VIA optronics Initiates Mass Production of Automotive Interior Curved Display Modules Leveraging Corning AutoGrade Glass and ColdForm Technology

 

Nürnberg, Germany– January 7, 2020 – VIA optronics, a leading supplier of interactive display solutions and systems, announced their strategic collaboration with Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) to industrialize and mass produce automotive interior curved display modules leveraging Corning’s AutoGrade™ Glass and ColdForm™ technology. This cooperation enables VIA to immediately provide automotive customers high quality, large dual-display curved display assemblies and the design freedom to introduce more innovative and user centric automotive interior interactive display systems.

 

“Automotive engineers and designers are turning to VIA optronics as they seek to create new, immersive interactive display systems for the next generation of vehicles,” said Jürgen Eichner, founder and CEO, VIA optronics. “Our collaboration with Corning and adoption of their ColdForm™ technology provides our customers with the ability to design and deliver the most innovative curved glass interior display and touch solutions. We’re pleased to announce that production of display modules using Corning’s ColdForm technology has begun at VIA’s facility in Suzhou, China, on an automated production line. We are already delivering the largest dual-display curved module for a mass production OEM platform.”

 

The display evolution in automotive interiors resembles that of consumer electronics – users demand displays that are large, curved, immersive, and interactive. Corning is partnering with VIA to enable this user experience with Corning´s patented ColdForm™ innovation. By avoiding the need to hot form parts, Corning can process decoration and optical coatings on the cover glass in a flat state, effectively reducing the bill of material of shaped cover glass parts.

 

VIA will take Corning´s ColdForm™ glass , optically bond the display and cover glass flat then add shape to the complete module as a last step using Corning’s proprietary 3D ColdForm Technology – all at high yields. The combination of a lower bill of material and process innovation of shaping last enables an overall system savings, all while sustaining exceptional display module optical performance and Corning’s signature durability with AutoGrade™ Gorilla Glass.

 

“Our innovations are best realized when we can partner with others in the automotive ecosystem,” said Mike Kunigonis, vice president and general manager, Automotive Glass Solutions at Corning Incorporated. “VIA is an expert in optical bonding, equipment design and module assembly for automotive interactive display systems. By combining their expertise with Corning’s AutoGrade™ Gorilla Glass and ColdForm™ technology and investing in development, industrialization and mass production readiness, VIA is in an excellent position to capitalize on the surging demand for the next wave of innovative automotive interior curved display modules.”

 

VIA optronics work with Corning is being demonstrated this week at Corning’s CES 2020 booth, located in the Westgate Paradise Center (Booth #628). Joint demonstrators focus on Interactive Display Systems (IDS) leveraging VIA optronics core competences in the area of optical bonding, copper metal mesh touch sensor technology for high-performing touch functions, and automotive camera technology combined with Corning’s ColdForm™ technology.

 

 

 

About VIA optronics:

VIA optronics (www.via-optronics.com), founded 2005, is a leading provider of enhanced display solutions for multiple end markets in which superior functionality or durability is a critical differentiating factor. VIA’s technology is particularly well-suited for demanding environments that pose technical and optical challenges for displays, such as bright ambient light, vibration and shock, extreme temperatures and condensation.

 

VIA’s Interactive Display Systems (IDS) combine system design, interactive displays, software functionality, cameras and other hardware components. VIA’s intellectual property portfolio, process know-how, and optical bonding and metal mesh touch sensor technologies provide enhanced display solutions that are built to meet the specific needs of customers.

 

About Corning Incorporated

Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a more than 165-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives.

 

Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries.

 

Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries.

 

Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, and life sciences vessels.

 

Corning's industry-leading products include damage-resistant cover glass for mobile devices; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for state-of-the-art communications networks; trusted products to accelerate drug discovery and delivery; and clean-air technologies for cars and trucks.