The Making of Gorilla Glass: From Ophthalmic Glass to Smartphone Screens

TLDRDiscover how Corning's oldest glass factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky transformed from producing ophthalmic glass to manufacturing Gorilla Glass, which covers billions of smartphones and tablets worldwide. Explore the intricate process of fusion forming and chemical strengthening that makes Gorilla Glass so strong and resilient.

Key insights

💡Corning's glass factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky has evolved from producing ophthalmic glass to manufacturing Gorilla Glass for smartphones and tablets.

🔬The process of making Gorilla Glass involves fusion forming, where the glass is melted and cooled in multiple stages to create a strong and durable material.

🤖Robots play a crucial role in the manufacturing process of Gorilla Glass, ensuring precision and eliminating safety concerns.

🚚Once manufactured, Gorilla Glass is shipped for finishing and further strengthening through a chemical process called ion exchange.

Gorilla Glass is known for its strength, resilience, and ability to protect smartphone and tablet screens from scratches and breakage.

Q&A

What is Gorilla Glass?

Gorilla Glass is a strong and durable glass developed by Corning. It is used to cover billions of smartphones, tablets, and screens worldwide.

How is Gorilla Glass made?

Gorilla Glass is made through a process called fusion forming, where the glass is melted and cooled to create a strong material. It is then further strengthened through a chemical process called ion exchange.

Why is Gorilla Glass used in smartphones?

Gorilla Glass is used in smartphones because of its exceptional strength and resilience. It protects the screens from scratches and breakage, ensuring durability and longevity.

What role do robots play in the manufacturing process?

Robots play a crucial role in the manufacturing process of Gorilla Glass. They ensure precision, efficiency, and eliminate safety concerns associated with handling glass.

How does Gorilla Glass compare to other types of glass?

Gorilla Glass stands out from other types of glass due to its strength and durability. It is specifically designed to withstand scratches and breakage, making it ideal for use in smartphones and tablets.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Corning's glass factory in Harrodsburg, Kentucky has a rich history, starting with the production of ophthalmic glass in the 1950s.

00:25In 2007, Corning developed Gorilla Glass in response to a request from Steve Jobs to create a strong glass for the iPhone.

01:31The manufacturing process of Gorilla Glass starts with a mixture of materials sourced from around the world.

02:25The glass mixture is then melted and cooled in a fusion forming process, ensuring its strength and durability.

03:19Robots play a crucial role in handling the glass throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring precision and safety.

04:59After production, Gorilla Glass undergoes a chemical strengthening process called ion exchange to enhance its durability.

05:52The finished Gorilla Glass sheets are carefully packed and shipped to device manufacturers worldwide.

06:09Constant innovation and improvement are essential to meet the demand for thinner and sleeker smartphone screens.