Corning today announced the latest evolution in its line of Gorilla Glass, its famed cover glass. Working with partner G-Tech Optoelectronics Corp. (GTOC) , it is now ready to begin manufacturing 3D-shaped Gorilla Glass parts to support the growing consumer demand for “more-dramatic form factors.” The ability to shape its strengthened glass will allow it to create “conformable displays” for mobile and wearable devices.
The new technology promises to “achieve precise tolerances and high throughput on a platform that is more economical than alternative two-mold forming methods.” The process produces Gorilla Glass of uniform thickness, allowing designers “to introduce thinner and lighter devices.”
“We can now take Gorilla Glass all the way from flat sheet to a finished 3D-shaped product in Asia, expediting turnaround times and minimizing logistical complexity,” said James R. Steiner, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Specialty Materials. “That’s a win for Corning and our customers.”
Uses for the new shaped Gorilla Glass are likely to be many. Manufacturers are quickly moving towards curved displays in devices as varied as smartphones and smartwatches. Those are likely only to be the first of many new form factors we can expect to see over the next few years as the technology matures.
Corning’s announcement comes just ahead of CES 2014. It remains to be seen if we will see companies announce products that will use Corning’s new shaped Gorilla Glass at the event next week.
Source : Corning