Japan’s biggest glassmaker has unveiled a super-tough, scratch-resistant cover for gadgets that it says is six times stronger than conventional glass.
Asahi Glass’s product – called Dragontrail – is targeting use on smartphone and tablet devices and will come up against rivals such as market leader Gorilla glass, which is produced by US company Corning.
Gorilla, a similarly ultra-strong glass, is used by more than 20 major brands in 200 million phones and mobile devices, according to the New York-based company. Samsung, LG and Motorola are among Corning’s clients.
Introduced by Corning in 2008, Gorilla generated $80 million (£50 million) in revenue in 2009 and rising demand could boost sales as the glass begins to migrate to high-end TVs.
Asahi claims Dragontrail matches the best current products, describing it as a “superior substitute to conventional cover material”.
It is said to be several times stronger than soda-lime glass, commonly used in windows, resists scratches and has a “beautiful, pristine” finish.