Radio wave transparency decorative film is a decorative technology that enables both a metallic appearance and radio wave transparency. Nitto's proprietary radio wave transparency technology offers the potential to serve as a radio wave-transparent material for millimeter-wave radar and 5G/6G communication devices. Explore how Nitto's patented technologies can help enhance your products and technologies.
In today's world, where autonomous driving technology and next-generation high-speed communication technologies such as 5G and 6G are evolving, devices that use radio waves have become an indispensable part of our lives. However, functionality is not the only thing required from these devices. The design that directly connects to the product's image, as well as the aesthetics that enhance user experience, are also important elements.
 Difference between conventional technology and Nitto's technology |
Until now, there has been a significant technical challenge in achieving both radio wave transparency and a beautiful metallic appearance. At Nitto, we have established a technology to solve this challenge by using sputtering process control technology. This is Nitto's unique radio wave transparency film technology, which allows radio waves to pass through smoothly while at the same time reflecting visible light to add a metallic decorative layer. Why not explore new design possibilities with Nitto’s patented technology? |
Nitto's Proprietary Radio Wave Transparency Mechanism Based on a Nano-Island StructureNitto's radio wave transparency film gives products a sense of luxury and design, while also providing the functionality to allow a high level of transparency of radio waves over a wide range, from shortwave to microwave and millimeter wave bands (300kHz - 3THz). It is expected to enhance the added value of products by adopting it for parts where design is emphasized, such as automobile emblems and smartphone casings. |
 Radio wave transparency decorative film and nano-order aluminum island structure |
It is Nitto's unique thin film formation technology, cultivated over many years, that has made it possible to achieve both this functionality and design. In particular, the combination technology of aluminum and the substrate and process control technology, we have achieved the formation of a nano-island structure—arranged in "an island-like pattern" at the nanometer scale—solely through the film deposition process. This fine structure achieves seemingly contradictory characteristics: the beautiful texture unique to metals and high transparency that is less dependent on the angle of incidence of radio waves. In addition, as it is a film, we can steadily supply large-area products with high uniformity, and it is also suitable for mass production. It is also possible to use an easily moldable resin film used for decorative molding as a substrate. |
By using aluminum for the decorative layer of radio wave transparency film, it is possible to achieve a deep color tone and give the product a sophisticated, metallic, and luxurious feel. Moreover, it also possesses high heat resistance compared to indium, which is a common discontinuous layer material, allowing it to maintain stable performance even in environments exposed to high temperatures, such as automotive onboard components.
The unique nano-island structure mentioned above allows this aluminum layer to pass through smoothly without interfering with the directionality of radio waves. This contribute to maximizing the performance of next-generation mobility and communication devices that require high-speed communication, without hindering the transmission and reception of radio waves. This film, which pursues functionality and design, is expected to become an essential element in future product development.
Nitto's radio wave transparency film technology is expected to be applied in various fields and to become a fundamental technology supporting future society.
| Automotive field | Mobile / Communication field |
|---|---|
| It is expected to be utilized as various components such as sensor covers for millimeter-wave radars essential for autonomous driving, housings for door handles and in-vehicle navigation devices/CIDs that use wireless communication, emblems, and decorative parts. | It can be used as a key device to support high-speed and large-capacity communications, such as 5G/6G compatible smartphones and tablets, and the enclosure of base station antennas. |
 Image of the emblem utilizing radio wave transparency decorative film technology |
 Image of back covers for mobile phones utilizing radio wave transparency decorative film technology |
Beyond these specific applications, we believe our technology can unlock new possibilities in design and functionality for a wide range of future products that utilize radio waves — including devices and even medical equipment. Through the open licensing of this technology, Nitto aims to contribute to the realization of a safer, more comfortable, and enriched society.
Are you involved in sputtering technologies, equipment, or envisioning the future product development? Why not develop high value-added products by utilizing Nitto’s intellectual property in radio wave transparency film technology, cultivated over many years?
The list of patents owned by Nitto for radio wave transparency decorative film is as follows.
| Patent No | LINK | Others |
|---|---|---|
| JP7516707B2 | LINK of patent information | ― |
| JP7319080B2 | LINK of patent information | ― |
| JP7319077B2 | LINK of patent information | ― |
| JP6944425B2 | LINK of patent information | ― |
| JP6400062B2 | LINK of patent information | ― |
The information on this page is based on the information as of July, 2025, and the patent rights status may differ from the latest status.
The following is an example of the process for licensing and utilizing Nitto's patents.
Nitto is looking for partners and companies who want to use our patents to create a better future together.
If your company is interested in using Nitto's patents, please contact us through the inquiry form.
Intellectual Property Department 3, Technology and IP Strategy Division
