Corning ultra-thin glass could enable new displays, roll-to-roll fab

February 6, 2012 – BUSINESS WIRE — During presentations to Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) investors, Wendell P. Weeks, chairman, CEO and president and James B. Flaws, vice chairman and CFO share the company’s new technologies for displays and other applications, as well as Corning’s plan for $10 billion in sales by 2014.

Weeks demonstrated Corning Gorilla Glass 2 in a live product-durability test. Corning has reduced the glass thickness by 20% while maintaining its damage resistance. This is one of Corning’s developments for high-performance displays, along with Corning’s Lotus Glass and ultra-slim flexible glass.

Corning’s proprietary fusion glass manufacturing process will be used to produce flexible glass that is 5x thinner than standard display glass. Device makers can move from batch manufacturing to a continuous roll-to-roll process with this glass. "Ultra-slim glass creates the opportunity to manufacture devices using the same techniques as plastic films, while providing all the advantages of glass in terms of transparency, encapsulation, and high-temperature tolerance," said Weeks.

At the FlexTech Alliance 2012 Flexible Electronics & Displays Conference & Exhibition, taking place February 6-9 in Phoenix, AZ, Corning demonstrated very thin glass moving over rollers and through processing tools. Flexible glass offers significant advancements in optical transmission, dimensional stability, and prevention of water vapor and oxygen permeation; it’s a true “game-changer.” Corning shared a glimpse into the future with a showing of their video — A Day in Glass 2 — illustrating how flexible glass can improve quality of life. See: 2012 Flexible Electronics & Displays: The future is flexible

"Corning is developing a glass that kills drug-resistant bacteria and viruses," Weeks also said, adding that the product is in the early stages and could create a big growth opportunity.

Weeks noted that 2012 brings lower liquid crystal display (LCD) glass prices. James B. Flaws, vice chairman and chief financial officer, echoed this, but expects prices to moderate as glass capacity and demand come into balance.

Increased sales and profits will help Corning reach $10 billion in sales in 2014, Flaws said. The company announced record 2011 sales of $7.9 billion. Corning LCD glass sales are likely to be flat through 2014.

Corning’s cost-reduction program includes bringing price declines in line with manufacturing costs and reducing capital expenses. Future glass-volume growth will come from an accelerated display-replacement cycle and advanced glass technologies, bringing thinner displays to the market,” Flaws said.

Corning’s Gorilla Glass sales, part of its Specialty Materials segment, are expected to grow "materially" through 2014, led primarily by consumer electronic devices and potentially from industries outside this market, such as automotive, appliance, and architectural applications.

Other recent Corning display news:

Corning Incorporated provides specialty glass and ceramics. Learn more at www.corning.com.

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