Corning Incorporated
THIN THERMALLY STRENGTHENED GLASS COVER PANEL FOR VEHICLE FRAME ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD

Abstract:

A vehicle frame assembly is provided. The vehicle frame assembly includes an outer cover panel formed from a thin, thermally strengthened glass material. The thermally strengthened glass material has high levels of surface compressive stress providing sufficient strength and durability for a vehicle frame cover application. The thermally strengthened glass is also thin (e.g., less than 2 mm) providing a lightweight frame material that is suitable for cold-bending to a curvature needed for the vehicle body shape and/or to match the curvature of the vehicle frame.