At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week Corning announced two new types of its Gorilla Glass, which is now common in high-end mobile devices. The new Gorilla Glass include an antimicrobial version and a “bendable” version designed for use in custom 3D-forming technology.
Unlike 3D video, the 3D-forming Gorilla Glass is designed for custom-shaped scratch-resistant glass displays used in mobile, wearable, and industrial applications. Corning says the technology can achieve “precise tolerances and high throughput” and costs less than other two-mold forming methods. Corning is working with Taiwan’s G-Tech Optoelectronics to establish a production facility in China.
At CES Corning also unveiled what it claims to be the first EPA-registered antimicrobial cover glass. The glass’ antibacterial/antiviral properties come from ionic silver, which Corning has incorporated into the glass surface. The company is targeting the antimicrobial glass at makers of computers, cellphones, telephones, calculators, and frequently touched interior surfaces in markets such as health care, hospitality, and transportation.
Corning is demonstrating the antimicrobial glass at its booth and in a web-based room scheduling system being shown at CES by office furniture maker Steelcase. CNET visited Corning’s booth to perform a minute-long swab test that measures the amount of bacteria-prone particles on a screen. Though the quick test resulted in the antimicrobial screen besting a regular Gorilla Glass screen by only a small margin (169 vs 173 rating), Corning says that the silver particles require about an hour to really start working, which would presumably drop the score more.
In its own research on germ-prone surfaces, Corning says that the worst offender is not slot machines (300), elevator buttons (score: 647), or even “ATM” automated cash machines (700). Instead, the biggest bacteria breeding bogs are on those condiment dispenser pumps you use at fast food restaurants, with a score of 1,850. So, you might want to wash your hands before handling your next burger, hot dog, and of course–smartphone.
