Corning promises sapphire-like scratch resistance in new product

While it's not like Corning hasn't promised extra-tough glass for devices in the past, this year might be different. In Corning's quarterly call with investors this week, Corning suggested that they had more than one product up their sleeve for the coming year. One of these products will be (and already is) Gorilla Glass 4 – the next in line for improved scratch-resistance, 3D shaping, and "several other surface capabilities." The other works with "sapphire-like scratch resistance" – a feat not easily accomplished without actually working with sapphire in the mix.

Very little detail has been shared this week about this next-generation product from Corning, but what's clear is their intent to take on the mobile market with it. "Cover glass technologies" were mentioned, as was the idea that Gorilla Glass "has defined innovation in the cover glass market" since "it was introduced in 2007."

The man saying all this was James P. Clappin, president of Corning Glass Technologies.

He spoke with investors about "continued strong profit expectations" for his group due to large-size LCD TVs and mobile devices. His group comprises of Display Technologies and Specialty Materials.

"We have developed a new product," said Clappin, "that will provide sapphire-like scratch resistance while maintaining the legendary toughness and break resistance of Gorilla Glass."

Sound like a winner to you? Sound like something that'll be good to apply to wearable devices, devices that have a lot of hard objects in their path? We shall see!

VIA: Corning