for smaller, lighter, better performing, and higher reliability electronic devices, core PCBs are also expected to become denser, better in performance, and higher in precision. In order to meet these requirements, the level of definition for DFRs should be improved so as to cut the width of lines on circuits. SK chemicals? DRF is characterized by technological superiority in terms of definition, adhesiveness, and chemical corrosion resistance. ?SK chemicals? DFR boasts superiority in all physical elements, including definition, sensibility and adhesiveness chemical resistance.? said Kim Dong-ok, senior scientist at the SK chemicals Research Institute. SK chemicals is planning to begin mass production in earnest soon, while taking steps to acquire patents not only in Korea, but also in major foreign countries,DFR is the abbreviation for ?dry film resist?. It is a product used to draw images in the course of processing PCBs, lead frames and other metallic materials. When it is attached on a PCB surface and exposed to light, it draws designs as in the development of photographic paper.