Last week we heard that the company who was supplying sapphire glass for the Apple Watch had filed for bankruptcy, GT Advanced Technologies and Apple had teamed up to produce sapphire glass for Apple devices.
The guys from re/code spoke to Apple about what happened between the two companies, you can see that statement that was given to re/code below.
“Apple put a lot of effort into an ambitious new sapphire manufacturing process with GTAT which is not ready for production,” an Apple spokesperson told Re/code. “We’re going to continue evaluating GTAT’s progress on larger sapphire boule development, as well as consider other options for the facility. We remain committed to the city and we’re going to work with Mesa and Maricopa County to help the GT Advanced employees who will be impacted by this find new jobs.”
So it looks like Apple and GT Advanced may have gotten ahead of themselves with their new sapphire glass plant, before their new manufacturing process was ready to be put into action.
The Challenges of Sapphire Glass Production
Sapphire glass is known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, making it an ideal material for high-end devices like the Apple Watch. However, producing sapphire glass on a large scale is a complex and costly process. The manufacturing involves growing large sapphire crystals, known as boules, which are then sliced into thin sheets. This process requires precise control over temperature and other conditions, making it both time-consuming and expensive.
GT Advanced Technologies faced significant challenges in scaling up their production to meet Apple’s demands. The ambitious project required not only advanced technology but also substantial financial investment. Unfortunately, the company struggled to achieve the necessary production quality and volume, leading to delays and financial strain.
Impact on Employees and Local Economy
The bankruptcy of GT Advanced Technologies had a ripple effect on the local economy, particularly in Mesa and Maricopa County, where the sapphire glass plant was located. The closure of the plant resulted in job losses for many employees who had been part of this ambitious project. Apple’s commitment to working with local authorities to help these employees find new jobs is a positive step, but the transition can still be challenging for those affected.
Apple’s statement highlights their ongoing commitment to the region and their intention to explore other options for the facility. This could potentially include repurposing the plant for other manufacturing needs or partnering with different suppliers who can meet their stringent quality requirements.
Future Prospects for Sapphire Glass
Despite the setbacks, the future of sapphire glass in consumer electronics remains promising. Apple continues to explore the use of sapphire glass for its devices, and other companies are also investing in this technology. The durability and aesthetic appeal of sapphire glass make it a desirable material for high-end products, and advancements in manufacturing techniques could eventually make it more accessible.
For instance, some smartphone manufacturers have already started using sapphire glass for camera lenses and fingerprint sensors, where its scratch resistance is particularly beneficial. As technology evolves, we may see more widespread adoption of sapphire glass in various components of electronic devices.
In conclusion, while the partnership between Apple and GT Advanced Technologies faced significant hurdles, the pursuit of sapphire glass technology is far from over. The lessons learned from this experience will likely inform future endeavors, paving the way for more successful implementations of this advanced material in consumer electronics.
Source, BGR
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