Solar Cover Glass
Though Coresix is involved with a number of emerging photovoltaic applications here on Earth, our glass contribution to solar power is more prevalent in space!
Today’s state-of-the-art space solar cells require light weight, durable and UV resistant cover glass for their protection in orbit. Mostly operating in Near-Earth Orbit, satellites use photovoltaic solar panels to derive electricity from the sunlight. This energy is used primarily to run sensors, active heating, cooling and telemetry. It is also often used to power the electronic propulsion systems for continuous position optimization.
Because weight is of primary consideration for any spacecraft design, Coresix specializes in supplying the thinnest, most durable glass panels to nearly any size required. Coresix has processed more thin glass (<100µm) than any company in the world!
PROCESS
Solar Cover Glass Fabrication Process copy goes here
Cutting
The ultimate strength and flexibility of thin glass are dependent upon a clean, defect-free edge. Our mechanical scribe process has been developed to a precise protocol of blade type, angle, pressure, scribe depth, and speed to create the most pristine edge conditions possible. These parameters are closely monitored, controlled, and tested throughout every job. With multiple scribe tables, we can cut parts as small as 5x5mm and as large as 1300x2600mm.
CNC Edging
Coresix has developed the unique process of edge-grinding glass as thin as 100um. As such, we can produce wafers with SEMI Standard Flats and Notches as well as other featured thin glass components.
Cleaning
With custom-designed carriers and modified ultrasonic settings, Coresix is capable of producing extremely clean surfaces on ultra-thin glass. We can ultrasonically clean glass as thin as 100um and up to 350mm square.
Packaging
Getting ultra-thin glass to its destination undamaged is a challenge with which Coresix has extensive experience. We use medical foam interleaf for its relative cleanliness and absorptive protection. From re-spooling of the large substrates to custom crates and packaging, we can design packaging solutions for nearly any thin glass format.
SPECIFICATION
Dimensional Specifications
Most dimensions are limits under optimal conditions and are subject to evaluation upon inquiry.
| Attribute | Minimum | Maximun | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 100µm | 200µm | +/- 2µm |
| Thickness Tolerance | n/a | n/a | +/-10% |
| Dimensions (Scribed Edge) | 5.0mm x 5.0mm | 1300mm x 2600 mm | +/- 50µm |
| Diameter (Scribed Edge) | 6.0mm | 1200mm | +/-100µm |
| Diameter (CNC Edge) | 100.0mm | 300.0mm | +/-25µm |
| Corner Radius (Scribed Edge) | 6.0mm | n/a | +/-500µm |
| Corner Radius (CNC Edge) | 2.0mm | n/a | +/-100µm |
| Thickness Variation (TTV) | n/a | <10% | n/a |
| Scratch and Dig | 5/2 | 1.5K Lux (Standard) | n/a |
| Ultrasonic Cleaning | 50mm x 50mm | 350mm x 350mm | n/a |
Actual specifications will be dependent upon material, format, and other factors. We will be glad to evaluate your requirements and advise the best possible process available.
CAPABILITIES
Dimensional
Whether from stock glass sheets or custom-produced substrate, small window and cover glass components are cut to size using a mechanical scribe process. The dimensional tolerances of this process, depending upon the part size and material thickness, can be held to as low as +/-25 microns. If a fully ground edge, custom shape, or other features are needed, CNC edging can be used to hold tolerance and relative positioning to within 25 microns. Hand seaming, the most common and economical method of edging small format glass, will not change the dimensional tolerance of the part. These edges and corner crops can be applied to customer requirements with repeatability within 50 microns.
Thickness
If standard sheet glass thickness doesn’t meet your needs, or components are to be made from a bulk glass format, an appropriate substrate can be prepared to tolerances below 5 microns with thickness variation within each part to below 1 micron. We will evaluate your material and thickness requirements to propose the most effective process at the lowest price point.
Flexibility
If your intended application for Willow Glass™ involves bending of the substrate, it is essential to understand Compression vs. Tension and orient your part accordingly.
Though Coresix has established and regularly tests our scribe process to maximize edge quality and resulting strength, bending the glass toward the scribe side, thereby “compressing” the micro-fractures created by the scribe, will result in the strongest condition.
Coresix identifies the compression side as part of our standard packaging procedure.
Importance of Orientation
If your intended application for Willow Glass™ involves bending of the substrate, it is essential to understand Compression vs. Tension and orient your part accordingly.
Though Coresix has established and regularly tests our scribe process to maximize edge quality and resulting strength, bending the glass toward the scribe side, thereby “compressing” the micro-fractures created by the scribe, will result in the strongest condition.
Coresix identifies the compres-sion side as part of our stan-dard packaging procedure.
Willow Glass Packaging
Small Format
For sizes up to 500mm Square, parts are “stacked” with Tyvek paper interleaf, shrink-wrapped, and placed in a cardboard box with a protective liner.
Large Format
Sizes exceeding 500mm are “stacked” with Tyvek paper interleaf in a custom-sized wood crate with a protective liner.
Cleanliness Critical
For applications requiring minimization of particulate, parts are packed using additional plastic sheet liner to reduce in-transit contamination.
Bendable Glass
Though it may seem impossible, bendable glass is possible and it is used in a variety of applications in the rapidly growing world of technology. Corning willow glass can be found in a variety of markets, such as mobile consumer electronics, display, and more emerging markets as the technology grows.
Contact us today if you need our bendable Willow Glass from Corning for your products.
For more information about Willow Glass, click on one of the below links to download the pdf.