Many people wouldn’t think that soda-lime glass vs. Gorilla glass would have so much friction, but they’re actually put in comparison, these two. Although it’s clear which glass carries the higher and better quality, how can soda-lime glass beat Gorilla glass in certain angles? Would you come to a decision to choose soda-lime glass over Gorilla glass?
In this article, we’ll talk about soda-lime glass and Gorilla glass like you’ve never seen before. It will be an article filled with information that you can get and use for your benefit! So, without further ado, let’s head on and discuss soda-lime glass vs. Gorilla glass!
What is Soda-Lime Glass?
Soda-lime glass is a type of glass that many considers the standard and regular type of glass, because of how simple the process is, as well as its building blocks.
The primary materials involved in the production and manufacturing of soda-lime glass are soda, lime, and silica, all of which have representing weights and approximate values to ensure that the formula is accurate and precise.
In terms of methodology, these materials are melted and mixed with glass shards, adding volume. The overall molten material will be heated at 1,675 ° C, homogenously mixing them through.
What is Gorilla Glass?
Figure 2: Image of generic Gorilla glass (toughened glass sheets)
If you’ve been into smartphones for the past decade, then, you would probably know what Gorilla glass is–or understand what it does, at least. In the simplest terms possible, Gorilla glass is a type of glass commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices because of the shock and force resistance they possess.
Is Gorilla Glass Soda-Lime?
Figure 3: Image of Gorilla Glass products being bendable and resistant
No, it’s not. A lot of people think that Gorilla glass and soda-lime glass come from the same roots, but they do not. Corning Gorilla glass is made from aluminosilicate glass, which is thinner, more lightweight, and more durable compared to the traditional soda-lime glass product.
What’s even more interesting is the fact that it has a higher rate of transmission and an optimum optical clarity that is in the visible range of light.
In short, they’re more functional and are known to be heavily used in applications where light is required.
What is the Soda Glass Formula?
The formula or the contents of soda-lime glass is actually just what makes regular glass. While its specific formula varies from one manufacturer to another, the approximate composition of soda-lime glass is:
- Silicon Dioxide (silica) – 73%
- Sodium Oxide (soda) – 15%
- Calcium Oxide (lime) – 7%
- Magnesium Oxide – 4%
- Aluminum Oxide – 1%
If we were to lay this out in its scientific form, then the chemical formula would be: Na2O. CaO. 6SiO2.
Who Manufactures Gorilla Glass?
To clear it all out, Gorilla Glass is the trademark or the branded item of toughened glass that Corning manufactured. Corning, the company, manufactures their Gorilla glass in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States.
However, it’s right to note that the manufacturing or production process of Gorilla glass is different from how traditional toughened glass products are produced. Standard toughened glass is strengthened by indulging and subjecting it to exceedingly high temperatures, and then cools it quickly.
Gorilla glass, on the other hand, is strengthened through a process called ion-exchange. It is when small sodium ions are replaced by drastically larger potassium ions from a salt bath process. Doing this multiple times strengthens even the thinnest of glass, making it more resistant to shock, pressure, and stress altogether.
How is Gorilla Glass Manufactured?
Figure 4: A step in the manufacturing process of Gorilla Glass
Following the question of who comes the question of how. Now, most people would think that the process of manufacturing or producing Gorilla glass is simple, when, in reality, it’s not.
According to Corning, the following is the right way of manufacturing or producing Gorilla glass.
Step #1: Fusion-Draw Process
After all needed materials and ingredients have been gathered, they will all be combined and melted. Once done melting, they’ll be conditioned and fed into an isopipe or a specialized trough that shapes the glass sheet.
Then, at the bottom of the trough, they will fuse after being drawn down, forming a continuous flat glass sheet. This is what the fusion-draw process is, because the materials are fused, and then drawn at the bottom of the trough.
NOTE: This entire process is done by machines. No human hands are needed and are used for it.
Step #2: Ion-Exchange Process
The newly-formed product is now going to be left at room temperature until it’s cooled down. Once it cools, it will then undergo the chemical strengthening process called ion-exchange, giving it the resilience and strength, we’re looking for.
In this process, what happens chemically is that the smaller sodium ions are replaced by substantially larger potassium ions stuffed onto the surface of the glass, creating a state of “compression” strengthening and making it more resistant against shock and temperature.
This process happens during a salt bath, or when they’re subjected onto a 400 ° C salt bath. Overall, this compressive and replacement process help the bigger potassium ions to diffuse farther into the surface, creating the compressive strength the Gorilla glass product is known for.
Step #3: Inspection
After this process, they’re then cooled down for multiple hours, and then checked back up when it’s cool. Experts will inspect the physical and resistant aspect of the glass through numerous tests before they’re sent out to the clients.
Check this video out to see the drop test on the all-new Gorilla Glass Victus!
That is the typical manufacturing process of Gorilla glass, according to its main manufacturer, Corning.
Soda-Lime Glass vs. Gorilla Glass: Which One is Best For You?
Comparing soda-lime glass and Gorilla glass, as mentioned above, isn’t really aligned. Since soda-lime glass is a product that ‘s more so designed for a specific purpose, Gorilla glass products are currently being marketed to be a smartphone necessity than just be glass.
Nevertheless, let’s go ahead and do a quick comparison of soda-lime glass and Gorilla glass and how it pans out.
Property/Factor | Gorilla Glass | Soda-Lime Glass |
Composition | Gorilla glass is made from aluminosilicate glass with added layers. | Soda-lime glass is made from a combination of silica, soda, lime, and broken glass shards. |
Cost | More expensive because of the functionality and resistance it offers. | Cheap and affordable. Can be sourced out from many manufacturers. |
Durability | Extremely resistant to wear-and-tear. | Less resistant to wear-and-tear, can shatter when impacted. |
Impact Resistance | Specifically designed to withstand impact and pressure. | Low-impact resistance in its standard form. |
Strength | Designed to withstand damages, scratches, and cracks. | Brittle and weak – prone to breakage upon impact. |
Scratch-Resistance | Highly scratch-resistant, requires a harder material to be scratched. | Can easily be scratched even by sharp edges of a much harder material. |
Applications | Typically used in household or common applications like bottles, windowpanes, and glassware. | Engineered to be used in applications that require high thermal shock resistance, impact resistance, and pressure. |
As you can see, soda-lime glass and Gorilla glass are two very different materials. This table highlights each of their uniqueness. By looking at it, it’s easy to say that comparing them is not ideal because soda-lime glass’s applications are far from what Gorilla glass applications are.
Can Gorilla Glass Break?
Even though Gorilla glass is known as one of the toughest and most durable materials in the world, it’s not indestructible. The material can still be scratched, cracked, or damaged.
However, the reason why it’s indulged in a comprehensive manner is because of the resistance and durability it develops itself in. According to multiple tests, soda-lime glass is much less durable, and weaker than Gorilla glass in many different ways, from the point of being dropped, being applied force or pressure on, and even when it comes to reflecting light.
Here’s a test between Gorilla glass and standard glass:
What is the Alternative to Corning Gorilla Glass?
Figure 5: Image of a Dragontrail glass being tested
Today, many manufacturers are trying to be at par with the qualities of Gorilla glass. Some of them are nearing to the point of replicating it, but, not entirely. Among the most common glass products that are put in comparison to them are Dragontrail glass, sapphire glass, and Ceramic Shield.
Dragontrail Glass
Dragontrail glass is an alkali-aluminosilicate glass product that’s manufactured and created by Asahi Glass Corp., or AGC. Like Gorilla glass, it’s also known because of how lightweight, durable, and resilient it is compared to standard glass units.
They’re the option for many manufacturers, including Alcatel, early iPhones, T-Mobile G1, as well as several Samsung and Android devices, too.
Sapphire Glass
Out of all these three alternatives, sapphire glass is the one that’s considered to be the biggest contender, because of its unnatural hardness and unrelenting resistance compared to its competition. Sapphire glass boasts of a hardness of 9 in the Mohs scale, meaning, it’s the second-hardest substance in the world after diamonds.
HTC has been the only-known brand that utilized sapphire glass for their phone screens.
Ceramic Shield
Last but most definitely least is Ceramic Shield. Many look at Ceramic Shield as iPhone’s answer to Samsung’s Gorilla Glass Victus, as it is the primary material for phone screens for the iPhones 12 and up. Samsung, on the other hand, used ceramic coating on the back of the Samsung S10 Plus devices, ensuring that it’s stronger and more durable than its counterparts.
Here’s a video demonstrating the iPhone’s ceramic shield
Is Soda-Lime Glass Stronger Than Borosilicate Glass?
Figure 6: Image of a borosilicate glass shield, a lot different from what a soda-lime glass is
No, soda-lime glass is not stronger than borosilicate glass. Although it seems like it is stronger based on its composition, it is far from what borosilicate glass has to offer.
Borosilicate glass is known for its superior strength and durability compared to soda-lime glass. Borosilicate glass has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it is more resistant to thermal stress and can withstand a wider range of temperatures without breaking.
Moreover, it is commonly used in laboratory glassware and high-temperature applications where its strength and resistance to thermal shock are crucial.
Where is Soda-Lime Used?
It’s common knowledge that soda-lime glass is used in common applications, but to be precise, here are a few of the most specific things where you can find use for soda-lime glass products.
Windows and Window Panes
Because of its transparency and low cost property, soda-lime glass is widely utilized in architectural applications such as window panes for residential and commercial structures. Indoor windows can typically be made from soda-lime glass, but exterior ones need more protection.
Glass Containers
Soda-lime glass is also the principal material for glass containers such as bottles and jars used to package beverages, food, beauty products, and several consumer items like makeup products, soda bottles, food packaging, and more!
Tableware
Because of its clarity and cost, soda-lime glass is frequently used to make everyday objects such as drinking glasses, plates, and bowls.
Food and Beverage
Yes, its state of being clear makes it more so usable in the food and beverage industry. We’re talking about wine bottles, beer bottles, soda bottles oat containers, oil containers, fruit jars, and other applications for it!
Fiberglass
Soda-lime glass fibers are often utilized in fiberglass reinforcement, benefiting the construction and automobile sectors for parts and components.
Consumer Electronics
Lastly, soda-lime glass’s optical clarity is rated to be a contributing factor for the beauty and essence in the electronics sector. Just because it’s labeled as electronics, doesn’t mean it’s already phones and tablets, it can be cathod tubes, screens, displays, and even enclosures and covers, too!
How Much Heat Can Soda-Lime Glass Withstand?
The overall capacity of soda-lime glass to withstand and be workable would be in 150°C to 200°C (302°F to 392°F). However, there will come a time that it will begin to deform, soften, and turn into its molten state.
NOTE: The softening and melting point of soda-lime glass actually depends on the composition of the glass.
Where Can You Buy Excellent-Quality Soda-Lime Glass and Gorilla Glass?
If you’re looking for a manufacturer that can give you the quality and the reliability you’re looking for, look no further because we here at GLASHern have everything you need.
Our company is known for our optimal performance in the industry, providing exceptional-quality soda-lime and Gorilla glass products without burning a hole in your pocket. We did a deep dive in the industry, ensuring that we provide our clients only the best and highest quality of products they can find in the market.
Why Trust GLASHern For Your Glass Solutions?
GLASHern has been around for more than 14 years, and is equipped with multiple experienced and seasoned engineers and glassmaking experts. Our business isn’t just focused on the side of glass production, but also in expertise and overall processes.
We have a team of customer service experts, engineers, experts, and workers who all have dedicated years in producing and providing the best and highest quality of glass to our clients.
So if you’re looking for quartz glass, sapphire glass, borosilicate glass, float glass, or Gorilla glass, you can place your complete trust in us!
Besides soda-lime glass and Gorilla glass, we here at GLASHern can also get you quartz glass, borosilicate glass, acid-etched glass, and many more!
- Our lead time is less than 2 months, typically between 3 to 5 weeks
- We have a team of experts that can produce and inspect all finished products
- We have a Research & Development (R&D) department to help you with innovations
- Our customer support team is available for both pre and after-sales services
Conclusion
Soda-lime glass vs. Gorilla glass can be something you’re interested in. However, if you find a manufacturer like us here at GLASHern that you can trust, we’ll give you the best deals for both, and will refrain on pinning you down on a single item.
Reach out to us today and get a free estimate of the services and products you need!
