Chongqing - Chongqing BOE Jingyuan Technology, a subsidiary of BOE Technology Group, has broken the monopoly of global leaders with its microcrystalline glass production line. This has eased supply chain constraints and enabled the domestic production of high-end smart terminal panels.

The line has an annual capacity of 46 million Kunlun glass plates, which Huawei uses for mobile phones, and is valued at nearly 2 billion yuan (USD 274.4 million).

Microcrystalline glass covers are widely used in high-end smart devices. Previously, most domestic companies relied on components from leading panel manufacturers such as Corning. However, market demand has surged with the explosive growth of mobile smart devices.

Yet, following U.S. sanctions on China, major domestic consumer electronics companies suddenly faced a supply disruption of high-end microcrystalline glass covers, which left them without panels and severely damaged the stability of their supply and industrial chains.

BOE Jingyuan’s domestically developed solution has made breakthroughs in high-transparency, high-strength glass technology. At its Chongqing facility in Western (Chongqing) Science City, polishing machines work in a dust-free environment to smooth rough glass into a high-quality, lustrous product.

The microcrystalline glass cover project factory building. (Photo/Wu Fuqiang)

"Polishing is just one of dozens of processes the glass undergoes," said a representative from BOE Jingyuan. 

The glass sheets undergo CNC machining, polishing, cleaning, thermal bending, strengthening, pad printing, and coating. A dust-free environment is critical; even a single speck of dust can render a glass sheet unusable. Once completed, the microcrystalline glass is sent to downstream module factories for assembly, ultimately becoming the protective screen for smartphones.

BOE Jingyuan's production line boasts high automation, with 100% Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) coverage post-tempering. This high automation rate ensures superior product yield, placing the company at the forefront of the industry. The products are lauded for their performance, quality, and customer satisfaction, making them a standout alternative to international offerings.

With an annual capacity of 46 million units of Kunlun Glass and an output value nearing 2 billion yuan, this production line breaks the international monopoly and establishes a robust domestic alternative. It has become a key highlight for the aforementioned leading consumer electronics company, second only to its chip technology.

Since developing Kunlun Glass covers, BOE Jingyuan has successfully mass-produced 16 different models. The microcrystalline glass project will expand into markets for tablets, smart home touchscreens, automotive central control touchscreens, and even aviation and high-speed train windshields.

This expansion aims to achieve full autonomy in high-end microcrystalline glass products, foster a comprehensive Kunlun Glass industrial chain, and significantly enhance the smart terminal industry in Chongqing and beyond.