AGC Asahi Glass Launches Mass Production of “XCV™” Glass Substrate for LGPs

Uses World’s Top Standard*1 Light Transmittance Performance to Enhance Style of Large-Screen TVs

In August 2017, AGC, a world-leading supplier of glass, chemicals, ceramics and other high-tech materials and components, announced today that will launch mass production of XCV™ (pronounced “ex-ive”), a glass substrate for television LGPs with the world’s top light transmittance performance*1. AGC will supply customers such as LG Display, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of liquid crystal panels.

In recent years, the growing trend towards watching television in the same way you would look at a painting or at scenery, and a desire to create more stylish rooms, have led to an increased need to watch television on large frameless screens with vivid pictures. In order to meet these needs, the 1.8 mm thick XCV™ has been used for LGPs instead of the previous plastic LGPs, thereby providing sufficient stiffness to achieve a large frameless screen, and heat resistance capable of handling high-brightness screens.

Since sales of XCV™ were first launched in 2015, further improvements have been implemented to achieve the world-leading standard*1 in light transmittance performance for an LGP glass substrate. Furthermore, a manufacturing process has been established using the float method, which allows highly-efficient mass production at optimum thickness.

AGC will continue to contribute to the evolution of television as the world’s leading manufacturer of LGP glass substrates*2.

*1 Survey carried out by AGC.

*2 In terms of LGP glass substrate share. Survey carried out by AGC.

The machinery consists of DESERT production machines for high-efficiency DESERT solar modules built specifically for extreme hot climate, such as can be seen in deserts or in tropical areas. Made solely in Germany and built using the latest in DESERT and TROPIC module production, the systems inlcudes all cutting-edge technology.

Certified DESERT solar modules, DESERT containers, DESERT power plants and DESERT manufacturing machinery built using pioneering DESERT and TROPICS technology are now fully set up, and ready to perform. But powering on the machinery has been a long time coming. Up until recently, this advanced piece of equipment had been waiting for clearance at a port in Brazil. Now that the formalities have been dealt with, both J.v.G. Thoma and its customer in Brazil can get production under way.

J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is a company whose vision has always been to harness the infinite power of the sun and convert it into an inexhaustible supply of energy. But a vision such as this requires global reach, and this project has opened new doors. Brazil is not only a gateway to South American cooperation, but also the launchpad to international reach and expansion.

Following the delivery of this initial order, J.v.G. Thoma GmbH will be looking forward to an ongoing collaboration with the Brazilian company. From setup and initial training to setting the scene for a ramp up, J.v.G. Thoma will be there to provide expertise and assistance. Moreover, the company will be jointly responsible, along with the client, for the successful integration of the DESERT solar module factory.

In the future, bigger DESERT power plants will be set up on Brazilian soil, and together with existing turnkey production systems, they intend to take up a large share of the products and assets this sector will possess locally. J.v.G. Thoma plans to build up a local network of sales agents that can extend a premium offering to neighbouring countries in South America. Eventually, the company hopes to be able to expand its customer base to clients in North America.

Hans Thoma, general manager from the Thoma-group, is eager to acquire a substantial market share in Brazil, a growing country with tremendous potential for solar energy output. Having complied with local official procedures (Inmetro, TÜV, Fraunhofer CSP) and cleared the way for future business collaboration, he expresses his hope that the solar industry will henceforth expand quickly.

”Being able to introduce Brazil to the infinite opportunities of a solar industry is a privilege for J.v.G. Thoma GmbH, and one that we are extremely grateful for. At the same time, this placed the ball squarely in our court, and the pressure to get the ball rolling quickly was high. Now that the lengthy initial formalities are out of the way, we can focus on making this project a success.“

The first DESERT solar module production in BRAZIL! Let

Source: AGC Asahi Glass