Technology development-oriented companies serve as the engines of innovation, propelling progress and shaping the future. These entities transform ideas from the realm of science fiction into the realities of tomorrow. Not only do they create new products, but they also reimagine how people live, work and interact with the world.
A classic example of such a company is CEKO, which specializes in developing and manufacturing functional materials, coating agents and techniques for optical and digital devices such as displays, mobile devices and home appliances.
“Our role is to blend technology with creativity, employing technological advancements to enrich performances and experiences, rather than incorporating new tech for its own sake,” says Kyungil Jun, vice president of CEKO.
The company’s journey began with a challenging but crucial mission—to engineer a material that combines ultra-thin properties without compromising the original substrate’s integrity. This led to the development of a product in 2009, marking a paradigm shift in the touch-type display industry, transitioning cover glass processes to vacuum deposition, particularly for smartphones. Recognized for its ground-breaking properties at launch, Samsung Electronics quickly adopted the product, highlighting CEKO’s ability to meet and exceed industry expectations.
CEKO has made remarkable strides in electron beam (E-Beam) methods, a sophisticated technique in vacuum deposition. The E-Beam process involves evaporating the coating agent using intense heat. CEKO has ingeniously developed proprietary synthetic materials and specialized containers to manage this high-temperature environment, ensuring safety and efficacy.
At the heart of CEKO’s adherence to client requirements is its state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) center. The R&D center explores and develops new technologies and materials. Equipped with facilities and data reliability labs that rival larger corporations, this center testifies to CEKO’s dedication to cutting-edge research. It also specializes in optical and process technology, employing deposition machines that mirror the real conditions of an actual production environment. This practical approach ensures its products are ground-breaking and ready for mass markets.
The centers pave the way for its four distinct coating solutions, each tailored to address specific industry challenges. Top CleanSafe, an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating known for its hydrophobic characteristics, modifies the subsurface to achieve a high contact angle, low surface energy and a low friction coefficient. The result is a material that prevents contamination and scratches, protecting digital displays. The Nano Primer is a hydrophilic product that reinforces the adhesion between coating layers. The product is effective for materials that require strong adhesion, like plastics and metals.
CEKO’s shock absorption coating can be applied between layers of tempered glass and multicoating to prevent glass breakage after smartphones’ multicoating or printing process on the tempered glass. The recent emphasis on hygiene, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a rise in demand for CEKO’s antibacterial coating agent, which maintains over 99 percent efficiency, demonstrating the company’s ability to respond swiftly to evolving market needs.
Our role is to blend technology with creativity, employing technological advancements to enrich performances and experiences, rather than incorporating new tech for its own sake
As a company steeped in technological development, CEKO places a high premium on meeting current market needs and staying ahead of future trends. Much of its profits are reinvested in research and development, accenting its commitment to continuous innovation. This strategy goes beyond creating new products; it involves reimagining existing technologies and uncovering novel applications.
This forward-thinking approach is crucial to its sustained success. The company’s collaborations with global leaders across various sectors—from developing materials for foldable phones to crafting energy storage solutions—underscore its innovation capacity and essential role in the technology industry.
CEKO’s excellence and quality are evident in its 47 registered patents, achievements and certifications. Holding ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications showcases its technical competence and adherence to stringent quality management systems. Despite its modest size, CEKO’s rapid growth and array of recognitions, including the prestigious Korea Technology Grand Prize in 2012, reflect its impact and respected position in the industry.
This track record of accomplishment underlines CEKO’s dedication to maintaining high standards and its potential for continued success in the technology sector.
