Corning Incorporated
ASYMMETRIC ION-EXCHANGE METHODS OF MAKING STRENGTHENED ARTICLES WITH ASYMMETRIC SURFACES

Abstract:

A method of making strengthened articles that includes: providing articles each having a first primary surface and a second primary surface, the first and second primary surfaces having one or more asymmetric surface features; providing a first ion-exchange bath; and performing an ion-exchange step by submersing the articles in the first ion-exchange bath to form strengthened articles. The articles are arranged in the first ion-exchange bath with the first primary surface of each facing the first primary surface of another of the articles at a first predetermined distance, and the second primary surface of each is facing the second primary surface of another of the articles at a second predetermined distance. The first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are selected such that the plurality of strengthened articles have a first strengthened surface with a convex surface, and a second strengthened surface with a concave surface.