Displays in smartphones are examples of high-quality, complexly shaped glass elements that can be produced in minutes by combining different processes.
Fraunhofer IPT
In this way, high-quality glass elements can be produced in large quantities within a very short time. Anyone who wants to achieve tight bending radii, high aspect ratios and very high dimensional accuracy can achieve this by combining various forming processes with thin glass. This is the result of a study conducted by the Fraunhofer IPT in Aachen together with industrial partners.
A matter of minutes
The flat glass is heated to such an extent that it can be deformed by external forces. With different forming processes adapted to the respective application, the glass is then formed into the appropriate shape, which remains stable after cooling. In Aachen, processes using gravity slumping, vacuum-assisted deep-drawing and slumping, press moulding and overpressure-assisted moulding have been used to date. One-dimensional, spherical and even freely formed thin glass products can be manufactured with high repeating accuracy in just a few minutes.
Based on experience and existing equipment
Due to their many years of experience in process development and mould making in the field of precision glass moulding and non-isothermal glass moulding, the step to form thin glass was not difficult for the researchers from Aachen, according to a press release of the institute. At the start of the development work, it already had the appropriate measuring technology and knowledge in the use of simulations using the Finite Element Method (FEM), which are helpful for simulating microstructures on the glass surface.
For industrial partners who want to use glass products with functionalized surfaces, special haptics or high surface quality scratch and media resistance, the Fraunhofer IPT offers rapid process and prototype development.