Corning’s invention of fusion glass manufacturing in 1964 transformed the display industry we know today, and they’re not done yet.

In our everyday lives, human connection is enhanced by displays that facilitate productivity and entertainment, all while seamlessly integrating in our environment.   

This is made possible by layers of thin precision glass that enable displays everywhere – from televisions to monitors, tablets to smartphones. Fusion glass manufacturing is the industry’s most efficient way to produce these glass substrates. Together with technology advancements, this efficiency has contributed to making premium televisions and displays ever more accessible and ubiquitous.  

Corning invented the fusion draw process in 1964, and through years of experiments with different applications, Corning scientists evolved and fine-tuned the fusion glass manufacturing process.  

As Corning was developing its fusion technology in the 1960s, the auto industry sought a way to make safer, stronger windshields. Corning’s ability to chemically strengthen its fusion-drawn glass made it a contender for the business. But one challenge stood in the way: creating a glass with virtually no optical distortions. Corning’s fusion team came close – and learned valuable lessons in the process –but at the time, they could not deliver the most efficient solution. 

A new breakthrough, and the future of fusion and the display industry, was fast approaching.  

Leading electronics manufacturers were exploring the intriguing field of liquid crystal displays. At first, they were testing thin glass sheets for calculators and watches. But the potential for more sophisticated displays was vast. 

Corning forged strong relationships with these early display innovators and rekindled its use of fusion draw to supply samples of alkali-free flat glass that wouldn’t damage semiconductors during LCD fabrication. 

By 2006, Corning was the undisputed leader in the burgeoning LCD glass market. Corning continuously improved the fusion process and today, fusion-formed glass can be made thinner than a business card and as large as two king-sized mattresses. Corning glass remains the standard for LCD panel manufacturers around the world, and Corning’s diverse display glass offerings are enabling the displays of the future, too. 

“The future remains bright for the advanced glass industry in Taiwan,” says Andrew Ho, president of Corning Display Technologies Taiwan. “We are building on decades of core expertise in fusion glass manufacturing and success in the LCD display market to unlock new business opportunities in the automotive industry.” 

Just as they did in the early days of fusion, Corning is once again evaluating the many benefits of fusion-formed windshields. Meanwhile, they are actively supplying AutoGrade™ Gorilla Glass using ColdForm™ Technology for larger and more shaped dashboard and infotainment displays in vehicles.  

Fusion’s efficiency and reliability – paired with Corning’s glass science expertise – make fusion-formed glass a compelling choice for many emerging markets. Corning believes this manufacturing process and the glass it delivers will make the display-driven future our reality.

Corning will showcase the evolution of its fusion glass manufacturing process and the latest products that are driving its markets forward at 2024 Touch Taiwan. Visit Corning at booth #N904 from April 24-26 on the 4th floor of the Nangang Exhibition Hall.