Samsung Display has commercialized its Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) technology for foldable smartphones. The glass cover has already been used in the Galaxy Z Flip that was released on February 11 alongside the Galaxy S20 series. The Ultra Thin Glass is used to protect foldable screens from scratches and scuffs.
The South Korean display manufacturing firm, an affiliate of Samsung Electronics, says that Ultra Thin Glass cover is just 30 micrometers thin and it can be mass-produced for various foldable devices and screen sizes. The company claims that it is more durable and scratch-resistant compared to plastic panels used in most other foldable phones. Moreover, it feels like glass on other smartphones, devoid of any bumps and lumps.
The Ultra Thin Glass cover can withstand at least 200,000 folds, which translates to at least four years of usage even if the device is folded and unfolded over a hundred times every day. The South Korean firm said that it has been working on this technology in partnership with glass substrate maker Dowoo Insys Co. since 2013. Samsung Display owns a 27.7 percent share in Dowoo Insys and is the biggest shareholder in the company.
Samsung Display has also released a logo for UTG with the tagline “Tough, yet Tender.” Registration for the ‘Samsung UTG' trademark has been applied in 38 countries around the world. Sooner or later, the technology could be offered to other smartphone brands who are interested in making foldable devices.
