Aluminosilicate Glass

Engineers and scientists have taken a large step closer to unbreakable glass with aluminosilicate (AS) glass. The glass offers a high alkali content of over 10 %, which results in excellent chemical strengthening. The ion exchange with larger alkali ions yields surface compression stress and high strength.

Foldable smartphone device with high flexibility cover glass

Ultra-thin and flexible

Proprietary down-draw technology enables AS glass to be processed in incredibly low thicknesses down to less than 100 micrometers. Combined with a chemical strengthening process, this makes AS glass highly attractive for the design of foldable electronic devices and technical components.

Superior break resistance

For rigid cover applications with thicknesses of 0.4 - 1 mm, AS glasses such as lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) are manufactured using microfloat technology. These glasses offer a pristine smooth surface, as well as high breaking resistance and an exceptional set drop performance, which is beneficial in applications such as mobile electronics.

Strong through strengthening

While the ultra-thin AS glass impresses with a minimal bending radius, the floated variant convinces with a maximum survival of impact. Additionally, many properties are making this glass type a reliable and high-quality component in sophisticated electronic applications.

High breakage resistance

Chemical strengthening results in an ability to survive impacts many times greater than conventional cover glasses.

Outstanding surface quality

Unique production processes result in premium fire-polished surfaces.

High flexibility

For ultra-thin thicknesses a bending radius of fewer than 2 millimeters, high flexibility is a key advantage.

High transparency

Excellent light transmission and transparency offers high clarity for displays.

Thin and strong

Able to be processed to a thickness of fewer than 50 up to 330 micrometers while retaining surface strength after chemical strengthening.

Material variants

Alkaline-free glass variants

Alkaline-free aluminoborosilicate glass offers a fire-polished surface with a roughness value below 1 nm. The coefficient of thermal expansion of this glass can match silicon or other semiconductors, making it ideal for electronic applications. With a high transformation temperature, it’s even possible to use it for high-temperature applications up to 600 °C.

Wafers from SCHOTT are used in biotechnology and wafer-level packaging, as well as the manufacture of micro-optics and MEMS

Alkaline earth AS glass variants

Alkaline earth aluminosilicate glass is also free of alkali oxides, but mixed with about 15 % of alkaline earths. It features very high transformation temperature and softening points, and is the first choice for halogen lamp glass bulbs, high-temperature thermometers, combustion tubes, and more.