Samsung Display Mass Produces Glass Cover Windows for Foldables... First Applied to Galaxy Z Flip

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] A foldable display featuring a foldable glass window has been introduced.

Samsung Display announced on the 19th that it has succeeded in commercializing UTG (Ultra Thin Glass), the industry's first ultra-thin tempered glass used as a cover window material for foldable devices.

UTG is made by processing glass to a thickness of about 30㎛ and then undergoing a tempering process to enhance flexibility and durability. The core technology involves injecting a special material to a certain depth into the ultra-thin glass to ensure uniform rigidity. Samsung Display has been collaborating with domestic material companies since 2013 to commercialize UTG.

Samsung Display's UTG was first applied to the 'Galaxy Z Flip' unveiled by Samsung Electronics on the 11th and will be used in various foldable devices in consideration of future customer demand.

Samsung Display has filed trademarks for the newly developed window under the brand name 'SAMSUNG UTG' in 38 countries worldwide, including the United States, the European Union (EU), and China, and is preparing to file trademarks for the existing polyimide material cover window as well.

'SAMSUNG UTG' is characterized by its flexibility that allows folding while maintaining the inherent hardness, smooth texture, and surface uniformity of glass. Samsung Display expresses these features in the brand logo as 'Tough, yet Tender.'

Samsung Display received durability verification for UTG from Bureau Veritas, a French certification company. Bureau Veritas stated, "Samsung Display's UTG showed no quality issues even after 200,000 folding and unfolding tests."

Choi Soonho, Marketing Team Leader of Samsung Display's Small and Medium Business Division, said, "By mass-producing the flexible glass material 'SAMSUNG UTG' cover window alongside the existing polyimide material, Samsung Display has satisfied diverse customer needs for foldable displays and expanded the range of choices."